Kent Gardens Elementary School PTA will host a live and silent auction, "Stepping Stones to our Children's Future," at The McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., on Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. The purpose is for renewal of the school's Technology Program. Products, services, sports tickets, vacations, crafts and a behind-the-scenes, exclusive visit to Channel 4 will be auctioned. The public is invited with cocktail attire to this adults-only, professionally catered event. Honorary chairs include former Redskin Darryl Grant, Channel 9 anchor Peggy Fox and Channel 4 anchors James Adams and Susan Kidd. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased in advance from the Kent Gardens PTA, 1717 Melbourne Drive, McLean, VA 22101. Call 703-394-5600.
Combined Concert of the McLean High School Chamber Soloists and the Detmold Youth Orchestra of Germany, conducted by Gretta Sandberg of McLean High School and Udo Monks of the DYO on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Musicians representing strings, woodwind, brass and percussion perform a selection of symphonic tunes from well-known German and American composers. Guest soloist Lewis Freeman, baritone, will be a featured performer. McLean High School is located at 1633 Davidson Road. Call 703-714-5817 or visit www.mcleanhsorch.com.
On Saturday, April 9 the Freedom Hill Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution honored two local students for their essay writing and good citizenship. Lauren Williams, a senior at Langley High School, and Fuad Bosili, a senior at McLean High School, won the Good Citizen Award and Scholarship, which includes a $500 contribution to their college expenses.
The DAR Good Citizen is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools. Each participating high school may select one student as its DAR Good Citizen, using as criteria the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Once selected, the student enters the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest, which requires the student to write a description of how s/he manifests the qualities of a good citizen in his/her everyday life, to provide two letters of recommendation and a copy of his/her grade transcript, and to complete an essay under supervision of a faculty member without benefit of reference materials. The winning essays addressed this year's topic, "Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It."
On Saturday, April 16, students from the Langley High School baseball team ran a baseball clinic for the children at Childhelp USA's residential treatment center for abused children, the Alice C. Tyler Village outside Culpepper. For the last three years, Langley High School kids have been giving up a Saturday in the middle of the season to work with Childhelp USA. The students who participated are Danny Brown, John Dammer, Brendan Dibarri, Peter Ferrara, Chris Johnson, Ross Kelly, Matt Leitch, Tommy Tysse and Brian Wills.
Coach Jamie Clark set up stations where Langley players taught base-running, pitching, batting, infield, outfield and throwing/catching skills. The children rotated through the stations, spending about five minutes at each. After they had completed all of the stations, the Langley students set everyone up for a game. All the children got to hit, run bases and play in the outfield.
Architecture in the Schools Spring 2005 Exhibition. AIS matches local architects volunteering their time and expertise with public school teachers and students in grades kindergarten-12. Design concepts are brought to life through analytical and creative models drawn by students from observing the built environment. This semester, 19 schools from D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia participated in the program. Projects from Northern Virginia schools are on display on the second floor of Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, through May 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Experts on dealing with stress among teenagers and two Langley High School students, senior Andrew Abraham and junior Isabel Botello, urged teens and their parents to find constructive ways to deal with stress. Their observations and suggestions were presented at a panel discussion sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition. SCC Vice President Marilyn Seiber hosted the event.
Registration is going on now for summer classes at Northern Virginia Community College. A variety of options are available, as students can choose from more than 160 programs of study, three different class sessions and options that include night, weekend and online courses.
High school students getting a “jump start” on college can take classes held in one 12-week and two six-week sessions. The 12-week term (ending August 8) and the first six-week term (ending June 26) start on May 16. The second six-week session runs from June 27 to August 8. Go online to www.nvcc.edu/schedule for a complete list of summer classes, or call 703-323-3196.
New students can apply for admission online at www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect, or visit any of the NVCC campus locations. Students that have taken class at NVCC any time in the last three years can register online, over the telephone by calling 703-323-3770, or in person at any campus.
The Great Falls Art Center is now taking registrations for July and August's annual Summer Art Camp. The 2005 art camp for children ages 6 and up will be every day, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the art studio on Walker Road. Campers may sign up for one week, two weeks or more. The art instruction will be different for each of the eight weeks. For an application call 703-759-3867 or e-mail greatfallsart@yahoo.com.
Starshine Theater at the Langley School Summer Studio in McLean is offering a summer Drama Camp for actors aged 9-16. All those enrolled in the camp will receive speaking roles in Starshine's original production of "Hang-Gliding Through the Sky of Mind — The Life of Leonardo da Vinci." Students will also receive solo/lead opportunities in singing (live and recorded), action/dance choreography, battle sequences and assistant director roles. This intensive performance program combines set and costume design, coaching in stage movement, voice and acting techniques and a CD soundtrack for each participating family. Rehearsals, recording session and performances take place at from July 11-23. Contact Patricia Budwig, play director, at StarshineTheater@aol.com or 703-790-9050 to enroll.
McLean High School has formally begun plans to commemorate its 50th anniversary this Oct. 21 and 22 with the launch of www.mclean50.com and the announcement of several festivities to take place throughout its milestone weekend.
The biggest event will be the HBL McLean High School 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Oct. 22. The gala will have live and DJ music, dancing, food, a cash bar, individual class reunions and more. In addition to Saturday's Homecoming football game and evening gala, the first-ever McLean High School Golf Classic will take place at Reston National Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 21, at 11:30 a.m. Corporate sponsorships are encouraged. Friday night will feature tailgate party-style festivities at McLean High School, including a pep rally, bonfire, food, drinks, class reunions, fine arts performances and tours of the newly renovated facilities. On Saturday afternoon before, during and after the football game "A Taste of McLean" will feature local restaurant owners and other merchants who will be on hand to allow attendees to sample various foods, beverages, and other services.
The community is also encouraged to donate to the school. Individuals can earmark their contributions to athletic boosters, band, chorus, drama, PTSA, or one of their own choice. Donations can be made at www.mclean50.com, and those who contribute over $100 will have their names engraved on a commemorative plaque that will be housed in the school lobby.
Potomac Adventure Camp offers children ages 12-15 the chance to explore the Potomac River. Campers can discover the mysteries of this naturally and historically unique waterway by rafting, hiking and biking at different locations. This year’s camp will feature an overnight camping excursion in Maryland. Potomac Adventure Camp is offered by Riverbend Park, 9200 Old Dominion Drive, Great Falls, from July 25-29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Overnight camping will be Thursday, July 28. Five-day session is $300. Phone in or walk in registration begins April 13 at 9 a.m. Call 703-759-9018.
The Paladin Program at Chesterbrook Academy is now accepting registration for the Paladin Academic Summer Camp, a program for students in need of educational intervention, enrichment, and/or retention of previously learned concepts. It is a highly structured program with a very small student-to-teacher ratio. The camp will run from June 20-August 12, and students can sign up for two-week increments. Contact Katie McGahan, Paladin program director, at 703-397-0555 or 703-404-0202, or email Katie.McGahan@nlcinc.com.
At the five-day Junior Naturalist camp, children ages 9-11 can participate in a variety of outdoor activities designed to stimulate their interest in the natural world and breathe life into history. Junior Naturalist Camp will be held at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, from July 18-22, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Also, at Riverbend Parks’ Night Prowlers camp, children ages 7-10 will explore wildlife of the night such as insects, amphibians, bats and more. This five-day session will be held August 1-5, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost for both camps is $85. Phone or walk-in registration for both camps begins Wednesday, April 13 at 9 am. Call 703-759-9018.
Junior Ranger Summer Camp. Great Falls Park offers an adventurous, two-day program including a variety of activities such as hikes and nature-related projects that educate young people about the park and the natural environment they live in. For children 8-11. The four sessions are on June 28/29, July 13/14, July 27/28 and Aug. 10/11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There is no fee to attend, but pre-registration is required. Openings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 703-285-2965.
The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund honors Americans in the armed forces who have sacrificed life or limb by providing college scholarships to their children. Freedom Alliance is now accepting applications for the 2005-2006 academic year. The application deadline is June 30. Freedom Alliance is accepting applications from dependent children of U.S. military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty during the War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, Philippines, etc. Students must be enrolled, currently or by September, at an accredited college, university or vocational school. For more information about the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund or to download an application, visit www.freedomalliance.org or call 800-475-6620.
Graduating seniors residing in or near Great Falls are invited to apply for two Alexander DeFilippis Scholarships being offered this spring. The Women's Association of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Great Falls is proud to award these college scholarships to young men and women who have served their community with their time and talent. Membership in St. Catherine of Siena Parish is not required. The opportunity is open to college-bound seniors residing in Great Falls, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Sterling and Potomac Falls and or registered parishioners. The selection process will place major emphasis on the student's development of Christian character and demonstrated service to others by involvement in school, church or community projects. The student must also have a 2.5 or higher overall high-school grade point average. Two scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded again this year. Scholarship packages are available in the St. Catherine of Siena Parish office at 1020 Springvale Road, Great Falls, 703-759 4350. The applications must be returned by May 15.