Education

Alexandria School Notes

Throughout Volunteer Appreciation Week, Alexandria public schools recognized their outstanding volunteers.

Letter to the Editor: More Shirts, More Names

A Richmond mom first made the clothesline of white t-shirts six years ago — 32 of them in all; one for each of the victims of Virginia Tech. It's been six years, but we have not forgotten. The names written on each of those t-shirts are heartbreakingly familiar ... Mary, Reema, Daniel ….

Emerging Scholar

Leilani "Lillie" Soriano, a rising 5th grader, was accepted into the Emerging Scholars Program which began on June 24. ESP is a 14-month academic and leadership program that was established in late 2002.

A Year of Donations

Stratford Woman's Club celebrated a successful year of donations to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School, Fort Hunt Elementary School and Make-a-Wish Foundation. Stratford Woman's Club is a non-federated club and membership is open to women who are interested in community service and fund-raising for worthwhile organizations. Monthly meeting are held at 9:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month from September through May at Heritage Presbyterian Church on Fort Hunt Road. Contact President Judy Henderson at 703-780-1068 for more information.

Balenger Story: Walking Tall

Nick Balenger, paralyzed after a swimming accident, walks at the Lake Braddock graduation ceremony.

Every Lake Braddock senior who walked across the George Mason University Patriot Center stage for a diploma received applause and praise for 12 years of hard work. But only one student received a standing ovation for simply walking.

Viewpoints

Lake Braddock Graduates Discuss: Where are you going next and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Lake Braddock graduates discuss their futures.

Children Dig Into Reading

Summer reading program sparks enthusiasm in area libraries.

This year’s summer reading program in Fairfax County libraries provides children and their parents with enriching opportunities they can sink their hands into.

Whitman Music Celebrates 50 Years

180 alumni plus more than 400 in attendance to celebrate.

Only three. Walt Whitman High School, in 50 years, has had just three principals, just three instrumental music directors and just three choral directors.

Herndon High School Graduation Viewpoints

Where are you headed in the fall and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Herndon High Class of 2013 Graduates

Four hundred and eighty-eight seniors graduate at Patriot Center.

The 488 members of the Herndon High School Class of 2013 took their final steps as high school students Tuesday, June 18 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax.

Guest Dealers

South Lakes' All Night Grad Party, held Friday, June 14 after graduation, had three guest dealers from the FCPS School Board.

Operation: Ladybug at Herndon-based Children's Science Center

The Children's Science Center of Herndon, at 485 Spring Park Place, Suite 500, is providing some ideas for backyard science this summer, with a call to young scientists to identify various species of ladybugs in their backyard.

Head of The Langley School Retires After 13 Years

This month, Doris Cottam will retire from her position as head of school at The Langley School, an independent school in McLean serving nearly 500 students in preschool to eighth grade. During her 13 years as head of school, Cottam transformed The Langley School financially, strategically, programmatically and culturally into a professional, sustainable model for the 21st century—all while embracing and maintaining the school’s community-based roots. When she retires at the end of June, she will leave behind a legacy of growth and financial stability that will successfully propel Langley into its eighth decade.

‘Mountain View Dramatically Changed My Life’

Students overcome adversity and persevere to graduate.

Student Ana-Lycia Pena was just about to sing the last word of the National Anthem during Mountain View High’s graduation last Friday at Oakton High, when the auditorium went dark.

Lee Graduates Encouraged to Explore

Lancer Award to Madison Curtis and Nahom Fissaha, Faculty Award to Adeli Block and Carlos Toro.

The 417 graduating seniors of Robert E. Lee High School gathered together for the final time Monday, June 16 for the school’s annual commencement ceremony at George Mason University’s Patriot Center. Family, friends and honored guests were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s seniors as they received recognition, rewards and finally, their diplomas.

The Connection