People

Week in Great Falls

Weekly happenings in Great Falls

Pierson-El Ready To Compete Against the Best

Versatile football star to play slot receiver, return kicks at University of Nebraska.

During his four years as a member of the West Potomac varsity football team, DeMornay Pierson-El helped the Wolverines capture a share of the 2011 Patriot District championship as a sophomore receiver, led the team to a playoff berth as a junior running back in 2012, and kept West Potomac competitive as a senior quarterback in 2013. He also played defensive back and returned kicks along the way. As a senior, he earned second-team all-state honors as a defensive utility player.

Life Lessons on the Water

Amy Zang directs sailing camp.

It was 9:45 a.m. in early July, and Amy Zang, who lives in Del Ray, was checking in the 141 campers sitting on the lawn waiting for their week of sailing instruction at the Washington Sailing Marina.

Q and A: Walton To Play Football at Fork Union Military Academy

KyReem Walton spent three seasons on the T.C. Williams varsity football team.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax

Advising Senior Citizens

Carla Rollandini assists those in their “Golden Years.”

When she is not making her rounds and visiting sick patients and their families at the hospital, Carla Rollandini is working as a self-employed professional and began her endeavor of “Carla Care, Inc.” in 1993.

Commentary: Inova Alexandria Hospital Honored in National Surveys

Hot off the presses, the latest “Best Hospital” survey by U.S. News and World Report magazine hit newsstands this month, and I’m proud to announce that Inova Alexandria Hospital is again ranked among the nation’s best for providing highly skilled inpatient care. U.S. News ranked us #6 among hospitals in the Washington metro area, #8 in Virginia and a high-performer in six areas of clinical care (health.usnews.com/best-hospitals).

30 Years Later, Springfield Family Still Thankful to Children’s National

After being a patient at Children’s National as a child, Justin Golart giving back through 5K.

After raising $712,000 last year, Children’s National Health System has set a goal of raising $1 million through the 2nd annual Race for Every Child in September. Ashley Husich, the race manager for the event, said that last year, the inaugural year for the race, surpassed expectations with 3,946 participants, and this year they are hoping to have 5,000.

Scholarship Winners

The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. awarded 42 scholarships to students in the region. More than 500 applications were received and reviewed by a panel of judges that included Greater Washington, D.C. McDonald’s owners and operators.

New Principal at Laurel Ridge

Tonya Cox, who has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 23 years, began her role as principal of Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax on July 1.

Saying Goodbye at Halley Elementary

School says goodbye to a ‘true humanitarian.’

Since Halley Elementary School opened in the 1990s, Phoebe Boatright has been at the school inspiring students and helping the Lorton community. This June, Boatright retired after 46 years in education. Students, staff and parents at Halley say they will miss Boatright, who worked as a counselor at the school.

Celebrating the ‘Best of Braddock’

Braddock District residents honored for service.

From 10-year-old Rohil Bhinge, who helped raise funds to complete a handicap accessible playground, to Norma Heck, who was one of the first five homeowners of North Springfield in 1955, the Braddock District is full of exceptional citizens.

Fairfax School Board Elects Chairman, Vice Chair

Tamara Derenak Kaufax and Ted Velkoff elected to lead Board.

Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) and Ted Velkoff (at-large) were elected chairman and vice chair of the Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night, July 10, following an abstention from some members in the election of chairman. Both will serve in their positions for one year.

Obituary: James Milton Higgins

Alexandria native James Milton Higgins died on July 7, 2014, after a hale and hearty 90 years of life.

Tiny Dancers Honored

With studios in Fairfax, Alexandria and Gainesville, the company features a performance-based ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater curriculum. Visit www.tinydancers.com.

The Connection