People

Roundups for 6/18/2014

The editor presents the roundups from the week of 6/18/2014.

6/18/2014 Roundups

The editor presents the roundups from the week of 6/18/2014.

A Spiritual Beacon Shines after Prison

At Rising Hope, two ex-offenders embark on new life journeys.

His first day locked in solitary confinement, David Hudgens, 48, serving two-and-a-half years for four nonviolent felonies, discovered a Bible under his mattress. Confused, raging, he hurled it against the wall. It fell to the floor of the narrow, cramped cell. Three days later, his fury ebbing, with no one to talk to, nothing else to read, he picked it up. Looking back, he recalls his motivation, “I’m going to read this like a John Grisham novel just to pass the time … but God had a whole different purpose.”

‘I Want to Make a Difference’

Centreville High senior receives scholarships from Harvard and HLA.

He’ll graduate from Centreville High on Friday, and, this fall, he’ll enter Harvard University on a scholarship.

Chantilly Students Win National Art Medals

Diana Tsoy honored for photography, Jason Ly for printmaking.

Senior Diana Tsoy won a silver medal for her photography portfolio and classmate Jason Ly won a silver medal for printmaking.

Coloring Outside the Lines

Mayor: Torpedo Factory is the number one tourist attraction in Alexandria.

On Thursday, June 12, the Torpedo Factory Art Center officially unveiled "Coloring Outside the Lines," the mural that resident artist Rachel Kerwin has been painting in the waterfront entrance.

UCM Board Appoints Interim Executive Director

Katherine Morrison has been appointed as interim executive director of United Community Ministries effective July 1 to replace Shirley Marshall, who is leaving the agency.

Great Commitment, Greater Outcome

As Space of His Own wraps up its initial year, Ryan Touhill and Walter’s relationship is off to a strong start.

Former Hayfield Principal Dave Tremaine Dies

Dave Tremaine, a former principal at Hayfield Secondary School, died June 16. Tremaine recently retired from his position as principal at Hayfield, where he has worked since 2010.

Swartz, Clark Engaged

Joe and Lynne Swartz of Centreville are happy to announce the engagement of their son, Michael, to Natalie Clark, daughter of Ron and Laurie Clark.

Commentary: Celebrating Champions

Reflections on the T.C. Williams Class of 2014

Since arriving at Alexandria City Public Schools in October, I have enjoyed the exhilarating experience of getting to know this community. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many passionate parents, teachers and students. The commitment and desire to achieve among those involved in this wonderful and diverse school division has instilled me with a great sense of pride.

Ask about Unsecured Guns

Ask about unsecured guns in homes where children play.

A combined effort between the Brady Campaign to Prevent Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation’s first ASK Day encourages parents to keep their children safe by ASKing, “Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?”

Celebrating New Athletic Fields

Audubon residents also looking to make changes in the community.

For years, residents living right off of Richmond Highway, including those who live at Audubon Mobile Home Park located next to Costco, faced a lack of safe, quality places for their children to play.

First Responders Honored for Going ‘Above and Beyond’

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosts First Responders Benefit Lunch.

Being a first responder is stressful enough, but the first responders who were honored at this year’s Above and Beyond: First Responders Benefit Lunch excel at their jobs and more.

Fairfax County Retired Educators Award Scholarships

Seven aspiring educators from Fairfax County receive awards.

Aspiring educators from across Fairfax County were honored for their accomplishments and presented with scholarships to help them begin their teaching careers at a luncheon and ceremony held by the Fairfax County Retired Educators on June 12 in Fairfax. Every year, FCRE awards students interested in teaching careers with $2,000 scholarships. This year, the seven students were either graduates or soon-to-be graduates of high schools throughout Fairfax County, including Robinson, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, Marshall, Mclean and James Madison.

The Connection