People

17 Year Old's Political Career Shows Persistence

Evan Draim's efforts allowed him to win a delegate position in this year's Republican National Convention

While most 17 year olds were getting ready for prom or playing a varsity sport, Evan Draim was making phone calls, shaking hands, and giving speeches. That was because throughout spring, Draim was a campaigning to win one of the three delegate positions in Virginia's 8th congressional districts. "I wanted to show that the Republican party is interested in younger voters and is interested in the issues that they care about," said Draim about his interest in Republican politics.

Squeals On Wheels Delivers Fun for All

Teaching children about animals.

Instead of purchasing a tractor or lawn mower, Jill Phillips decided they should acquire a couple of alpaca to graze in their yard — and then they would not need to mow it.

Venturing into Rent-a-Coop Business

Tyler Phillips and Diana Samata have found a way to bring the feel of the country to the urban environs of Potomac, Bethesda and other D.C. suburbs.

Just the Beginning

Recently, the keynote speaker at Wellesley High School in Massachusetts delivered a profound message to its graduates: “You are not special.”

Betsy Ross and Free Speech

It's important to honor and revere Old Glory and not just on the day set aside as Flag Day. The official observance was yesterday, June 14. It didn't have to be a federal holiday, a day off, to be a proud flag waver.

Farewell Mr. Butler

The class of two thousand and twelve wishes to extend an enormous thank you to our principal, Mr. Bruce Butler.

Local Interfaith Group Raises $200,000 for Full-Time Dentist

VOICE, a local interfaith group, has raised $200,000 to fund a full-time dentist at the western Fairfax County branch of the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, low-income dental clinic.

News Briefs

The Alexandria Fire Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of North Fayette Street on Saturday, June 16, 9:09 p.m. for a reported explosion and flames on a patio with possible injuries.

Opinion

Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Gazette.

At the end of July, we'll print our summer “Pet Gazette,” and we invite readers to send in stories and photos of your pets, and any story ideas you might have. We love to have photos of you or other family members with your pets. Please include your name, pet's name, town name and contact phone number, and identify the people in any photos.

School Notes

Bianca Velez of Alexandria has earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

The Closet of Greater Herndon Awards Scholarships

The Closet of Greater Herndon recently awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to 15 deserving high school graduates in ceremonies at five local high schools. The names of the 2012 scholarship winners are:

Singing about God

Arlington native pursues spiritual music.

From our hearts we speak, declaring Your majesty," sings Nicois Harris on "Glorious," the first track on her latest album, "un-di-‘ni-a-bel."

Honoring Outstanding Student-Athletes

17th Annual Scholarship Hall of Fame Banquet recognizes former VYI players.

June 12 marked the 17th annual presentation of the Vienna Youth Inc.

Student Supporters Honored for Dedication

Delta Kappa Gamma education society recognizes selfless missions at awards banquet.

Local school staff and community groups, from building supervisor to principals and Vienna Optimists, were recognized by the Vienna-area chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma education society for going beyond job descriptions to benefit school children.

Nursing Pioneer Abdellah Inducted in ANA Hall of Fame

On Friday, June 15, Rear Admiral Faye Glenn Abdellah EdD, RN, FAAN has been inducted into the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Hall of Fame.

The Connection