PICTURED HERE IS A GROUP of retirees-to-be from the Falls Church City Public School system. Front row (left to right): Norma Pfaff, Mt. Daniel Elementary (12 years of service); Carol Monsess, Mt. Daniel Elementary (34 Years); Mary Werner, Thomas Jefferson Elementary (33 years); Carolyn Prevatt, Thomas Jefferson Elementary (17 years). Back row (left to right): David Applegate, George Mason High (11 years); Cay Wiant, George Mason High (23 years); Linda Johnsen (20 years); Michael Hoover (37 years). Not Pictured: Rochelle Friedman, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (15 years) and Martha Preston, Mt. Daniel Elementary (22 years). The group was honored at a ceremony on Tuesday at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. (Photo: News Press)
Toyota Names a Local Community Scholar
Senior Christopher Cassidy of Falls Church High School was named a national Toyota Community Scholar. Out of 8,000 seniors who applied for the competitive $20,000 scholarship, Cassidy was one of 12 students that were chosen. In order to qualify for this scholarship, Cassidy had to demonstrate his commitment to the community around him and his leadership skills in the classroom. What won the judges over was Cassidy’s biggest community project, the Swim-a-thon for Muscular Dystrophy, which has managed to raise over $25,000 in five years. Proceeds from the project go toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
OM Team Nearly Conquers World Competition
The Odyssey of the Mind Team from George Mason High School placed ninth at the World Finals last week. The competition ran from May 23 to May 26 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. The World Finals encompassed teams from all over the globe, including China, Singapore, Germany and Poland, which the team faced off against within their problem and division. Placing within the top 10 out of 56 total teams, eighth graders Daniel Fletcher, Victoria Pender, Clark Williamson, Mollie Breen and Katie Breen accomplished an impressive feat. This year, the team worked on Problem 5: I’m Only Thinking of You! This entailed coming up with a humorous performance that includes a self-centered character who takes advantage of the other characters on three occasions. The team was evaluated on style, long-term solution and also was given a spontaneous problem, which they were not informed about until they entered the room. They only received several minutes to come up with a solution to the spontaneous problem.
Their second year together, the GMHS team surpassed last years’ finalists from Falls Church, who placed 19th and 20th in the competition.
Graduation Descends Upon Falls Church
It’s that time of the year again where caps and gowns are adorned by graduating seniors ready to make their mark on the world. Be sure to know your favorite local school’s date!
If you’re behind, we’ve listed them here for you:
• Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School – May 31
• Falls Church High School – June 1
• J.E.B. Stuart High School – June 1
• Langley High School – June 13
• McLean High School – June 13
• George C. Marshall High School – June 14
• George Mason High School – June 14
