During last week’s graduation ceremony, Fairfax High honored three seniors with special awards. Robbie Ashton received both the Outstanding Senior and Service awards. Shannon Parker was given the Faculty Award, and Jake Snyder, the Fairfax Award.

The Outstanding Senior Award goes to a dedicated worker and leader, and the Service Award is for a senior who’s given exceptional loyalty and service to the school. Ashton was a student-government officer and that entity’s videographer for three years. He also announced sports events and made morning announcements.

Described by his teachers as one of the school’s most "dedicated, energetic and valuable student leaders," Ashton worked with and led others to improve the school community. He was sophomore class president and served as Student Government Council president in his junior and senior years.

The Faculty Award is given to a senior who’s demonstrated outstanding loyalty, citizenship and service to Fairfax High. Parker’s been active in the Leadership Class, played on the basketball, soccer, and lacrosse teams and was a wrestling manager. She was captain of the varsity field hockey team, which won the Liberty District Championship three years in a row. Parker also coached FPYC field hockey and was a board member of The Hollow Trunk, a nonprofit that helps people in Haiti, Guatemala, Afghanistan and India.

The Fairfax Award goes to the senior most outstanding in scholarship, loyalty, service and leadership. He was captain of the golf and track teams; and according to his teachers, Snyder "embodies the determination, resolve and character" of a true leader. Involved in school leadership, his church and Boy Scouts, he’s amassed countless hours of volunteer service to Fairfax High and to the community.