Lemonade, Sugar + Water = Chicks
London Towne first-graders help orphanage in Africa.
Even the youngest children can help improve the world, and first-graders at London Towne Elementary proved that recently by raising money for an orphanage in Africa. They did so by selling lemonade, with the proceeds going to the orphanage to buy chicks.
Park Pleads Guilty In Centreville Murder
Killed his ex-girlfriend’s sister.
Slated for a jury trial in connection with a triple stabbing and murder inside a Centreville apartment, Man Ha Park, 54, instead pleaded guilty to crimes that could place him behind bars for the rest of his life.
Cockrell Counts His Blessings
Chantilly choral director retires after 26 years.
For the past 26 years, the name Glenn Cockrell has been synonymous with Touch of Class Show Choir, Jazz & Pizzazz and all-around musical excellence at Chantilly High. So his colleagues there, plus students and parents, were sad to learn he planned to retire at the end of this school year.
Check One off the Bucket List
Local woman to compete in Ironman World Championship.
Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford has participated in two Ironman competitions in Lake Placid, N.Y., and in several half-Ironman events. But for her, being accepted into the upcoming Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, is the top of the mountain.
Suspended Prison Sentence for Centreville Man
Former Robinson band director must register as sex offender.
When Michael Keith Cook was sentenced last week for computer solicitation of a child under age 15, he didn’t lose his freedom. But even before he set foot in the courtroom, he’d already lost something precious to him — his career as a school band director.
‘The Music Is Infectious’
Alliance Theatre presents “Legally Blonde, the Musical.”
Scott Olson has been a director and actor for 20 years, but he says the cast of The Alliance Theatre’s “Legally Blonde, the Musical” is something special.
Suspended Prison Sentence for Former Band Director
Former Robinson band director must register as sex offender.
When Michael Keith Cook was sentenced last week for computer solicitation of a child under age 15, he didn’t lose his freedom. But even before he set foot in the courtroom, he’d already lost something precious to him – his career as a school band director.
‘I Like the Kind of Man He Is’
Residents flock to Centreville High to hear president Obama speak.
They came, they waited and, more than three hours later, they entered Centreville High’s gym. Hundreds and hundreds of people from the local community, as well as from Loudoun and Prince William counties, stood in humid, 96-degree heat Saturday afternoon, July 15, to see President Barack Obama in person and hear him speak at a grassroots campaign rally.
President Comes to the Area
Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.
Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.
Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit
Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."
Losing 911
DPSC director discusses power-outage response.
When hurricane-force winds slammed into the local area two weeks ago, they felled trees and power lines and knocked out electricity to more than 1 million residents in Northern Virginia. Verizon supplied electricity and phone service to many of them, including Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC).
Clifton’s Old-Fashioned Fourth
The Town of Clifton celebrated the Fourth of July with a parade, flag ceremony and a potluck picnic in the park with moonbounces, tug-of-war, pie-eating and egg-toss competitions.
Telford in Contest to Enter Ironman
Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford was diagnosed with a Stage III brain tumor in 2005, and is still fighting for her life. But she works full time and, via her nonprofit fundraising organization, Team BT, she raises money for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).
Practicing What They Preach
Local theater teachers perform ‘Into the Woods.’
Six drama teachers headline the cast of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s summer production of "Into the Woods." They include Fairfax High’s Wendy Knight and Paul Rubenstein and Woodson High’s Terri Hobson.
Attending Governor’s School for Art
While many students began their summer vacations, two rising seniors at Chantilly High did something different: Yewon Kwon and Anne-Sophie Kim went to Radford University to attend the Governor’s School for Art.
‘I Had To Learn A Lot on My Own’
Westfield student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.
Centreville’s Joe Fletcher, 18, just graduated from Westfield High. But before he did, he won a scholarship from the Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA). His school counselor, Bill Sidener, wrote the recommendation for his award and, as far as he’s concerned, the HLA couldn’t have picked a better recipient.
‘Words … More Hurtful Than Fists’
Author discusses bullying with seventh-graders.
Ben Mikaelsen lives in Montana. But before the school year ended, he came all the way to Rocky Run Middle School to share with the seventh-graders his firsthand knowledge about bullying.
Sullivan Honored as Officer of Quarter
Award presented at CAC meeting.
Whether trying to outsmart a shooter or figure out where a lost child might go, Fairfax County police PFC Gerald Sullivan gives the effort his all. As a result, he was recently honored as the Sully District Station’s Officer of the Quarter.
Dangerous Weapons or Child’s Play?
Police warn public about replica firearms.
It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him. This incident happened awhile ago, and the weapon turned out to be a replica of a long-barreled, semiautomatic rifle.
Dads, Sons Discuss Serious Child’s Play
Besides police and sheriffs, some Fairfax fathers and sons also attended last week’s press conference on replica weapons. The sons hadn’t done anything wrong, but they regularly use these weapons to play a popular game called Airsoft.
When Dangerous Games Turn Deadly
Police warn public about replica firearms.
It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him.
‘Never Off Duty’
Firefighter reports Centreville blaze, helps rescue woman.
Bill Moreland, a captain with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, didn’t make it to a dinner date with his wife, last Friday. But he had a good excuse: He was busy helping save someone’s life.
Lanigan’s Friends, Colleague Respond to Settlement
Following news of the school system’s settlement to Sean Lanigan, a friend and neighbor of his, as well as a former Centre Ridge colleague gave their opinions of it to Centre View.
‘How a Community Comes Together’
A progress report on the Centreville Labor Resource Center.
It still has a long way to go, but things are definitely looking up for the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC).
Marsden Praises Centreville Immigration Forum
At a recent meeting of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF), state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) listened to a progress report on the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) and was pleased by what he heard.
Dollars and Sense at Labor Center
Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) board members Terry Angelotti and Ed Duggan recently presented a report on the financial status of the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC). They project the CIF to receive $175,000 this year from a variety of sources to keep the center running.
Replacing Walney Road Bridge
Walney Road Bridge to be replaced, rebuilt.
Built in 1980, the Walney Road Bridge over Flatlick Branch in Chantilly carries more than 21,000 vehicles a day. Trouble is, it often floods, is disintegrating structurally and surpassed its life expectancy 15 years ago.
A Story of Courage and Survival
Fairfax mother, son overcome life-threatening illnesses.
Natanael Justiniano is just 11 years old, yet he’s beaten leukemia twice and just celebrated his one-year anniversary of a lifesaving blood transplant.
Three Fairfax High Students Are Honored
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.
‘This Is Fairfax; This Is a Family’
High school graduates 587 students.
As the seniors in royal-blue caps and gowns entered Fairfax High’s field house for their graduation, last week, parents eagerly waved and shouted, hoping to catch their children’s eyes, if only for a second. And with 587 students graduating last Thursday, June 14, that wasn’t easy to do.
Principal Jagels: Words of Advice
At the start of Mountain View High’s graduation ceremony, last Friday, June 15, Assistant Principal Gary Morris told the seniors, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Westfield ESOL Student Thrives
Juan Castro receives School Board’s Character Award.
When Juan Castro came to the U.S. from El Salvador, six years ago, he only spoke a few words of English and was a stranger in a strange place. But he adapted well, learned quickly and worked hard at school and in his community.
Local Businesses Build Playground
Children may now play in a brand-new playground at the SYA youth sports complex, “Fields of Dreams,” off Bull Run Post Office Road in Centreville. It was built by RulyScapes Inc. of Centreville, Denison Landscaping, JK Enterprises and John Deere Landscapes, which all sponsored a recent National Hispanic Landscape Alliance National Day of Service there
Westfield Thespians Receive Cappie Medallions
Westfield High received 20 Cappie nominations for its musical, “Crazy for You.” On Wednesday, May 30, school Principal Tim Thomas and Director Susie Pike presented the Cappie medallions to the nominees.
Herndon Teacher Charged: Possession of Child Pornography
Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of 3031 Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.
Robinson, South County Win One Cappie Each
Robinson and South County secondary schools won one Cappie each at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Police Arrest Poplar Tree Teacher
Charged with possession of child pornography.
Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.
Student Talent on Display
Fairfax Academy holds annual Creative Works Showcase.
Students in the Fairfax Academy displayed their signature projects last Tuesday, June 5, during the annual Creative Works Showcase. They sang, danced, played music, showed films they’d made and displayed their graphic-art, fashion, foreign language and photography skills.
Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards
Paul VI takes Lead Actress in a Musical honor.
Woodson High won three awards, and Fairfax, Paul VI and Robinson Secondary, one each, at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Westfield High Garners 10 Cappie Awards
Victories include Best Musical, Actor, Choreography and Orchestra
For the second year in a row, Westfield High won 10 Cappies for a musical production at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Robinson Wins Cappie for Best Ensemble
Robinson Secondary School won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
South Lakes Wins Two Cappie Awards
South Lakes High won two starry statuettes at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It received the honors for Female Vocalist for its production of "West Side Story," plus the new category of Marketing & Publicity.
Almost Time for Tim Harmon 5K
Charity fund-raiser is June
The 13th annual Tim Harmon Memorial 5K Run/Walk is set for Saturday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center.
SSSAS’s Coffield Wins Cappie for Acting
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Mitchell Wins Cappie
H-B Woodlawn High won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Walt Whitman High Wins Five Cappie Awards
Tech skills triumph
Walt Whitman High won five starry statuettes for technical excellence at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
McLean High Wins Four Cappies
Takes home trophy for Best Play.
McLean High took home five awards – including the one for Best Play – at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean’s other victories were for Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Play for its production of "A View from the Bridge," as well as Returning Critic and Critic Team.
Saluting Academic Achievement
CPMSAC celebrates 28 years of excellence.
Filing into Chantilly High’s gym, Saturday afternoon, the students made their way to their seats while Kool & the Gang’s classic anthem of rejoicing, “Celebration,” played in the background. They came for the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s (CPMSAC) 27th annual awards ceremony.
Three Decades Behind Bars
Man sentenced in killing of Centreville handyman.
When criminals targeted the home of a wealthy Centreville man, two years ago, their motive was money — they planned to rob him and leave. Murder wasn’t on the horizon. But when the homeowner’s handyman, Jose Cardona, tried to stop them, he paid with his life.
Readying for Relay for Life
Chantilly event raises money for American Cancer Society.
Bill Hamm was 10,500 feet up, elk hunting in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in 2006, when he discovered a lump on his throat. He’d thought he was healthy; but the lump was a swollen lymph node and, six months later, he was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer.