Send announcements about school achievements to the Mount Vernon Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for next week's issue. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School welcomes parents of preschoolers to come learn about its challenging junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs and to tour the Lower School campus. The school provides a solid foundation in academics, service, the arts, technology, and athletics. Call ahead to reserve your spot for one of the following dates: Nov. 1; Nov. 15; Dec. 6. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Admission Office, 400 Fontaine St. 703-212-2705.
The Howard Gardner School, 4913 Franconia Road, is holding an Open House, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m., to learn more about the students, inspiring teachers, and the college-prep program. Call 703-822-9300 to register or visit www.thehowardgardnerschool.org for more.
Emmanuel Gamor, son of Joseph and Muriel Vanderpuye of Alexandria has been named Director of Campus Involvement for the University of Florida's 2007 Homecoming celebration. Gamor is a 2005 graduate of West Potomac High and is currently a junior at the University of Florida majoring in political science. Gamor has many other leadership positions on campus. These include the Executive Board for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., the Executive Board of Esquire, Preview staff and Upward Bound mentor.
Hillary Klemmt, a resident of Alexandria has recently been named to the dean's list at Boston University for the Spring semester.
Nicholas James Wagner has been selected by the University of Mary Washington for the "Honors Admission" program for the fall of 2007. Wagner graduated 6th in his class at Mount Vernon High School with a full International Baccalaureate diploma.
Mount Vernon High School made large, statistically significant gains on the 2007 SAT scores. Mount Vernon High students improved their school's average score in Critical Reading by 28 points, their school's average Mathematics score by 9 points, and their school's average Writing score by 15 points.
Mr. Matt Thompson's third period Major Time class at Mount Vernon High School will be actively involved each month this school year supporting the local community with service projects. This month, his students had a very successful collection of school supplies for needy families in the community. During the month of October they are doing a collection of Yoplait lids to support "Save lids to save lives," a breast cancer research initiative. For more information, contact Mr. Matt Thompson at Matthew.Thompson@fcps.edu or call 703-619-3174.
Two Mount Vernon residents have been promoted to the top leadership ranks of the Air Force Junior ROTC detachment at Randolph-Macon Academy. Junior Paul Piontkowski Jr., the son of Paul and Karen Piontkowski, was awarded the position of Third Squadron Supply Sergeant, with the rank of cadet master sergeant. PJ is active with the Academy’s community service program and sports activities. He is also a recipient of the Outstanding Cadet Award.
Senior Kevin Starr, is the son of Tom Bradley and Judith Starr, was awarded the position of Band Equipment Officer, with the rank of cadet second lieutenant. Kevin is active in the Academy band and flight program. He is a member of the National Honor Society. Kevin is a recipient of the History Medal and has been published in the Literary Magazine.