If you would like to submit school announcements, send them to The Arlington Connection at 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102; fax to 703-917-0991; or e-mail arlington@connection newspapers.com. Photos, especially color, are appreciated. Deadline is Friday before publication.
Correction: In the June 12-18 of the Arlington Connection, Courtney Marie Peterson was erroneously listed as having graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University. Peterson graduated summa cum laude. In addition, she won a George C. Marshall Scholarship for two years of study at Cambridge University. She will take the graduate program in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics as a member of the Trinity College at Cambridge.
Cyrus Hall McCormick was inducted into the Virginia Legends Walk on May 29, after being nominated by Glebe Elementary School fourth graders. McCormick was one of 36 Virginians nominated for the walk this year, and this was the first year McCormick was nominated. According to Jim Ricketts, director of Virginia Beach Convention and Visitor Development, to be inducted into Virginia Legends Walk, nominees must be selected on 60 percent of the committee’s return ballots. Some years there are multiple inductees, while other times only a single winner is selected. McCormick was the sole inductee for this year. Nominations are being accepted for 2003 at 1-800-333-6397 or www.va-legends.com.
For the first time Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA delegates will have a chance to win a one-time sizable scholarship to attend the Virginia college or university of her choice. Beginning this year, Miss Virginia USA will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship and Miss Virginia Teen USA will be awarded up to a $5,000 scholarship, payable at the time of her entrance to a Virginia college or university. The event includes interview, fitness/swimsuit and evening gown/runway competitions. Entrants must be a Virginia resident or full-time student in Virginia as of July 1, 2003, be between the ages of 15 and 19 (Miss Teen USA) or as of Feb., 1, 2003 be between 18 and 27 (Miss USA). Call 267-466-6782 or visit http://virginia.miss usa.com.
The Deputy Directory for Strategy and Policy for the Joint Staff, Rear Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, launched Swanson Middle School’s 8th grade graduates into the future as guest speaker during graduation ceremony Tuesday, June 18, at the school on 5800 North Washington Boulevard in North Arlington.
Along with wishing the “Admirals” smooth sailing, Walsh reminded the 257 graduates of the class of 2002 that it's time to start thinking about the future: entering high school is the perfect opportunity to "define and refine interests and chart a course toward their life’s ambitions."
Navy Ensign John P. Qualters, son of Janet R. and Richard T. Qualters, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He was commissioned to his current rank in the United States Navy. Qualters is a 1998 graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School.
Marine Corps Cpl. Davina D. Blaile, daughter of Verna R. Collins of Arlington and Norman B. Collins of Falls Church, recently was promoted to her current rank while serving with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Wing Support Group 27, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Blaile was promoted based on sustained superior job performance and proficiency in her designated specialty.
Army Pfc. Terry S. Burka, son of Bonnie J. Maxwell and Terry R. Burka of Arlington, and Army Pvt. Ryan D. Dean, graduate of Yorktown High School and son of Michelle D. and Clifford K. Dean, arrived for duty at Fort Myer, Arlington for a three-year assignment with the Third Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard” — the oldest active infantry unit in the Army.
Soldiers in The Old Guard serve as official ceremonial Honor Guards, presidential escorts, and guardians of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
Lisa Ammurrio of Yorktown High School is one of 27 Washington area high school seniors to receive the Ronald McDonald House Charities “Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources” Scholarship worth $2,000.
Keith Dowling, graduate of Yorktown High School’s theater department and a Dickinson College freshman, performed in the title role of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” at Dickinson in April.
Emily S. Burke, an honor student at Williamsburg Junior High and a dance student at Arlington Dance Theatre, has been selected for Debbie Allen's Summer Intensive Dance Program in Culver City, Calif. Burke auditioned for and was selected to attend Allens’ school at a Kennedy Center audition.
Charles Gray, sun of Susan McCluskey and Charles Gray of Arlington, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in Commencement exercises May 26.
Paul-Martin Foss, child of Mrs. and Mrs. Robert T. Foss, Jr., graduated from the University of the South May 12 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science-foreign language-honors, cum laude.
Barry J. Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Board, president, and chief executive officer of First Virginia Banks, has been elected chairman of Marymount University’s Board of Trustees. He has served as a member of the Board since 1996.
Fitzpatrick joined the First Virginia organization in 1969 and held several officer positions before being elected to top posts in 1995. He was previously president and CEO of subsidiary banks in the Roanoke Valley region (1972-1982) and served as senior vice president and regional executive officer of the eastern region (1982-1992). In 1992, he became executive vice president of the corporation.
In addition to his responsibilities at First Virginia and at Marymount university, Fitzpatrick is active in a number of other professional and charitable organizations. He is a member of the American Bankers Associations Board of Directors and recently served as president of the Virginia Bankers Association. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and serves on the Executive Advisory Board of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority.
A resident of Great Falls, Fitzpatrick holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from American University. He is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.