U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D-8th) was there. Alan Leis, deputy superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools, was there. Joy Hanbury was there, as were Emily Kubach and Kim Montgomery.
They all came to Hollin Meadows Science and Math Focus School this week to celebrate Hollin Meadows' Gold Medal Award; an award given for meeting and exceeding its school-wide achievement index (SAI) goals.
Principal Jon Gates couldn't have been prouder as he welcomed the students, faculty, parents and special guests.
"I celebrate your success and acknowledge your efforts," he said, and then listened as music teacher, Debbie Key, led the students in the Hollin Meadows song.
Gates continued by saying that the Gold Medal is a symbol and recognition for performance and then read some of what the students thought a Gold Medal meant.
Nicole said, "Effort and courage;" Desmond said, "Heart and plenty of it;" and Victor thought it meant "Teamwork."
Gates then introduced Alan Leis, who said, "It's a special treat to celebrate with you. It's not easy, and you not only did it once (they received an award last year), but you did it twice."
Melinda Sprinkle and Amy Vaughy led the Spirit Squad through some routines, and then Gates introduced two former Hollin Meadows students. Emily Kubach, a seventh-grader at Carl Sandburg, and Kim Montgomery, a senior at West Potomac, both returned to share their thoughts on what it was like to go to Hollin Meadows.
KUBACH SAID THAT she thought Hollin Meadows had done a good job in preparing her for middle school. It was here that she learned to set goals and "always leave plenty of time of homework." She learned that just because people are from different backgrounds, they are all the same.
"I'm proud to have gone to this school," she concluded.
Montgomery said, "I took with me a lot of friendships from Hollin Meadows. It's nice to be able to come back and see so many familiar faces."
She said that she was proud of the award and concluded by saying, "Everyone here has a chance for great achievements."
Moran spoke and told the students, "Hollin Meadows is a great school. You've made this a great school."
Joy Hanbury, former principal at Hollin Meadows, was thanked for "her years of dedication and vision." She told the students, "Congratulations, I know you will continue in the tradition of excellence. Let's go out and do it again this year."