Among the 2,300 students enrolled at Centreville High School, a few stand out for their leadership skills and achievements in school activities.
One such student is Junior Jamal Crowelle, 16, who is active in track and theater activities at CVHS. A district champion in the triple jump, Jamal placed 10th in the state. He also competes in the long jump and hurdles.
Despite his athletic talent, Jamal's future plans are tied to his other interest — acting. His most recent major part in a school play was that of Mr. Jordan in "Heaven Can Wait" this fall. He's currently rehearsing the role of Edward Williams, Esq., in "Up the Down Staircase."
For college, he hopes to study drama at New York University, Julliard, or the University of Southern California. "Acting has been my goal since I set foot in [Centreville High School,]" he says.
Jamal has also done volunteer work for Fairfax County Libraries, and is starting a paid job as a cashier at the Centreville Multiplex movie theater.
He is the son of Cheryl and Francino Crowelle. His family has lived in the Manorgate neighborhood for 11 years. He has an older sister, Aja, who lives in Pennsylvania, and a twin brother, Jared.
MICHAEL CHORNEY, 17, a senior, is entering his second year as captain of the school's track team. He made all-state for the 500-meter run during the indoor track season, and plans to compete in the 3,000 meter hurdles and the relay team during the outdoor track season.
In addition to Michael's achievements on the field, he recently took first place in the National Math Competition at the school. He is a member of the Math Honors Society, the National Honor Society, the Business Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America.
Michael's favorite classes in school are computer science and web page development. He has applied to the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Lehigh University. He plans to keep running at college, and hopes to get a track scholarship.
Michael is the son of Sandy and Mike Chorney of Little Rocky Run. One brother, Chris, is a freshman at CVHS; another, Matthew, is in kindergarten at Union Mill Elementary.
GRANT DIAMOND, 15, a sophomore, is another student to watch. Diamond, who moved to Clifton's Little Rocky Run community from South Lake, Texas, last year, has jumped right into school and community activities. His activities include theater, the forensics and debate club, the Young Republicans Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside school, Grant is active in the youth group at Centreville Baptist Church. He also participates in competitive public speaking, and has won a second-place award from the Rotary Club, a third-place award in the American Legion speech contest, and sixth place at the Wake Forest National Speech Tournament.
While still in Texas, Grant won a Prudential Community Service award for a mission trip he had made with his church's youth group to San Antonio, Texas. During the trip, he helped to build houses and paint the church. The group also worked to arrange a basketball tournament and a concert of Christian bands.
Grant most recently appeared on the CVHS stage as Martin, a man on a date with many phobias, during the school's "Dramapalooza" festival of one-act plays.
Grant, who says he wants to be the President one day, plans to intern with state Del. Timothy Hugo (R-40th) this summer. After high school, he hopes to study government at Georgetown University or The George Washington University in D.C.
Grant is the son of Greg and Patty Jo Diamond. He is the eldest of four children. One brother, Drake, is in ninth grade at CVHS; another, Lance, is in seventh grade at Liberty Middle School. Sister Haley is in fifth grade at Union Mill Elementary.