Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
The competition team of Creative Dance Center in Ashburn and Chantilly recently returned from a trip to the Star Systems National Dance Competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Allison Heefner, left, and Sydney Conway competed in numerous group dances and solos all earning High Gold awards. Their lyrical dance, choreographed by Melanie Thurston and Geralyn Ward, won third place overall in their age category and earned the honor to compete in the championships.
J.D. Mitchell of the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development has been elected president of the Virginia Fire Prevention Association (VFPA). Mitchell is field supervisor of the fire protection inspection section of the department's Code Enforcement Division.
The VFPA is a statewide organization of fire inspectors, fire marshals and building inspectors.
Mitchell has been with the Loudoun County government for seven years. Prior to becoming the fire protection inspection field supervisor, Mitchell was a fire protection inspector and fire protection plan reviewer.
Prior to being elected president of the VFPA, Mitchell served on the group's board of directors for three years and helped develop the association's Web site. He has also been active in code development on the state level.
Air Force Airman Monica Garcia has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
She is the daughter of David R. Rodgers of Leesburg and Madeline Garcia-Rodgers of Reno, Nev.
Rachel Brown, daughter of Sheri and Matthew Brown of Sterling, received an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, MO., May 19. Brown graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science in architecture with a minor in structures from the College of Arts and Sciences. Brown, a 2002 graduate of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and technology, was also recognized as a recipient of the Philip Richardson Shepley Memorial Scholarship.
The George C. Marshall International Center announces the appointment of Kirsten Hammer Dueck as executive director effective immediately. Dueck has joined the centerÕs staff offices at Dodona Manor, the restored home of General George C. Marshall, which now serves as a museum dedicated to MarshallÕs life in Leesburg and his career accomplishments as a military leader, international diplomat and U.S. statesman.
Dueck is a former vice president of SothebyÕs Inc. where she served as director of Latin American Art from 2001 to 2005. She comes to the Marshall Center from the University of Colorado Law School, where she served as director of communications and alumni relations.
The Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Station 13 in Leesburg, won second and third place at the 58th Annual International Rescue and Emergency Care Association Conference and Competition June 21-24, 2006 in Puyallup, Wash. The Loudoun Rescue team consisted of coach Denise Alt, captain Marie Powell, David Beatty, Michelle Beatty and James Cromer, who placed second in the Advanced Life Support competition and third in the Basic Life Support competition. Beatty also won the "Good Spirit" award at the conference.
The Loudoun Rescue Team was first-place winners of the EMT contest at the 2005 Virginia Association of Volunteers Rescue Squads 71st Annual Competition.
Loudoun Volunteer Services announces new memebrs to its board of directors and executive officers. New members joined the board at the annual board retreat, sponsored by and held at America Online, June 1, and include Ralph Baird, Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services, Franklin Park; Carol Barbe, American Red Cross, Loudoun Chapter; Kevin Chroninger, The Sterling Foundation Inc.; Maureen Hempenius, volunteer; Stephen Hood, Leesburg Police Citizen Support Team Inc.; Karen Krei, Piedmont Community Foundation; Karen McQuaid, Loudoun County Fire & Rescue; Mary Novotny, Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum; Jonathan Whitbey, Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad and Amy
Wilcox, PRCS Adaptive Recreation.
The mission of LVS is to engage more people in volunteer
service to help solve community problems.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has appointed Nancy Doane to serve as the Catoctin District representative on the Loudoun County Planning Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John D. Herbert.
Doane will complete Herbert's four-year term, which expires Dec. 31, 2007. Herbert resigned in June because he was moving to Tennessee. He had served on the Planning Commission since 2000, when he was appointed to his first term.
Doane, of Lovettsville, has served as a staff assistant to Catoctin District Supervisor Sally Kurtz since 2001. She previously worked for The Nature Conservancy in Leesburg and the U.S. General Services Administration in Washington, D.C.
Nicole Shyti, an incoming freshmen from Ashburn, has received the Pamplin Merit Scholarship from the Pamplin School of Business at Virginia Tech.
Recipients of the scholarship are chosen based on SAT scores and high-school GPA. The scholarship is $4,000, awarded in $1,000 installments for the students' first four semesters. Students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA. Recipients were presented with a certificate and also recognized at their summer orientation program.
Allibeth Simpson from Sterling of Potomac High School will be one of more than 1,500 top high-school and college student leaders from around the world traveling to Indiana University for the 17th Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference, July 21-24.
Simpson, chapter president of Potomac Falls School Best Buddies, demonstrated her leadership abilities in creating meaningful matches between members and participating in group events such as Homecoming, Hurricane Relief and holiday events. At the conference, she will be given an opportunity to further enhance her knowledge and leadership skills for the good of Potomac Falls High Best Buddies and the community.
Anthony J. "Tony" Howard has been named the new Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce president. Howard succeeds Randy Collins, who left the position at the end of January following a 10-year tenure. Howard, who currently serves as the senior vice president and COO of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, assumes his new position Aug. 1.
Howard, his wife, Alison, and their 6-year-old son, Jake, plan to relocate from Alexandria to Loudoun County.
Dean Makarita, an agent with Long & Foster Realtors, made his first donation to the Equine Rescue League (ERL) of Leesburg. As part of his new program, Feed a Rescue Horse for a Year, Makarita makes a donation, on behalf of his clients, of enough money to pay the feed bill for a rescued horse for a year. This donation was on behalf of Claudia Boykin Kropf of Alexandria.
The ERL, which rescues horses from being slaughtered, is looking for a donation or lease of 50 or more acres. For information about the ERL, visit http://www.EquineRescueLeague.org.
The following students have been named to the Dean's List at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Va., which recognizes academic achievement by full-time students who attain a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0.
Kuna Bhatia, rising junior, Ashburn; Hinh-Phuong Cao, senior, South Riding; Evan Henry, rising senior, Sterling; Mary Hester, rising junior, Sterling; Christine Keyserling, rising junior, Potomac Falls; Hyeseon Kim, rising junior, Ashburn; Andrew King, rising senior, Sterling; Ashley Kline, rising senior, Sterling; Angela Roth, 2006 graduate, Potomac Falls; Elizabeth Sieb, senior, Potomac Falls; Kerri Spaulding, rising senior, Sterling.
Carrie Ingalls, senior, Sterling and Sommer Long, rising senior, Ashburn were named to the President's List at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Va., which recognizes academic achievement by full-time students who attain a perfect 4.0 GPA.
The following students from Lansdowne and Leesburg enrolled at Virginia Tech were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2006 semester. To qualify students must attempt at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale during the semester.
From Lansdowne: Ravi R. Dadhania, sophomore, majoring in finance; Allen A. Mehr, sophomore majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Carol A. Olson, sophomore, majoring in communication.
From Leesburg: Katherine A. Botkins, sophomore, majoring in biochemistry; Joseph M. Corcoran, sophomore, majoring in mechanical engineering; Darren P. Cunningham, senior, majoring in computer science; Chelsea M. Feist, sophomore, majoring in human development; Brian J. Galuski, sophomore, majoring in management; Catherine P. Galvan, sophomore, majoring in horticulture; Charlotte M. Hatch, junior, majoring in animal and poultry sciences; Christopher R. Hudspeth, freshman, majoring in management; Erin E. Kelly, freshman, majoring in public and urban affairs; Jocelyn F. Kemp, junior, majoring in biochemistry; Benjamin Y. Leonard, sophomore, majoring in general engineering; Lindsey A. MacQueen, junior, majoring in chemical engineering; Caleb C. Magruder, sophomore, majoring in electrical engineering; Matthew R. Meroney, junior, majoring in English; Nathan T. Nelson, senior, majoring in building construction; Matthew J. Peterson, senior, majoring in computer science; Jennifer R. Poli, sophomore, majoring in general engineering; Lucy R. Robeson, freshman, majoring in agricultural technology; Patrick T. Summers, sophomore, majoring in mechanical engineering; Stefanie M. Bartholic, sophomore majoring in accounting and information systems; Matthew R. Catlett, junior, majoring in aerospace engineering; Evan A. Chapple, freshman, majoring in English; Stephanie E. DiPinto, sophomore, majoring in psychology; Kimberly A. Dix, senior, majoring in animal and poultry sciences; Christine R. Donovan, freshman, majoring in university studies; Kristin Fleming-Dahl, freshman, majoring in biological sciences; Lauren W. Hovis, freshman, majoring in psychology; Mindy C. Hsiao, junior, majoring in chemical engineering; Bradley W. Johnson, sophomore, majoring in industrial design; Amy C. LaMagra, senior, majoring in communication; Katie J. McWilliam, sophomore, majoring in communication; Alec T. Milnes, senior, majoring in international studies; Steven G. Nelson, senior, majoring in aerospace engineering; Jennifer L. Nuss, sophomore, majoring in international studies; Andrew K. Olson, sophomore, majoring in aerospace engineering; Susan E. Porter, senior, majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Wendy E. Reed, senior, majoring in international studies; Rachel D. Sastri, freshman, majoring in accounting and information systems; Kristin A. Van Dusseldorp, senior, majoring in accounting and information systems; Robert P. Weed, freshman, majoring in history; Emily A. Wheeler, junior, majoring in biological sciences; Meghann L. Wing, senior, majoring in economics.
The following students from Dulles, Potomac Falls and Sterling enrolled at Virginia Tech were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2006 semester. To qualify students must attempt at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale during the semester.
From Dulles: Michael C. Fella, junior, majoring in aerospace engineering.
From Potomac Falls: Elham Alikhani, sophomore, majoring in biological sciences; Douglas B. Brenner, junior, majoring in mechanical engineering; Courtney A. Gjormand, junior, majoring in mechanical engineering; Johanna L. Gusman, senior, majoring in biological sciences; Kathryn R. Jones, junior majoring in marketing management; Curtis R. Kobelski, junior, majoring in computer engineering; Kenneth S. Logan, senior, majoring in mining engineering; Rachel M. Mitnick, senior, majoring in communication; Nahed Najmyar, freshman, majoring in political science; Sean C. Wilson, freshman, majoring in business; Victoria A. Wilson, junior, majoring in English; Justin M. Zamieroski, junior, majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise.
From Sterling: Nancy A. Ballhagen, sophomore, majoring in university studies; Justin M. Claeys, senior, majoring in computer science; Jacqueline M. Damare, freshman, majoring in psychology; Elizabeth L. Dye, sophomore, majoring in sociology; Thomas N. Easton, freshman, majoring in university studies; Nathan B. Entsminger, junior, majoring in history; Jaye A. Gallagher, junior, majoring in biological sciences; Allison M. Jarnagin, junior, majoring in art and art history; Peter T. Lazarevich, senior, majoring in civil engineering; Jason W. Pilchuk, senior, majoring in aerospace engineering; Dustin O. Schleifer, junior, majoring in civil engineering; Alexander W. Scott, junior, majoring in materials science and engineering; Jamie L. Sinclair, freshman, majoring in university studies; Veronica M. Skinner, junior, majoring in English; Zachary H. Snee, senior, majoring in communication; Whitney L. Svensson, sophomore, majoring in English; William R. Toland, senior, majoring in physical education; Alyssa A. Yassine, sophomore, majoring in management; Christian W. Zoeller, sophomore, majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Adnan N. Barqawi, freshman, majoring in university studies; Yusuf A. Abugideiri, sophomore, majoring in marketing management; Shannon K. Begle, junior, majoring in psychology; Ashley M. Castor, freshman, majoring in wildlife science; Chang-I Chen, senior, majoring in finance; Michael G. Diaz, senior, majoring in computer engineering; Joanna R. Fox, senior, majoring in accounting and information systems; Rebecca C. Horning, sophomore, majoring in biological sciences; Lisa M. Kaiser, sophomore, majoring in agricultural technology; Jules F. Kroehl, senior, majoring in aerospace engineering; Kristen M. Linn, sophomore, majoring in architecture; David S. Malan, senior, majoring in civil engineering; Lauren C. Manns, senior, majoring in finance; John D. Medlock, junior, majoring in communication; Jonathan W. Miller, freshman, majoring in interdisciplinary studies; Erin A. Nolan, freshman, majoring in art and art history; Seth T. Petersen, senior, majoring in communication; Morgan L. Rezac, junior, majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Marc A. Saint Raymond, senior, majoring in mechanical engineering; Robert B. Sherfy, freshman, majoring in university studies; Stefanie D. Soltoff, senior, majoring in agricultural technology; Megan N. Widman, freshman, majoring in business; Kevin R. Williamson, freshman, majoring in political science; Carl B. Lyon, senior, majoring in French; Thu Y. Soe, junior, majoring in accounting and information systems.
The following students from Ashburn enrolled at Virginia Tech were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2006 semester. To qualify students must attempt at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 scale during the semester.
Andrew P. Lawlor, freshman, majoring in university studies; Daniel D. Aguilera, senior, majoring in architecture; Trevor D. Anderson, sophomore, majoring in communication; Wesley S. Anderson, sophomore, majoring in marketing management; Andrew N. Archut, senior, majoring in history; Mary F. Arrowsmith, junior, majoring in marketing management; Michael C. Avery, senior, majoring in biochemistry; Thomas W. Baranowski, sophomore, majoring in finance; Joshua A. Berman, freshman, majoring in general engineering; Timothy M. Berman, sophomore, majoring in aerospace engineering; Michael W. Bromley, freshman, majoring in mechanical engineering; Elizabeth K. Bubb, junior, majoring in Spanish; John C. Clark, senior, majoring in biological sciences; Brian M. Colleran, junior, majoring in finance; Ian A. Cozens, freshman, majoring in civil engineering; Robert E. Cullen, sophomore, majoring in biological sciences; Michelle L. Durost, junior, majoring in sociology; Christopher D. Edens, senior, majoring in building construction; Arielle S. Fissmer, freshman, majoring in international studies; Philip J. Gallo, senior, majoring in English; Jordan E. Holt, sophomore, majoring in management; Matthew L. Kaciban, sophomore, majoring in accounting and information systems; Joseph C. Kendall, junior, majoring in political science; Andrew K. Landsberg, junior, majoring in biochemistry; Scott A. Larimer, senior, majoring in agricultural technology; Sarah K. Larkins, senior, majoring in communication; Andrew R. Lewis, junior, majoring in international studies; Michelle N. Meyer, senior, majoring in architecture; Dzejna Mujezinovic, senior, majoring in aerospace engineering; David J. Rariden, senior, majoring in architecture; Joel C. Riley, senior, majoring in computer science; Megan E. Roche, freshman, majoring in management; Adam N. Smith, freshman, majoring in mechanical engineering; Christopher T. Snow, freshman, majoring in political science; Gavin W. Thiel, sophomore, majoring in university studies; Heather A. Tydings, junior, majoring in biological sciences; Laura Y. Wen, sophomore, majoring in psychology; John T. Wilkinson, senior, majoring in computer science; Michael W. Wolfner, senior, majoring in aerospace engineering; Christine P. Yerks, senior, majoring in management; Robert Zayas, freshman, majoring in management; Jason T. Gdowik, freshman, majoring in finance; Amanda J. Smithies, sophomore, majoring in business information technology; Christina Y. Vu, junior, majoring in management and Jessica L. Wolfe, sophomore, majoring in English.
The "Signatures of Loudoun" Design Excellence Program has announced this year's winners: Bush Tabernacle, Purcellville; Dodona Manor, Leesburg; Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg; Loudoun Art Horses, countywide; Nichol's Hardware Store Interior, Purcellville; Historic Downtown Purcellville; Joshua Chamberlains Building, Leesburg; Virginia Lane, Middleburg and Lakeside @ Loudoun Tech, Sterling. Sponsored by the Loudoun County Design Cabinet, the program identifies outstanding projects and designs throughout the county. Details of each project and the award criteria are available at http://biz.loudoun.gov or by calling 703-777-0585.
APEX Gymnastics, Village Lanes Bowling Alley, Town of Leesburg Parks & Recreation staff and Patti Kaiser, a certified swim instructor with Northern Virginia Training Center, were recognized by the Loudoun County, Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Substance Abuse Services, July 13, for their contributions to improving the lives of people with disabilities in our community.
The following Department of MH/MR/SAS staff members were also recognized Camille Campbell, case manager in the Division of Mental Retardation Services, and Russ Carlton, Kelly Horner and Annie Khan, with the Division of Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services Intensive In-Home Services team.
Ben Biber, a rising senior, and Amanda Rivers, a rising junior, from Potomac Falls High School, have been selected to attend the High School Leadership Academy, July 30-Aug. 4, at Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, Va.
The academy will include 100 high-school juniors and seniors, who have been identified as potential leaders, taking part in seminars, practical workshops, recreation and social activates in a camp-like setting. Both students were nominated by their principal, David Spage.
Nobel Learning Communities Inc. announce the hiring of two new principals for its Chesterbrook Academy in Loudoun County.
Cara Griffin joins Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Ashburn, after serving for the past year as assistant principal for Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School in Chantilly. GriffinÕs private-school education experience includes teaching both first and fifth grades and working for three years for Score! Educational Centers. She also co-founded two educational mentoring programs for students in North Carolina, and completed an internship where she helped implement a curriculum-based assessment program in a Maryland school.
Christine Rice joins Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Sterling after more than three years as music director at Town & Country School of Vienna. Rice has more than 12 years of private and boarding school experience, including serving as an admissions officer, international student director and dorm director. In her spare time, Rice is a professional flutist and director of the Youth Choir and Ensemble at St. Thomas A. Becket church in Reston. She is also a community liaison for the Lupus Foundation of Greater Washington and a walk coordinator, team captain and lobbyist for the Alliance for Lupus Research.