Send announcements, which are open to the public at no or minimal cost, 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 Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
The students at Eagle Ridge Middle School participated in 18 different service projects to benefit the community throughout the month of December. The projects included collecting pennies fro a food drive; making cards and care packages to send to soldiers, the pediatric unit of Loudoun Hospital and a nursing home; holding a bake sale, adopting two angels from the Christmas tree; planting flowers in the school's courtyard; collecting toys fro Toys fro Tots and a coat and canned food drive.
Army Pvt. Dominick A. Wilkerson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
He is the son of Yolanda Wilkerson of Sterling. The private is a 2003 graduate of Park View High School, Sterling.
The Loudoun County Rural Economic Development Council (REDC) has elected officers for 2007. Nicki Bazaco was elected chair and Kate Zurschmeide was elected vice chair. The REDC, a 19-member board appointed by the Board of Supervisors, represents various industry sectors and promotes the economic growth and vitality of the county's agricultural, horticultural and equine industries. REDC meetings are open to the public and take place on the first Monday of each month. Contact Ann Higgins at 703-777-0426.
Several students at Seneca Ridge Middle School students were named to the All District Band 2007. Caroline Henderson, second chair flute; Alexa Yeagley, fifth chair flute; Tionge Johnson, ninth chair flute; Stephanie Williams, second alternate oboe; Lauren Holmberg, second chair bassoon; Jason Eller, sixth chair clarinet; Caroline Klaff, 17th chair clarinet; Allison Riddle, 20th chair clarinet; Ian VanBuran, 23rd chair clarinet; Lindsay Najjoum, first alternate clarinet; A.J. Newman, second alto saxophone; J.J. Engelbrecht, second alternate trumpet; Alexander Oshiro, second chair French horn; Carly Vanness, eighth chair French Horn; Lindsay Green, first alternate French horn; Molly Menickelly, first chair trombone; Josh Armstrong, third chair trombone; Turner Thornberry, fourth chair trombone; Nikolle Holland, fifth chair trombone; Gerry Pydeski, seventh chair trombone; Sean Bonnette, second chair baritone; Drew McInnis, fourth chair baritone; Catherine Gural, fifth chair baritone; Jake Ashworth, first alternate baritone; Benita Voran, second chair tuba; Skyelar Decker, third chair tuba; Holly Jenter, second alternate tuba; J.R. Franks, third snare.
Christian Rippe of Ashburn is performing with the Valparaiso University (Ind.) symphony orchestra during the academic year. Rippe, a freshman, plays the cello in the ensemble. He is an exploratory engineering major and the son of Mark and Karen Rippe of Ashburn.