Send announcements to the Alexandria Gazette Packet, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos are encouraged. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
This summer more than 30 students will serve around the world, working alongside Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Missions field personnel and Fellowship partners. Allison Lee-Villanueva, of Alexandria, will serve in Great Falls, Va. Lee-Villanueva will serve at Camp Fraser in Great Falls. Camp Fraser offers various outdoor activities such as rafting, camping and climbing for inner city children. Lee-Villanueva will work with youth, leading worship, devotion, serving meals and participating in many sport activities.
The Alexandria Human Rights Commission awarded the Ethiopian-Eritrean Student Association of T.C. Williams High School the Commission's 2007 Student Human Rights Award. The Commission established the Human Rights Awards six years ago to recognize students who have contributed significantly toward improving basic human rights and fairness for all in the City. The club participated in the 2000 Millennium Campaign with the Ethiopian/African 2000 Group, raising money for efforts to unite the people of Africa toward unity and peace. Michael Diggins is the teacher sponsor at T. C. Williams High School. Each year the group sponsors an Essence Night in Alexandria, showcasing fashion, dance and talent, while promoting diversity.
Christopher Nolan, the son of Cheri Nolan of Alexandria, graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Christopher was active in the academy flight program, played both soccer and lacrosse, and was a member of the French National Honor Society. He was named to the dean’s list and received the American Citizenship Award. Christopher plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Florida, where he received a $4,000 scholarship. He had received a total of $9,000 in scholarship offers.
Cristina Yolanda Ortiz, the daughter of Jacob and Yolanda Ortiz of Alexandria, graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Cristina was active in the chorus and on the tennis team. She received the Tennis Coach's Award at the end of the school year. Cristina plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College - Alexandria Campus.
Shardia Kiara Thomas, the daughter of Saundra Turner of Alexandria, and Ralph Thomas of Washington D.C., graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy on June 2. While at R-MA, Shardia was active in the cadre, the student leadership of the Air Force JROTC program, holding the rank of Cadet Major. Her leadership, positive attitude, integrity, loyalty and perseverance were acknowledged when she was presented both the Purple Heart Award and the James M. Mills Award at the end of the school year. She represented the academy as a "Princess" during the annual Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, VA. Shardia plans to attend Mary Baldwin College, where she received a $28,000 scholarship. She had received a total of $38,000 in scholarship offers.
U11 Girls LMVSC "Patriots" Travel Soccer Team is seeking talented players to play for the upcoming year (2007-08). The team is registered for the Fall 2007 with WAGS (Washington Area Girls Soccer), a prestigious, competitive league. The team emphasizes team building and individual skill development at a higher level that will enhance the player's love of the game. For tryout dates and times, contact Sally Sternal at SallySternal@aol.com or call 703-619-1346.
Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy has been selected as a National Schools of Character Promising Practices award recipient by the Character Education Partnership (CEP). The school’s "Pillars of Good Character" will serve as a model for other schools to replicate and integrate into their character education initiatives. Lyles-Crouch will receive the honor during the CEP National Forum on Character Education to be held Nov. 1-3 in Arlington. The school also will have an opportunity to share the winning practice at a conference poster session, will be listed in the 2007 National Schools of Character book, will be featured on the CEP Web site and will receive a subscription to CEP’s electronic newsletter.
A free Health and Immunization Fair for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) students will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at James K. Polk Elementary School, 5000 Polk Ave., Alexandria. The event is for any ACPS students in grades kindergarten through five who do not have access to medical care and who need physical exams, immunizations or Tuberculosis skin tests prior to school entry in September. Parents or guardians must accompany children and bring immunization records along with each child’s health history and allergy information. Reservations are preferred, and may be made by calling 703-321-1990.