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Two Arlington students were named to the fall semester 2007 dean’s list at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg: Lauren M. Blitz, a junior church music major, and Xiaodan Han, a senior computer information systems major.
The following Arlington residents graduated from Virginia Tech in December:
* Christopher Dykema received a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree (cum laude) in materials science and engineering from the College of Engineering.
* Franklyn Beckley received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering.
* James Landrum received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the College of Engineering.
* Nicholas Castillo received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree in computer engineering from the College of Engineering.
* Rohit Kumar received a Bachelor of Science degree (magna cum laude) in biological sciences from the College of Science.
* Eric Shiflett received a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
* Ashley Tolley received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree (cum laude) in accounting and information systems from the Pamplin College of Business.
* Elise Capelli received a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from the College of Natural Resources.
* Courtney Gleason received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering.
* LaShawna Freeman received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering degree in industrial and systems engineering from the College of Engineering.
* Eva Jurkevics received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in finance from the Pamplin College of Business.
* Dacia Leon received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the College of Science.
* Dacia Leon received a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from the College of Science.
* John Newman received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in electrical engineering from the College of Engineering.
* Adam Reardon received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree in aerospace engineering from the College of Engineering.
* William Sherman received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the College of Engineering.
* Gina Troiano received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the College of Science.
* Timothy Walters received a Bachelor of Landscape architecture degree (cum laude) in landscape architecture from the College of architecture and Urban Studies.
* Abdoulaye Maiga received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in management from the Pamplin College of Business.
* Ryan Finley received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Arlington resident Beth Offenbacker, a Ph.D. student in the School of Public Administration and Policy (CPAP), Virginia Tech, National Capital Region, has been awarded the prestigious 2008 James E. Webb Award by the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) for presenting the most outstanding paper at the organization’s 2007 annual conference.
Offenbacker’s presentation, "New Zealand Local Government: Creating a Meaningful Connection Between Participatory Budgeting and Performance Budgeting" discusses the importance of tying together performance budgeting with participatory budgeting for the benefit of accountability.
Participating Arlington area high schools announced their school winners for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The school winners, as well as other school winners throughout the state, will go on to participate in the Poetry Out Loud Virginia State Finals on March 6 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* Wakefield High - Adrian Lopez-Piper
* Washington Lee High - Emily Yancey
* The Teenage Parenting Program - Dana Gray
* Yorktown High - Laura Mansilla
Six Bishop O’Connell Seniors were named National Merit Finalists. Adam Mann (Our Lady of Angels), Maj-Britt Frenze, Nicole Catalfamo (St Theresa), Matt Burrows (St. Anthony), Justin Saunders (St Mary’s Piscataway) and Kim Kosta (St. Leo) now qualify for the Merit Scholarships.
Henry students raised money by participating in an activity called Gratitude Baggies. They collected a nickel for each shoe they owned, a dime for each pillow and a quarter per stuffed animal and proceeds will be used to buy phone cards for soldiers and to help the homeless.
Drew’s kindergarten, first grade, primary and lower Montessori teachers hosted an early reading workshop for students and parents on Jan. 31. The event was organized by Drew’s literacy team of Cynthia Barron, Nancy Butt-Packard, Sharon Gaston, Myra Gilchrist, and Lynn Rohrs. Parents received activities and tips for reading with their children, while students enjoyed hearing The Hungry Bear read by kindergarten teacher, Casey Lippitt.
During February, Ashlawn students will participate in a fundraiser to support leukemia. This annual fundraiser is spearheaded by administrative assistant Aundrea Moore. Students in the lower grades practice counting and sorting coins and paper money while tabulating the total amount raised by the school.
On Jan. 25, Williamsburg sixth grade students wove paper hearts filled with hard candy for soldiers in Iraq and made Valentine placemats for residents of the Powhatan Nursing Home.
On Feb. 1, Paul DiBenedetto’s first grade class at Taylor along with SCA representatives, delivered Valentines to patients at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. All Taylor students were asked to reach out to the community of patients at the hospital by making a Valentine.
On Jan. 28, 36 Arlington middle and high school students visited Hampton University and the College of William & Mary with minority achievement coordinators Tim Cotman, James Sample, and Leslie Stockton and Kenmore assistant Chris Jones. The students took tours of the campuses, attended admissions sessions, and received some timely advice on preparing for their futures as college students. College students and staff stressed the importance of taking school seriously, choosing the right courses, and forming good relationships with teachers and counselors.
Tuckahoe ITC Marnie Lewis, counselor Charmaine Jenkins, and counseling intern Zarin Zapadia presented the first in a series of student workshops on Internet Safety and Cyber Bullying.
Nottingham crossing guard Amelia Edwards and Oakridge volunteer Marilyn Landrum were featured as NBC4’s Morning Person on Feb. 7 and Feb. 12 respectively.
Heather Hurly of ATS has been honored for her advocacy for the use of educational technology by the Virginia Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council.