Randy Weissman of Centreville attended the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s 13th annual Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National Conference for Educators from June 28-30. Weissman was one of more than 175 secondary educators from around the country who participated in the three-day workshop.
The conference is part of the Museum’s ongoing effort to equip educators nationwide with the knowledge and skills to effectively bring Holocaust education into their classrooms. Every year, the museum trains hundreds of teachers through training programs held in Washington, D.C., and around the country.
Christopher Robert Aaront, 23, of Centreville, has been accepted into the Peace Corps. Aaront will be departing for the Philippines on Aug. 22 to begin pre-service training as a coastal resource management Peace Corps Volunteer. He will graduate from Volunteer training in November.
Aaront is the son of Rob and Carla Aaront, and a graduate of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax. He then attended the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he earned a bachelor of arts in human ecology, graduating in 2008. Aaront previously worked in the office of U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R–Va.)
During the first three months of his service, Aaront will live with a host family in the Philippines to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist his community, Aaront will serve for two years in the Philippines, living in a manner similar to people in his host country.
Congratulations to Jonathan Trowbridge who attends the Chantilly Academy. He is ranked 10th in the nation for Computer Network Design while representing the state of Virginia in the Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) competition in Anaheim, Calif. He will continue to enjoy California living for the next week, and then return home.
The WFRWC is pleased to announce Woody Angle as the recipient for the 2009 Barbara Bush Scholarship award. The scholarship was named after First Lady Barbara Bush, and was established by the WFRWC to recognize vibrant youth who are active and have made outstanding contributions to the Republican Party.
The applicant must meet the following criteria: have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above; be a 2007 graduating senior of Oakton, Chantilly, Centreville or Westfield High School and demonstrate leadership in one or more Republican activities.
Woody was nominated by Bob Carlson, FCRC Sully District Chairman. He maintains a 3.2 cumulative GPA at Westfield High School and graduated cum laude honor roll and has three letters for varsity sports. He has an additional extensive list of activities and Republican volunteer experience. His experience ranges from volunteering for the McCain/Palin 2008 Campaign; for the Tom Davis for Congress campaign and parade; and for the Wolf for Congress campaign. In between school and his republican volunteering, Woody kept busy with his leadership skills. He was captain of the varsity lacrosse team and coached youth lacrosse; he was a DECA competitor (state runner up and national qualifier); and he was a peer monitor. Woody proudly gave back to his community as well by volunteering at his church, "Our Neighbor's Child" and mentored elementary school children.
Woody was recognized at the May 21st WFRWC meeting where he was presented the Barbara Bush Scholarship certificate and a scholarship check in the amount of $500.
He will be attending either East Carolina University or the University of South Carolina — his choice as he was accepted to both.
Clifton area student, Ashley Potts, entering 10th grade at Centreville High School, recently returned from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where she attended a People to People Leadership Summit.
Potts, along with fellow delegates from around the world, participated in a 10-day in-depth and intense medicine/healthcare program that provides a thorough perspective of what a career in the field of healthcare can entail. During this summit, Potts also learned about effective leadership and how to develop her own leadership abilities to make a difference at home. Hands-on activities such as patient interviews, case studies (liver transplant patients), research, and obstacle courses to strengthen team bonds, professional speakers, workshops, and visits to significant local venues gave Potts a perspective on what it takes to lead. Potts said this summit was a great experience, because she was able to meet other students from around the world and make lasting friendships. She also said this program strengthened her resolve to pursue studies in the medical field and felt that the summit broadened her perspective of what to expect in college and further educational pursuits.