Wolftrap Elementary School will hold a dedication ceremony for the new Candace Leyton Innovation Learning Lab on Monday, Feb. 4, at noon. The addition to the front of the school is named after the late Candace Leyton, who taught at the school for 23 years. She is remembered as an educator who inspired her students to reach beyond the classroom walls to experience learning, and helped her students become thinkers and problem solvers. Leyton was known for her ability to establish positive relationships with her students, a key to motivating them. She died in 2003, after dedicating over 30 years of her life to teaching elementary and middle school students in Fairfax County.
One of her former students, Chris Shumway, donated the funds to support construction of the building, and the new furniture and technology it contains. In 2009, Shumway approached Wolftrap’s former principal, Anita Blain, looking for a way to honor Leyton, who he considered one of his most influential teachers. The Shumway Foundation honors the efforts of Candace Leyton and other great teachers who bring creativity and a love of learning to the classroom.
The new lab will be open to guests at the ceremony.
Wolftrap Elementary School is located at 1903 Beulah Road in Vienna. For more information, contact principal Teresa Khuluki at 703-319-7300.