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Year in Review 2024
Annandale Students, Parents and Community:
As 2024 winds down, this special edition of the Annandale Insider celebrates the incredible "Awesome Atoms" moments that have defined the year. Reliving these highlights reinforces an important truth: Annandale is truly a special place.
We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our staff, students and community over the past year. From academic and athletic achievements to inspiring displays of school spirit and community, Atom Nation has consistently showcased its talent, teamwork, and dedication.
Of course, none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. On behalf of the entire Annandale High School staff, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your support throughout the year. Whether volunteering your time, cheering on our teams, or simply believing in our students, your contributions make all the difference.
Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025!
Shawn DeRose, Principal
January
Annandale Journalism Students Featured in Washington Post: Journalism students Michelle Collins and Shane Gomez were featured in a Washington Post article, highlighting their work with the nonprofit journalism training program, Youthcast Media Group, which provides mentoring and helps students get their work published in major newspapers. Under the guidance and mentorship of Journalism teacher Alan Weintraut, the young journalists were described as “just the kind of budding reporters our nation’s troubled news business needs.” Professional journalists will be visiting AHS to help students interview sources and write their stories.
Annandale Musicians Participate in District Honor Orchestra: In January, 12 Annandale students participated in District Honor Orchestra at Hayfield Secondary School. Congratulations to Christina Abouzeki, Marc Akl, Abem Alemu, Ollie Allen, Melanie Lam, Erica Lee, Ryan Phan, Andrea Rivera Perez, Jazlyn Tang, Lyana Vo, Calleigh Widjaja, and Leyla Yilma for their hard work and incredible performance!
Two Atoms Earn Global Seal of Biliteracy: Congratulations to Kimberly Navarette Calderon and Zeida Patino Hernandez for earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an international credential that conveys proficiency with language skills in two or more languages. This credential offers a competitive advantage for bilingual individuals by helping them earn scholarships, higher pay, advanced placement, increased study abroad opportunities, and so much more.
Annandale NEHS Students Volunteer at Annandale Terrace Elementary School: NEHS students volunteered weekly at Annandale Terrace Elementary School to help with their after-school program. Our students made connections with the elementary students and tutored them in reading, writing, science, and math. Everyone had so much fun and we are very excited to continue this partnership with ATES!
Former AVID Students Return to Support Seniors: Nineteen (19) alumni of the AHS AVID program came back to AHS to speak to current AVID seniors about their experiences. Alumni hailed from the AHS classes of 2019-2023, and attended UVA, Mason, NOVA, Marymount, Randolph, Virginia Tech, Catholic University, VCU, ODU, and Mary Washington, majoring in Psychology, Education, Business, Biology, Civil Engineering, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Information Technology, and Cinema & TV Production. Alumni met with seniors in small groups to discuss specific colleges and majors. As one alumna, Amina Ahmed, said, “I felt really good being able to give advice to students especially because I was in their position just a year ago.”
Annandale Teacher, Sandra Benitez, Featured in FCPS News: Sandra Benitez was recently featured for being a first year U.S. Government teacher for English Learners at Annandale High School, her alma mater. She decided to become a teacher while working as a counselor-in-training for the Fairfax County Park Authority. Throughout her experience at Annandale High School, she volunteered at elementary schools and as a peer tutor. She shared about the connection she still has with her former teachers and how they supported her dream of becoming a teacher. She also shares how her past helps her connect with current students.
Annandale Teachers Earn National Board Certification: Congratulations to Spanish Teacher, Lauren Paz Soldan and Social Studies Teacher, Paul Mock for being among the 14 FCPS teachers to earn certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.
Annie Ray Wins 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Annie Ray, Orchestra Teacher at Annandale High School, wins the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Click here to read the full FCPS article.
This annual honor recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who also demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in schools. Annie was selected from more than 2,000 initial nominations submitted from across all 50 U.S. states. She will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for Annandale’s music program.
There is no one more deserving of this honor. Her commitment to bringing music into the lives of all students, regardless of age or ability, has carried an impact throughout Atom Nation. Annie routinely hosts events that bring the entire Annandale community together. Just last week she hosted Pizza & Pizzicato, where close to 400 Strings and Orchestra students from the Annandale feeder schools came to AHS to perform in two back-to-back concerts. Each season, she prepares the musicians of Atom Nation for concerts that feature all of the Annandale Orchestras, including Crescendo, which includes our CAT B students, and our Parent Orchestra, which helps parents learn instruments alongside their child.
AHS Hosts Love Like Adam Foundation: Annandale High School recently hosted the Love Like Adam foundation for the Class of 2024. Love Like Adam is a non-profit established with the goal to “support, educate, and equip graduating seniors and their families with the transition from high school to higher education,” particularly around the dangers of hazing and alcohol intoxication. It was established in honor of Adam Oakes, a recent hazing victim, who died in a hazing incident while attending VCU during his freshman year of college.
Annandale Hosts Pizza and Pizzicato: On Thursday, January 25, close to 400 Strings and Orchestra students from the Annandale feeder schools came to AHS to perform in two back-to-back concerts featuring our AHS Philharmonic Orchestra. There were electric instruments, neon glow bows, and more! Students participated in clinics to make music together, unify as a pyramid, and learn about everything our programs have to offer!
February
Scholastic Bowl Team Participates in Tournament Debut: The newly formed Scholastic Bowl team at AHS made their debut in Scholastic Bowl Tournament competition Saturday, January 27. They competed in the Occoquan Sectional and Regional Scholastic Bowl Tournament against five other schools. They competed well and are looking forward to being regulars on the Scholastic Bowl competition circuit.
Ten Annandale Students Advance to Regional Science Fair: Nineteen Annandale Students Advance to Regional Science Fair: A huge shout-out to all of the teachers who guided students through the science fair project process. Over the last few months our science teams have been working to support students as they prepare their Science Fair Projects. On Wednesday, January 31, Annandale held our in-school science fair. From there, Annandale will send 19 projects to the Regional Science Fair that will take place the weekend of March 15-17. A big thank you to all of our students and staff members who participated in making this year’s science fair a success!
Ivan Flores-Gomez Wins NVFHOF Scholarship! Congrats to Ivan Flores-Gomez, 12th grade student and football player, who recently was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame. Ivan was recognized because of his accomplishments both on and off the field!
Annandale Community Insider Wins “Best High School Newsletter”! The Annandale Community Insider, our weekly newsletter to the students, parents and community members, recently won “Best High School Newsletter” at the 2024 FCPS School Communicators Conference. It was four years ago this month that we sent our first Community Insider. Our goal then and now is not only to provide you the information needed for the upcoming week and beyond, but also build culture, reinforce our vision, share celebrations, and establish a sense of community. Special thanks to Jen Cory and Jeniva Miller, who help collect, organize and edit our weekly newsletter!
Area Journalists Visit Annandale High School: On Friday, Annandale Students meet with political journalist Al Hunt, Fox 5’s Shomari Stone, and NPR’s Michel Martin to help share stories about their careers, offered advice to students and helped share article the students are working on that matter to our school community. Check out Shomari Stone's shoutout to Annandale on FOX 5 here.
AHS English Teacher Selected as Fulbright Global Competence Fellow: Last week administrator Sarah Eqab accompanied IB Language and Literature teacher, Kathleen Mathis, to the Fulbright Global Education Symposium in Washington, DC. They spent several days engaging with representatives of the U.S. Department of State, as well as administrators and educators from across the country. They also discussed how to integrate global competence and instructional strategies in the classroom. The Symposium is part of Mathis’s journey as a Fulbright Teachers for Global Competence fellow. In June she will travel to Uruguay to learn about their education system. As part of her capstone project, she will create an educational guide to incorporating global perspectives in the classroom.
ExxonMobil Education Alliance Donates $1000 to AHS: ExxonMobil is fueling young minds and helping create aha moments through the Educational Alliance. Over $40 million has been committed since the program’s inception, which funds math and science programs at schools in need. It’s part of our ongoing effort to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education within the communities we serve. For more information, check out ExxonMobil’s Education Alliance website.
Orchestra Students Get Backstage Access to the National Symphony Orchestra! Fifty Annandale Orchestra students spent their Friday night at the National Symphony Orchestra where they saw Hilary Hahn perform and meet conductor Gianandrea Noseda. It was an amazing evening organized by Orchestra Leadership. Shoutout to the Orchestra Boosters for making it happen!
Annandale Students Earn Recognition at Edison Academy! Two Annandale students received second quarter recognition with us. Please congratulate them on their accomplishment! Sophia Terrazas-Toranzo earned the Achievement Award for Cyber Security: Exploring IT, and Melvin Guerra Argueta earned Student of the Quarter for Electrical Construction 1. Check out the photo album of all second quarter award winners.
AHS Equity Team for ELs Volunteer at DC Central Kitchen: Last Wednesday, 35 students from the AHS Equity Team for ELs, Alumni of the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE), and Just World volunteered at DC Central Kitchen. This experience allowed students a hands-on opportunity in public service to develop their interest in being changemakers around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The students made a valuable contribution in their DMV community by way of peeling, chopping, mixing, weighing, and packaging food for those in need. The students heard from (and were complimented by!) the DC Central Kitchen CEO, who thanked them for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to be global citizens. This trip was made possible by the Educate Fairfax grant awarded to AHS earlier this school year.
Three Annandale Students Named All District Band - Congratulations to Shane Gomez, Tyler Perez and Brian Bernard for being named All-District Band by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA). 2024 All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Auditions will be February 24 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
Husna Basiri is an NHS Scholarship Award Winner! Congratulations to senior, Husna Basiri for being selected as an NHS Scholarship Recipient. NHS Scholars are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, service, leadership, and character and presented with an award to support college access and student success. National Honor Society members make a difference in their schools and communities, and the NHS Scholarship is NASSP’s way of recognizing the most exceptional of these student leaders. The scholarship program is supported by the parent organization of the NHS, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
March
Saul Soriano selected for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program: The Annandale Community is proud of Saul Soriano for being accepted to Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX). Saul is one of 50 students selected across the United States who will receive a full scholarship to spend a year studying in Germany. Students are selected based on academic merit, strong communication skills, and the ability to represent the U.S. with distinction. Saul is an active member in our AHS school community. He is an AHS student ambassador for the Center for International Education and Exchange and will be performing with the Hispanic Student Union for Heritage Night. Congratulations, Saul!
Annandale Choirs Earn High Marks at State Choral Assessments: Annandale High School proudly announces exceptional results from the State Choral Assessments at Annandale UMC. Our talented choral groups have excelled, with ten Superior and two Excellent ratings in concert performances, showcasing their outstanding musical abilities. In the challenging sight-reading component, our ensembles continued to impress, achieving three Superior and one Excellent ratings. These achievements highlight the dedication, hard work, and musical excellence of our students and educators.
Performing Arts Students Visit NYC: Annandale Performing Arts took their annual combined Spring Trip to New York City. Students got to tour Lincoln Center, see the Broadway show Hadestown, participate in a workshop with the cast, and see Sterling Elliot's cello recital at Juilliard. Prior to the trip, they had masterclasses with members of the National Symphony Orchestra and The United States Army Band. Students walked away from the trip with a greater appreciation for their peers' performing arts discipline, a deeper understanding of their craft, and a discovery of different career paths they might consider.
Congratulations to Thanh Nguyen, National Merit Scholarship Finalist! Congrats to Thanh Nguyen, who has been recognized from a pool of over 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists from around the country. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
FanQuest Rocks Atom Nation! On Wednesday, March 6, the Annandale Special Olympics Basketball team hosted the Justice Wolves for our annual FanQuest. FanQuest is an event that promotes inclusion and respect for students with disabilities through sports. Both the Atoms and Wolves played with the support of general education peers involved with the Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs. These are programs in which students have the opportunity to work with their Cat-B peers.
The event, as a part of our annual Inclusion Revolution week, was supported by our leadership class, boys basketball team, band, and cheerleaders. It was an incredible experience to watch our Special Olympics athletes showcase their basketball skills in the gymnasium packed with student fans. All eyes were on our athletes and the crowd went wild when the first basket was made, and the cheering didn’t stop. The support and appreciation our students had for both the Wolves and their fellow Atoms was overwhelming. Special thanks to Special Olympics Coaches Janan Hawthorne, Katie Shaw and Paul Fink for coordinating this incredible event and to the Justice Wolves for an amazing game. A special shoutout to Mr. Lee and our leadership students for MCing the event and getting the gym set up for our athletes.
Atoms Writing Center Tutors Present at Annual Conference: Atoms Writing Center tutors Safa Touri and Margaret Tran were selected to present at the Secondary Schools Writing Center Association's annual conference this year. On Saturday, March 16th, they delivered a presentation entitled "Straying Away from Paper and Pencil: Understanding Minimalist Tutoring to Encourage Self-Regulated Writing Inside and Outside the Center." Tutors and Writing Center Directors from across the country attended their session to learn how to help tutees thrive by teaching them the skills they need to improve their writing on their own after working with a writing center tutor.
Debate Team Reaches Round 5 of Regionals: The Annandale Debate Team traveled to Wakefield High School for the 2024 regional tournament. Rebeka Balibuno and Cecilia Marigliano participated in the Lincoln-Douglas 1v1 debates and made it through 5 rounds of competition despite this being their first ever competition. This is also the first time in many years that Annandale has fielded a debate team. We are so proud of these young ladies! For more information on how to get involved with Annandale Debate reach out to our incredible sponsors, Kimberly Falvey and Megan Mooney!
Senior, Husna Basiri, Recognized at Fairfax Peace Awards: Husna was one of 27 recipients of a 2024 Student Peace Award of Fairfax County who were honored at a reception on March 10. Representative Gerry Connolly introduced a Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives listing all the recipients and recognizing them as “active in promoting peace or removing the causes of conflict.” Husna founded the Dunya Club, which organizes field trips, college visits, and advocates for the needs of refugees with local media stations. In addition she has served as a Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL), and Co-President of the SEALS. In this role, she established a Mental Health Committee within the organization. Congratulations, Husna!
Journalism Students Learn From Some of the Best in the News Business: Students in the Journalism Pride Time group welcomed Christi Parsons of the University of Maryland’s Medill College of Journalism, former Wall Street Journal Washington Bureau Chief Al Hunt, Morning Edition’s Michael Martin and four of her colleagues from NPR including Chief Washington Editor Krishnadev Calamur, Morning Edition Editors Adam Bearne and Mohamed ElBardicy, and producer Nina Kravinsky. Students met in small groups with journalists to get individualized suggestions on how to complete the stories they've been working on since January.
AHS Students Visit the United Nations: The Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) Global Ambassadors traveled to NYC to leverage their study-abroad experience and explore post-secondary options in the field of international studies. Students visited the United Nations, toured New York University, and connected with alumni at CIEE partner school, Stuyvesant High School. It's not a trip to NYC without a visit to Times Square and walking the Brooklyn Bridge! Keep an eye on these five changemakers as they seek to make the world a better place for all.
Heritage Night Celebrates AHS Diversity and Belonging! Friday night, Annandale hosted our Annual Heritage Night Performance. Students had an opportunity to showcase their culture through music, dance, fashion, and more. Audience members enjoyed an incredible array of performances by students in which the appreciation of our diversity shined. Special thanks to all of our performers who worked so hard to practice their showpieces, our fantastic MCs Semir Ali, Radiate Yohanes and Kenza Choukairi as well as our leadership teachers, Madison Morella and Selvana Ayoub for their hard work in making the show a success!
April
Annandale Pyramid Art Show Success! Last week, Annandale hosted the Pyramid Art Show. This show is an opportunity to showcase student art work from our feeder elementary and middle schools alongside the work of Annandale students. This is a unique event in which our high school students have the opportunity to reconnect with their elementary and middle school Art teachers, and our future Atoms can see the many paths they can take to explore the Arts when they come to Annandale. Special thanks to Carmen Lucas, Erin Mahoney, Luis Navas Reyes and Megan Mooney for mounting this fabulous display of the talent in our community.
Annandale Hosts World Languages Teachers: In April, World Languages teachers from FCPS spent the day visiting classrooms at Annandale and collaborating with our World Languages team to learn with and from each other around best practices in the World Language classroom.
Lauren Paz Soldan, Spanish Teacher, Recognized for NBCT: Spanish Teacher, Lauren Paz Soldan was recognized at last week’s School Board Meeting for earning her National Board Certification. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Congratulations to Ms. Paz Soldan for earning this incredible recognition.
Annandale Students Support ATES Multicultural Night: Students from both schools worked together to collaborate on Annandale Terrace Elementary School’s Multicultural Night. Thanks to family liaisons Maria Mateus, Gisela Sanchez, and Rosario Carrasco for connecting our students and school communities. Our 11 Atoms demonstrated their leadership as they helped set up, greeted families, and manned stations at the photo booth and the “Taste of ATES.” Huge thank you to all who supported this event!
Emmy Award Winner Bernadette Bascom Visits Annandale: On Thursday, Emmy Award winner Bernadette Bascom visited Annandale High School and Annie Ray’s Crescendo Orchestra class. Ms. Bascom started the Music Project, a program designed to use singing to develop children's speaking skills and confidence. She discovered that many of her enrollees were neurodivergent and their speaking and ability to express themselves benefited greatly from the program. A documentary on the program called "Bernadette's Touch" earned her a 2012 Emmy Award for Human Interest Documentary. As a result of her success in the Music Project, Ms. Bascom collaborated with innovators at Microsoft Corporation to create a mobile application that teaches the principles from her in-person Music Project program. As of March 2023, the app called "Speak!" is available in the Apple store and as an early release in the Google play store.
Annandale Orchestra Perform National Anthem at Nats Park! Our Orchestra students performed the National Anthem at the Nationals game against the Houston Astros! Students performed for the entire stadium, then stayed to watch the game. The musicians were featured on the jumbotron as they performed, then again as they showed their spirit during the “Jump Around” challenge. Congratulations to our Orchestra. They knocked it out of the park!
Superintendent Michelle Reid Visits Annandale’s Inclusion Track Meet: Annandale hosted Dr. Michelle Reid and schools from throughout FCPS and surrounding divisions at the Special Olympics Inclusion Track Meet! This event was a great opportunity for students with disabilities to cheer each other on and participate in a variety of fun events. A big thank you to Head Coach Janan Hawthorne, and Assistant Coaches Katie Shaw and Paul Fink, for supporting this event.
Sage Nagle Winns Runner Up in STEM for Her Earth Day Innovation Contest: Annandale Junior, Sage Nagle, was featured on WUSA9 for being named runner up in the STEM for Her Earth Day Innovation Contest. Her entry started as her Science Fair project, when she explored ways to tackle oil spills. Congratulations to Sage on this incredible accomplishment!
CAT B Teacher Jill Hunt Recognized at ATS workshop: Congratulations to Jill Hunt who was recognized as an outstanding example of an educator who integrates Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) into daily instruction. She was invited to present at the FCPS AAC Integration Workshop on Tuesday, April 23 at the Instructional Program Support Center (ISPC). Jill had the opportunity to share teaching successes as well as collaborate with other educators across the county. Awesome work Jill!
May
Studio Art Students Visit National Gallery: Students in our 2D and 3D Studio Art classes attended a field trip to the National Gallery of Art. They had an incredible day starting with a private guided tour of Modern and Post-Modernism Abstract Art. Students were encouraged to look carefully, discuss works of Art, and draw compositions of their own that echoed many of our country’s greatest artists. Special shoutout to Ms. Mooney and Ms. Lockett for chaperoning this trip!
Journalism PRIDE Time Project Celebrates Results: Annandale journalists welcomed back guests from national news outlets to celebrate the results of their 6-month collaboration. Students devoted their free period to work with journalists from national outlets on stories they cared about. Stories center around the challenges of resuming social connections after the pandemic and concerns about the future and their place in it. After students shared what they'd learned in the auditorium. They talked about the importance of going into a story with an open mind, as well as the value of listening, time management, preparation. Veteran DC journalist Al Hunt and fellow alumni of the Wall Street Journal Jerry Seib, Barb Rosewicz, John McKinnon, the L.A. Times' Jackie Calmes, and NPR's Michel Martin and Morning Edition colleague Mohamed ElBardicy encouraged the students and highlighted their achievements.
Atoms Athletes at the Next Level: We recently recognized our Atoms athletes who have committed to play athletics at the collegiate level. Ros McClendon will play Field Hockey at Goucher College, Colin McGee will Swim at College of the Holy Cross, Zachary Plank will play Baseball at Susquehanna University, and Amaya Sutton-Antezana will play Soccer at Marymount University. We are proud of their accomplishments and can't wait to hear of their future success!
Annabelle Lee Awarded Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship: Congratulations to Annandale senior Annabelle Lee, who was selected as the winner of the Asian Leadership Alliance (ALA) Community Action & Service Scholarship. Annabelle was awarded $1,000 to support her college education. The ALA is an organization that focuses on providing resources and support for professional career development for our students of Asian and Pacific islander descent. Annabelle was recently accepted into New York University (NYU)! Awesome job
Spanish Teacher, Miles Meijer, Published in Education Blog, Edutopia: Mr. Meijer’s article, Using Task-Based Lessons to Enhance World Language Classes, was published on the blog Edutopia. The article shares the approach his team takes towards designing assignments based on real-world scenarios that ask students to communicate in the target language. Congratulations to Mr. Meijer and the entire Spanish 2 team for being featured for their outstanding work.
Sophomore, Fatmata Musa Awarded Golden Key Honorable Mention: Congratulations to Fatmata Musa who was awarded a Golden Key Honorable Mention in the 2024 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition for her poem, Because; I'm tired. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Writing categories include critical essay, dramatic script, flash fiction, humor, journalism, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, short story, and writing portfolio.
Annandale AVID Program Graduates 45 Students: The Annandale AVID Program held a ceremony on Monday to celebrate the 45 graduating AVID seniors in the Class of 2024. The AVID Class of 2024 will be attending the University of Virginia, George Mason, VCU, Christopher Newport University, Marymount University, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, University of Mary Washington, and Northern Virginia Community College in the fall.
Rossy Soto Selected for Virginia Space Grant Consortium: Congratulations to Rossy Soto for being selected to attend a seven day Commercial ReSupply Academy in August at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Rossy completed an online course that began last summer and ended in April through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. Based on her success in the course, she was invited to attend the academy.
Annandale Teachers Perform with FCPS Parent Orchestra: ESOL Teachers Karen Daniels and Tricia Kapuscinski participated in last week’s Parent Orchestra performance held at Annandale High School. They are grateful to Founder and Co-Director, Annie Ray, for creating this program and opportunity for lifelong learning. Their first piece was titled “Exhilaration,” which also describes their Parent Orchestra experience as beginner violinists: challenging, fun, and exhilarating! The Parent Orchestra meets twice a month and welcomes musicians of all experience levels, including those completely new to strings. Registration for next year’s orchestra will be in the fall - don’t miss out!
Annandale Student Earns All-Virginia Concert Band: In February 2024, hundreds of band and orchestra students from throughout the Commonwealth traveled to James Madison University to compete for highly-select seats in the All-Virginia band and orchestra. Students were eligible to audition based on a prior successful audition at the district level.
Tyler Perez, a senior band member and the Drum Major for the Marching Atoms was the singular Annandale band member to earn a spot, ranking as the #1 euphonium player of 25 in District 10, then ranking 9th out of 76 across the Commonwealth. Tyler participated in the All-Virginia Concert Band in Richmond from April 18-20, culminating in a gala concert at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Tyler will continue to play euphonium while he studies aviation at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Congratulations, Tyler!
ATC Students Perform at Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program: The Annandale Theatre Arts 2, 3, and 4 students performed a scene from Macbeth as part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company School Residency Program. The students studied themes of power, fate, free will, and the supernatural. Then students had an opportunity to perform with nine other area schools.
Annandale Choir Student Secures Place In All-Virginia Chorus: Annandale placed one student in the SATB choir and two alternates. Those students are Tyler Miller (First Chair – Bass Section), Andrew Salazar (Second Alternate – Alto Section), Noah Plank (Second Alternate – Bass Section). For Tyler, this is his second year in a row to make the All-Virginia Chorus both as a freshman and a sophomore. Congratulations to all three of these students on this great accomplishment!
Congratulations to Dr. Hanna Langstein, Ed.D.! Assistant Principal Hanna Langstein recently graduated from Virginia Tech with her Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Hanna has been working on her doctorate throughout her time at Annandale High School. Dr. Langstein’s dissertation was a case study of a middle school, entitled: Honors-for-All: The Effect of Detracking on Teachers’ Beliefs and Pedagogy.
June
Annandale Gets A Spirit Rock! Huge thank you to Annandale PTSA and Luck Stone Quarry for the donation of our Spirit Rock. Dave Snider and Luck Stone Quarry generously donated the seven (7) ton rock and arranged for the donation and delivery. Delivery was courtesy of LCS Site Services. Seniors painted the rock during Senior Sunset. We look forward to seeing our Annandale Spirit on display for years to come.
AHS Celebrates Largest Number of IB Diploma Candidates: This year, Annandale High School proudly celebrates a landmark achievement as we graduate our largest group of International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates to date—78 remarkable students. These dedicated scholars have not only completed between 12 to 18 rigorous IB courses but have also engaged deeply in the unique Theory of Knowledge class, crafted extensive 4,000-word extended essays, and participated in a myriad of service activities. Their commitment to academic excellence and community service exemplifies the spirit and intellectual vigor of Atom Nation. Congratulations to each of these students for reaching this significant milestone in their educational journey!
Katie Shaw Honored as Finalist for FCPS Outstanding New Secondary Teacher: Katie Shaw, Cat B teacher at Annandale High School, was recognized as a finalist for the FCPS Honors Outstanding New Secondary Teacher award. Katie teaches Pathways to Accessing Community Environments (PACE), a program serving students ages 18-22, where she emphasizes the importance of independence in life and job skills to ensure a seamless transition from high school to adulthood. Beyond her classroom duties, Katie is actively engaged in Atom Nation, supporting various school activities and serving as a Special Olympics coach. Congratulations Katie!
AHS Senior, Jeremiah Nelson Wins Runner Up in States! A huge congratulations to Jeremiah Nelson, who finished state runner-up in the high jump! Jeremiah's hard work, dedication, and athletic talent have truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of his achievement! Next up, National Competitions!
AVID Program Grows Five-Fold! On May 22, the AHS AVID Program held its annual end of year review and celebration. The AVID program at Annandale High School has quintupled in the last eight years, with over 250 students enrolled for next year, making it the second largest program in the division. During the presentation, the AVID coordinator, elective teachers, and students shared program highlights and goals for the upcoming year.
Students expressed that the program is a “safe place to do what I love“ that “feels like home” and described the AVID community as “a special family bonded with many aspirations…where I can work with my peers to reach my goals and help them meet theirs.”
Chad Steffey Named Outstanding New Band Teacher! We are delighted to announce that Dr. Chad Steffey has been honored with the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education Outstanding New Band Teacher Award. His exceptional dedication has not only revitalized our band program at Annandale but also fostered a nurturing environment where students excel musically and grow as compassionate individuals. Dr. Steffey’s unwavering support, particularly his willingness to step in during a colleague's leave, exemplifies his commitment to our students' success. This well-deserved recognition highlights his significant impact on nurturing budding musicians within our community. Congratulations, Dr. Steffey, on this outstanding achievement!
Alison Coria Tarazona Awarded Scholarship for Leadership! Congratulations to Alison Tarazona for being awarded The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) Scholarship for Leadership. Recipients were recognized for leadership and mentoring skills in their educational and social activities. Candidates for the HLA Scholarships are committed to furthering their education while improving their communities and will be the first in their families to attend a postsecondary institution.
EduFuturo Partnership Brings Emerging Leader Program to Annandale: This spring Annandale partnered with Edu-Futuro to offer the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP 1) focusing on current sophomores and juniors who are first generation college-bound students with an emphasis on communication and leadership skills to prepare them for life after high school. We had 26 students graduate from this after-school program and multiple students won scholarships for their participation like Mailhi Leon Lobos won first place in the essay competition and Rossy Soto who won first place in the speech competition. A summer Edu-Futuro bootcamp will be offered and interested candidates can complete this Google form. We plan on partnering with Edu-Futuro in the fall with additional opportunities so please stay tuned for more information!
Two Annandale Seniors Featured on WTOP: AHS Seniors Sosan Barakzai and Husna Basiri were recently featured on WTOP for their outstanding contributions to our community. As founders of the "Dunya" club, they have created a vital support network for immigrant students adjusting to life in Fairfax County. Their dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds is truly inspirational. Both graduates are headed to George Washington University, leaving behind a legacy that will guide future Annandale students. Congratulations, Sosan and Husna, on this well-deserved recognition!
Featured in Northern Virginia Magazine - Grit: Afghan Refugee Conquers Virtual Learning, 14 SOL Attempts to Graduate: Afghan refugee Samiullah Luddin, a senior at Annandale High School, did not have the easiest path to graduation. Samiullah — whose family left Afghanistan after his father survived being kidnapped by the Taliban and detained for months — began his American public school experience in 2020. He showed up to school for the first time in the U.S. to pick up a laptop, ready to embark on virtual learning like students across the country during the early days of the pandemic. Check out the article in Northern Virginia Magazine!
Summer 2024
AHS 2023-24 End of Year Report Highlights Academic Success! Annandale High School achieved outstanding academic success during the 2023-24 school year, with English scores rising to 97%, Math scores at 90%, and a remarkable 9% increase in Science. These results reflect our commitment to academic excellence and collaboration, earning us recognition as the only high school in Virginia to be named a Model Professional Learning Community at Work®. Read more about our achievements in the End-of-Year Report.
Shawn DeRose Elected VASSP President: Congratulations to Shawn DeRose who has been elected as the President of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Founded in 1906, VASSP is a leading organization dedicated to promoting quality education and supporting school administrators in Virginia. As the seventh largest school administrators’ organization within the National Association of Secondary School Principals' network, VASSP provides unparalleled professional development and advocacy for its members. Mr. DeRose’s election is a testament to his dedication and leadership in the field of education. Congratulations, Mr. DeRose!
AHS Students & Teachers Travel for Exchange Program: This summer, ESOL Coach, Meredith Hedrick and Spanish Teacher, Miles Meijer traveled to Madrid, Spain, with the Center for International Education and Exchange language and culture program. Miles was a program leader who supported students and led groups on cultural activities and excursions. Meredith participated in a teacher site visit and joined the students in Spanish language classes and excursions. We can’t wait to hear about their experiences when they return to school.
Mario Ramos Offers Inspirational Speech at the NOVA Advisory Council: Aspiring teacher, Annandale Instructional Assistant, and 2021 Graduation Speaker, Mario Ramos, shared his inspiring journey from El Salvador to becoming an educator this summer with the NOVA Advisory Council. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from Annandale High School and Northern Virginia Community College as he pursues his education. He also expressed his gratitude for the support of the Annandale community in achieving his dream of inspiring immigrant students.
Congrats Annandale Summer School Graduates! Congratulations to our summer school students who recently graduated at West Springfield High School on Tuesday, July 31.
August
Annandale Alumni Making a Difference at GW! Former Annandale High School students, Husna Basiri and Sosan Barakzai, have embarked on their academic journeys at George Washington University, bringing with them a legacy of compassion and leadership. Husna and Sosan were instrumental in founding the Dunya Club at Annandale, a group that provided community, support, and cultural adaptation resources to newly arrived Afghan refugees. As public health majors, their dedication to helping others has continued at GW, where they are both pursuing careers in medicine. Driven by a strong desire to give back and support those facing significant barriers to education and personal growth, they are both pursuing degrees, Husna in biological studies at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and Sosan at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, with sights set on one day going to medical school. Check out the article in GW Today.
Annandale Hosts Multilingual Learner Summit: This August, Annandale High School proudly hosted the "Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners Summit," an evening dedicated to empowering our multilingual students and their families. The event provided attendees the opportunity to explore a table fair, showcasing an array of opportunities within FCPS and the broader community that support pathways to graduation and future careers.
A highlight of the evening was the inspiring keynote delivered by Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, who shared a powerful message on the strength of community and resilience. Following the keynote, a dynamic student panel engaged in an insightful dialogue with Dr. Zelaya, fostering a space for meaningful connection and shared experiences. The summit successfully cultivated an environment of mutual support and deeper understanding, reinforcing Annandale's commitment to embracing the diverse voices that shape our community.
Annandale Senior Shares Exchange Experience with Superintendent: Annandale senior, Rawan Bin Humam, connected with Superintendent Michelle Reid at the Multilingual Learner Summit this August to share her experience studying with the Center for International Education and Exchange for their Entrepreneurship program in Berlin, Germany. Dr. Reid, a German speaker, shared her connection with Rawan.
September
Boys Volleyball Earns First Win in Program History! Congratulations to our Boys Volleyball Team, who notched their first win in program history on Thursday night in an away match against Hayfield! After winning a close first set, the Atoms went on to lose the next two, including a 25-7 loss (yikes) in the third set. Even when the game seemed out of reach, tremendous positivity and leadership from senior captains Tyson Perkins and Logan Noyes spurred on a fourth set comeback win. In truly dramatic fashion, the Atoms overcame a seemingly impossible 14-10 deficit in the 5th set to win 19-17 and secure their first ever win! Each and every player demonstrated admirable determination and a strong will to overcome adversity that should make everyone in the Annandale community proud.
Annandale High School PTSA Food Pantry Awarded Rustic Love Grant: September is Hunger Action Month, and we are excited to announce that our Annandale High School PTSA Food Pantry has been selected as one of the recipients of Rustic Love’s generous grant! We are incredibly proud of our Pantry Team and grateful to Rustic Love and the community for their continued support in providing healthy take-home nutrition for our students.
Annandale Staff Member Interviewed on Retro VOA Podcast: Congratulations to Mario Villanueva Ramos, Annandale staff member and 2021 graduation speaker, for his appearance on the podcast Retro VOA! Have you ever wondered how school education differs between the U.S. and Latin America? In this episode of Retro VOA, they dive into the realities of studying in both regions. Check out this insightful conversation!
Annandale Singers Perform at FCPS School Board Meeting: The Annandale Singers represented Annandale High School and sang the National Anthem at the FCPS School Board Meeting this September at Luther Jackson Middle School. This honor highlights the talent of our students and the excellence of our performing arts program.
Annandale High School Named Special Olympics Unified Champion School: We are thrilled to announce that Annandale High School is one of nine schools across the Commonwealth which have received recognition as a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School! This prestigious honor highlights our dedication to fostering inclusion through Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. By fulfilling 10 rigorous standards of excellence, we’ve proudly created a culture where students with and without disabilities can thrive together. Check out our FanQuest video to see how our Special Olympics team embodies this spirit of unity and inclusion in action.
October
Annandale High School Pre-Qualified for ENERGY STAR Certification: Annandale HS has pre-qualified for this year’s ENERGY STAR certification. This means that Annandale performs better than 75% of schools across the nation in terms of energy consumption. The score is one of many criteria that is verified to qualify for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR. The next phase for qualification involves a site visit by a certification team. The verification process includes checking ventilation introduced by rooftop HVAC units, and taking light readings and temperature settings within classrooms.
Visual Arts Students Visit the National Gallery of Art: This October, our photography students had the opportunity to experience the collection of photographs by legendary American photographer, Gordon Parks at the National Gallery of Art. Gordon Parks, one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, was a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice. He left behind an exceptional body of work that documents American life and culture from the early 1940s into the 2000s, with a focus on race relations, poverty, civil rights, and urban life. Students were able to view piece after piece that embodied the American experience for people of color, while reflecting on the impact of these photos in the Civil Rights Movement.
AHS Celebrates MYP Certificate Winners! Last week, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our students who earned the FCPS IB Middle Years Program (MYP) Certificate! The Annandale MYP Certificate Celebration was a special evening filled with recognition and pride as school leaders honored the hard work and dedication of our students. Families joined us in the AHS Auditorium to hear remarks, receive certificates, and enjoy light refreshments together. A special thanks to Dr. Geovanny Ponce, our esteemed guest speaker, for his inspiring words and for helping make the evening even more memorable. Annandale High School remains committed to fostering critical thinking, global citizenship, and community service. Congratulations once again to all of our MYP certificate recipients!
Annandale PACE Pours at DCDT Conference: Recently, our PACE Pours team attended the International Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) conference showcasing the work they do in our school. DCDT is an international professional educational organization affiliated with the International Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) whose members are dedicated to shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of career development and transition services of youth with exceptionalities.
Marching Atoms Lead Annandale Parade: In October, the Marching Atoms led the annual Annandale Parade down Columbia Pike, continuing a tradition that began in 1950. The event brings the community together to celebrate Annandale’s diversity and fosters neighborhood spirit and connection. Attendees joined in the fun by wearing Halloween costumes, and the Marching Atoms participated with their own creative and spirited costumes, adding a touch of Atom Pride to the festivities.
Annandale Spanish Teachers Recognized As Virginia World Langauge Teachers of the Year: We are thrilled to announce that two of our Spanish teachers, Lauren Paz Soldan and Miles Meijer, have been recognized by the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA) as Virginia’s 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year and Novice Teacher of the Year, respectively—an honor reflecting their commitment to inspiring our students to embrace new languages and cultures and become thoughtful global citizens. Huge congratulations to Lauren and Miles for this well-deserved recognition!
Annandale Field Hockey Wins National District Championship! Congratulations to our Varsity Field Hockey team who won the National District Tournament Championship. Led by first team all-district players Riply Hotaling, Sofia Savvedra, Lilly Flores and district player of the year, Callia Uviedo, the Atoms defeated their three opponents by a combined score of 13-0 en route to their 2nd district championship in three years.
General James Clapper Inducted into FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame! General James Clapper, Annandale High School Class of 1959, has been inducted into the Fairfax County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame! As the 4th United States Director of National Intelligence and a dedicated public servant, General Clapper’s remarkable career exemplifies leadership, service, and commitment—values rooted in his time as an Atom. His achievements are an inspiration to our students and alumni, reflecting the strength of our Annandale community. Congratulations, General Clapper, on this well-deserved honor!
Annandale High School Named Global Navigator School for Third Year: For the third consecutive year, Annandale High School has been selected as a Global Navigator School by the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE). AHS students have received over $180,000 in scholarships to study abroad, providing them with opportunities to explore new languages, connect with diverse cultures, and address global and local issues. CIEE will visit in November to meet with students and families interested in learning more about these opportunities. Teachers are also encouraged to get involved, with applications now open for program leaders for the summer of 2025. For more information or questions, reach out to Meredith Hedrick.
November
W4 Activities Day Creates Connection to AHS! We held our first monthly W4 Activities Day. It was so fun to see students connect with each other and staff through activities such as playing games and sports, making friendship bracelets, tinseling hair, scarf making, and coloring. Very few other schools the size of Annandale manage to organize an event like this, which we offer once a month. A huge thank you to our Activities Department for taking on this complex planning! Our next W4 Activities Day will be on Monday, November 25. We look forward to continuing to embed opportunities for our students to deepen their sense of connection and belonging at school.
AHS Speech Team Competes in First Tournament! On Saturday, Ms. Mooney and the Annandale High School Speech Team, supported by enthusiastic parents, attended their first tournament at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia. Competing in Declamation and Dramatic Interpretation, our team gained valuable experience through multiple rounds and attended a seminar offering insights from a judge’s perspective. As this is AHS’s inaugural year with a Speech Team, the day was both enlightening and inspiring. Below are our team captains, Cecilia Marigliano and Julia Gallo Wedolowski, pictured proudly with tournament head, Mr. Mark Deaton.
Top Ten Reasons to Love Annandale Revealed: FCPS recently released the Top Ten Reasons to Love Annandale High School page! From our vibrant, diverse community (#1) and welcoming environment (#2) to our extensive academic programs (#3) and wide range of extracurriculars (#5), AHS truly has something for everyone. Our dedicated staff (#4) supports each student, and our College and Career Center (#8) offers valuable resources for future planning. Explore the full list to see why AHS is a place where students thrive!
Carlos Alvarez Earns Double Honors! Congratulations to Carlos Alvarez on an outstanding achievement! At the recent All-Region Meeting, Carlos was named 1st Team All-Region in two positions: Running Back and Kick Returner. This incredible recognition showcases his exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication. Way to go, Carlos—we’re proud of you!
AHS Alumni Delivers Keynote at Center for International Education Exchange: Alison Coria Tarazona (Class of 2024) was one of the keynote speakers at the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) annual conference held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Alison studied the Leadership and Service in Public Health in the Dominican Republic program. At the conference, Alison shared the impact study abroad had on her life and how it influenced her post-secondary options to study neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Here is the blog post Alison wrote when she returned. In her reflection, Alison shared how the experience influenced her educational pathway, as well as, her confidence, independence, and ability to overcome challenges.
AHS Pantry Celebrates Six Years! This November, the AHS Pantry marks six years of supporting students and families facing food insecurity. Since 2018, it has grown to include fresh produce, expanded refrigeration. At the most recent distribution the AHS Pantry served 487 members of 98 families. The pantry’s success is thanks to Norma Forti and the Annandale community’s generosity through donations, volunteering, and drives. Together, we’re weaving a strong fabric for Atom Nation. Thank you for your support!
Fall Sports Season a Huge Success: The 2024 season was a testament to the resilience, growth, and spirit of Atoms Athletics. Teams across all sports demonstrated remarkable improvement, celebrated personal bests, and achieved milestones that will inspire future athletes. From thrilling playoff runs and championship victories to standout individual performances, the Atoms showed grit, determination, and teamwork at every turn. With seasoned leaders graduating and promising young talent returning, the future of Atoms Athletics looks brighter than ever. Click here for the full story!
December
Annandale Singers Shine at VCU Invitational! After wrapping up their fall concert, the Annandale Singers took part in their first-ever VCU Invitational in Richmond! Their day began with a brunch stop at Cracker Barrel before heading to campus for a full day of music and collaboration. “It was very cool to work with a lot of other choirs and sing one big piece together,” shared junior Ryan Tran, who also enjoyed meals at the VCU dining hall. The singers had the chance to watch VCU choirs perform, and their fast-paced, challenging pieces left a lasting impression on choir directors from other schools.
Congrats to AHS Art Teachers Erin Mahoney and Luis Navas Reyes! Kudos to Erin Mahoney and Luis Navas Reyes for having their artwork featured in the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality. This show features original works by FCPS art teachers, with this year’s theme focusing on "Materiality"—exploring how artists experiment with and push the boundaries of different media and materials in their creations. We are proud of Erin and Luis for representing AHS in this inspiring exhibition!
Celebrating Writing Success at Annandale! In December, 430 students in English 11, IB Language & Literature, and IB English Lit 1 classes took the ACT WorkKeys Business Writing test as a pathway to earn verified credit in Writing. We are thrilled to share that 97% of our students passed! A huge congratulations to these students and our incredible English 11 team: Herman McClain, Julia Hanneman, Stephanie Hanson, Evelyn Hsia, Tricia Kapuscinski, Kathleen Mathis, Chris Bagot, Nina Avedissian, and Beth Nank. Their hard work and dedication to preparing students for this assessment have brought them one step closer to graduation!
Carlos Alvarez Earns Double Honors! Congratulations to Carlos Alvarez on an outstanding achievement! At the recent All-Region Meeting, Carlos was named 1st Team All-Region in two positions: Running Back and Kick Returner. This incredible recognition showcases his exceptional skill, hard work, and dedication. Way to go, Carlos—we’re proud of you!
Annandale Student Featured For Work With Baskets for Babies: Annandale High School’s own Tyson Perkins was featured during the Good Morning Washington segment, Kids Give Back. He shared about his work with the local non-profit to promote their "Baskets for Babies" initiative. This program encourages children to assemble and distribute essential items for families with infants, teaching the importance of giving back. Tyson shared his experiences and discussed the Atoms Games, an Annandale event that builds school community and gives back to Annandale families. Check it out on wjla.com!
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