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Sunday, apr 28
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Education
Schools
Legacy Of Guidance Counselor, 45, Lives On Outside Loudoun County School
Students and coworkers impacted by Damien White are making sure his memory stays alive. The 45-year-old Belmont Ridge Middle School guidance counselor died on Dec. 13, 2023, after a cancer battle. White dedicated 18 years to his job within the Loudoun County school system, and on Monday morning, April 22, a birch tree was planted in his honor at Belmont Ridge. This morning, it was an honor to be part of the tree dedication ceremony in memory of Damien White. He was the head... Posted by Linda Deans, Ph.D. - LCPS Broad Run School Board Representative on Monday, April 22, 2024 "The …
Obituaries
VA Mom Dies Weeks After Welcoming Baby: Remembering Monica Ashworth
Support is pouring in for the family of a Virginia mom, 27-year-old Monica Ashworth, who died two weeks after welcoming a baby boy. Monica died on Thursday, March 7, leaving behind her now-three-week-old son, Lincoln, who was born Feb. 24, according to a GoFundMe for her family and her obituary. Monica was raised in Sterling having attended Ambleside School then graduating from Dominion High School in 2015. She further went on to graduate from Grove City College in Grove City, PA in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree (Cum Laude with Highest Honors) in Middle Level Math/Histo…
News
Don't Miss Virginia Actor, College Coach On 'Survivor 46'
Two castaways with ties two Virginia are on this season of "Survivor." Tevin Davis, 24 who was born in Goochland but lives in Richmond, and Tim Spicer, 31, an Arlington native living in Georgia, are among the 18 castaways on "Survivor 46" airing Feb. 28 on CBS. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Survivor (@survivorcbs) View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌻𝐓 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐍 𝐌 𝐀 𝐑 𝐈 𝐎 𝐍 𝐃 𝐀 𝐕 𝐈 𝐒🌻 (@tevin.m.davis) According to Entertainment Weekly, Davis is an actor and is proud…
Schools
Teacher Accused Of Grabbing Student At Virginia Elementary School Charged
A longtime educator working in Prince William County is facing charges after allegedly putting her hands on a student inside an elementary school, officials say. Christine Annette Mitchell, 60, was charged following a weeks-long investigation into a reported assault involving a 9-year-old girl at Marshall Elementary School in Manassas late last month. According to the Prince William County Police Department, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, officers were called to the school on Kahns Road in Manassas to launch an investigation into reports that the girl was grabbed and dragged from one classroom into…
Schools
Teen Took Photo Of Classmate Inside HS Bathroom In PWC, Posted It On Social Media, Police Say
Social media reared its ugly head, and now two teens will have to pick up the pieces after an inappropriate picture taken inside a Prince William County high school bathroom was shared amongst classmates. Last week, a School Resource Officer assigned to the Hylton High School in Woodbridge concluded an investigation into an inappropriate photo that was taken last month inside the building, according to police. Officials say that on Monday, Nov. 20, a 15-year-old student took a picture of another minor inside a school restroom, which was later posted on a social media app. No details …
News
Former Middle School Teacher Accused Of Sexually Abusing Student In Maryland, Police Say
A former middle school teacher in Montgomery County is facing a host of charges for allegedly sexually abusing a former student, authorities announced. Melissa Marie Curtis, 31, of Upper Marlboro, has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offenses for engaging in inappropriate acts with a minor, though the investigation into her actions is ongoing, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police. Last month, police launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that happened years ago after a now-adult man came forward and said that he had been abused by Curtis …
Obituaries
VSU Grad, Former Cheerleader Kayla Clayton Dies, 31
Kayla Clayton, a New Jersey native who relocated to the Washington DC area, died on Oct. 10 at 31 years old. A cause of death was not listed, however, her obituary on the Lawson Funeral Home website notes that Kayla "fought a good fight." Kayla Felice Clayton, who was raised in Long Branch where she was a high school cheerleader, went on to attend Virginia State University, where she graduated with her bachelor's in psychology, according to her LinkedIn profile. Kayla's obituary says she received a full scholarship to a study abroad program in Boswana, Africa, where she performed res…
Schools
U.S. News Ranks Virginia's Top Public High Schools: Here's How It Compares To Niche's List
Days after Daily Voice reported on Niche's list of Best High Schools in Virginia, U.S. News & World Report has released its own. U.S. News studies data from nearly 25,000 public high schools across the country, with a focus on how well students are prepared for college and performance on state assessments, the website says. Here are the top 10 best public high schools in Virginia, according to U.S. News & World Report: No. 1 - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria (which also ranked No. 5 in the nation). No. 2 - Open High School, Richmond …
Schools
Best Colleges In Virginia: Website Releases 2024 Rankings
The grades have been posted. Just in time for the 2023-24 school year, Niche.com has released its list of best colleges in Virginia Click here to read up on how the list was compiled. The top five universities in Virginia according to Niche are: No. 1. University of Virginia, Charlottesville No. 2. Washington and Lee University, Lexington No. 3. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg No. 4. William & Mary, Williamsburg No. 5. University of Richmond Click here for Niche's full list of best colleges in Virginia for 2024.
Obituaries
Fairfax Mom Of 3 Dies In ATV Accident
Support is surging for the family of a Fairfax County mom, who died suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 13. More than $11,500 had been raised for 37-year-old Melanie Cunningham's three sons on a GoFundMe as of Wednesday, Aug. 23. According to the campaign, Melanie fought hard after an ATV accident on Aug. 6. She succumbed to her injuries after nearly a week. Funds will go toward associated medical bills and Melanie's funeral, the campaign says. Melanie worked as an educator at the Kiddie Academy of Leesburg, who remembered her with a tribute. The post garnered condolences. We are heart-broken …
Obituaries
Alexandria Dad Chris Faber Dies, 44
Alexandria dad Chris Faber died on July 4, 2023. He was 44 years old. A father of two, Chris' obituary says he "valued education as a foundational tool for success," having established college savings plans for his children. A GoFundMe campaign launched for his children, Harper and Tanner, and wife, Heather, had raised more than $18,200 as of Friday, July 14. In a touching Facebook tribute, Heather noted Chris died unexpectedly at home. July 11 would've been the 15th anniversary of their first date. With a shattered heart I share that on July 4th, my amazing husband and best friend p…
News
Arlington Teacher Recovering From Stroke Sees Surge Of Support
Support is on the rise for an Arlington teacher recovering after having suffered a stroke. Jill Eskenas, who teaches second grade at Randolph, began her day as usual Tuesday, April 18, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for her. That evening, Jill called a friend complaining of a headache and intense neck pain. Tragically, Jill suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, at just 39 years old, without warning, the campaign says. "She spent 12 days in the ICU and 6 days on the Neuro floor at INOVA Fairfax Hospital," the campaign says. Jill remained hospitalized at INOVA Fairfax Inpatient Reha…
News
Newly-Minted Millionaire: Virginia Lottery Player Wins Big
George Katan has a routine where he stops on his way to work and purchases a sandwich and one Virginia Lottery scratcher. Typically, he plays the $50 and $30 tickets, but this time, he decided to buy a $20 Multiplier Mania ticket. That decision paid off in a big way because Katan won the $1 million top prize with the ticket purchased his ticket at the 7-Eleven at 1931 Old Gallows Road in Vienna. Katan scratched the ticket in the store and later told Lottery officials, “I know it was big, but I didn’t know how big.” Once he realized he had won the top prize, he said, “I was very excited!” …
News
Alexandria Ranked Among Best Places To Live In America By 'Fortune'
Looking for a new place to call home? Two cities, one in Maryland and the other in northern Virginia, were ranked above the rest in terms of schools, amenities, jobs, and more, according to a report from Fortune. The report evaluated nearly 1,900 municipalities with around 20,000 residents across all 50 states, and focused on five data points: education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health, and livability. Silver Spring at No. 3 on the list was cited as Maryland's top place to live due to its public transit options, proximity to Washington D.C., wide range of businesses, a…
Schools
Misspelled Message On Stafford Middle School Bathroom Wall Misses Mark, Sheriff Muses
Some students in Stafford County should spend more time in the classroom and less time vandalizing property. More time in English class might behoove a group of students at Stafford County Middle School who were caught after tagging a bathroom with a comically misspelled message for their classmates. “It all about money and muder,” they wrote. You might be able to infer what the vandals were trying to convey. The incident was reported at approximately 10 a.m. on Monday, March 20 inside a restroom at the middle school. Investigators say that two students used spray paint to deface the …
Schools
Instructional Assistant At Virginia ES Caught Assaulting Special Needs Student, Police Say
An instructional assistant at Glen Forest Elementary School in Fairfax County is facing charges after being caught allegedly assaulting a student with special needs last month. The Fairfax County Police Department announced that Meredith Capets, 36, of Alexandria, was served a warrant for simple assault and turned herself in on Tuesday, Jan. 3 to face the charge. Investigators say that on Thursday, Dec. 8, an employee at the elementary school in Falls Church spotted Capets assaulting a student with disabilities, which was then immediately reported to school administrators. Following a near…
Obituaries
Sudden Death Of Northern Virginia Dad Ray Obregon Jr. Sends Shockwaves Through Community
A community is in shock after the sudden death of a young Fairfax father just days before Christmas, according to a GoFundMe created to help support his family. Raymond J. Obregon, Jr., 34, suddenly passed away on Monday, Dec. 19. He leaves behind a daughter, and numerous beloved family members, according to his obituary. "Raymond was a perpetual learner, a faithful follower of God, and a proud father", stated organizer Meghan Leatherwood. "His short time here on Earth has taught us many lessons about love, forgiveness, and faith. Raymond's legacy will live on forever, especially through hi…
Police & Fire
Murder Suspect Nabbed In DC Shooting Death Of VA School Worker Christian Monje
Authorities announced the arrest of a Maryland charged with the murder of a popular Fairfax, VA schools employee who was gunned down on Memorial Day in Washington DC. Montgomery County resident James Carl Jackson, 28, of Silver Spring, has been arrested and charged on a warrant for first-degree murder while armed by the Metropolitan Police Department for his role in the death of Fairfax resident Christian Gabriel Monje earlier this year. The arrest was announced by the agency on Tuesday, Dec. 6. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30, members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s…
News
Minor Responsible For Majority Of Bomb Threats Targeting HBCUs, FBI Says
The FBI announced that one minor is “believed to be responsible for the “majority of the threats" that have been targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country and throughout the region. According to a press release issued by the FBI, since January, more than 50 HBCUs, houses of worship, and other faith-based and academic institutions across the country have received racially motivated threats of violence. Of those threats, there have been some reported in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. The investigation into the threats led to the id…
Police & Fire
UVA Shooting Suspect In Custody, Victims ID'd As Football Players: Officials
Authorities have arrested the suspect wanted in the University of Virginia shooting that left three people dead and two wounded on Sunday, Nov. 13. Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a UVA student and former walk-on football player from the Petersburg area, was taken into custody just before 11 a.m., according to the UVA Police Department. The 22-year-old was captured on the 5700 block of Edgelawn Street, after an officer spotted the suspect's vehicle in the eastern part of Henrico County, local police said on Twitter. Good evening, On behalf of the Henrico County Sheriff’s Office, please …
News
These Are The Best School Districts In Virginia, Website Says
School districts are part of our education system made to help support your children and develop a strong community. The best ones have not only awesome academic results but great teachers, staff, facilities, resources and so much more. These are the top twenty 2023 Best School Districts in Virginia, according to Niche's list that was released Tuesday, Sept. 27(scroll for a link to the complete list): Falls Church City Public Schools Arlington Public Schools York County School Division West Point Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Fairfax County Public School…
Police & Fire
Special Needs Student Assaulted By Reston School Employee: Police
A staff member at Dogwood Elementary School in Reston was recently charged for assaulting a special needs student, police said. Two teachers witnessed Mark MacDicken, who has been an employee of the school for almost 10 years, assaulting the student on Sept. 16, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. There was no further information given about the incident. On Sept. 20, law enforcement arrested MacDicken and he was released from police custody on his signature, authorities said. Police are asking anyone with more information to call them at 703-246-7800.
News
Bergen School District Ends Contract With Pentagon Official Who Mocked 'White Folx'
A Bergen County school district is ending its consulting contract with a self-described "woke" federal agency chief who has made publicly disparaging comments about whites. The comments made by Kelisa Wing -- including her being "exhausted at these white folx" -- ignited calls for her ouster last week as the chief officer for diversity, equity and inclusion in the U.S. Department of Defense's education branch. The controversy is also being felt on the local level in Cresskill, where Wing has provided "diversity and inclusion training" for its Board of Education employees for the past 18 mo…
Schools
Richmond Community Mourns Loss Of 3rd Grade Teacher With 'Bright Soul'
Julianne Eubanks had an infectious personality, one meant for shaping young minds, her friends said. In late August, Eubanks passed away peacefully in her sleep, her brother wrote on his Twitter page. Eubanks' relatives, friends, and colleagues are all left with broken hearts, the family wrote on a GoFundMe page. Eubanks With Loved OnesEubanks' Brother's Twitter Page "She touched the lives of anyone who had the honor of knowing her. The light she spread was infectious and will be carried out by those she impacted." Eubanks' family said she was not just a loving sister and daughter, b…
News
Former Maryland Mayor Who Died In January Accused Of Embezzling $2.2M From DC Charter Schools
Kevin Ward, the late and former mayor of Hyattsville, allegedly stole over $2 million from D.C. charter schools, NBC4 Washington reported. Ward, who died by suicide in January, used the money to buy personal property, such as luxury cars, instead of using it to buy computers and tablets for students, the website said. Officials are working to seize about 10 cars, land in West Virginia, and rare sports memorabilia that Ward bought with the money he was responsible while serving as technology director, reports said. Over the pandemic, Ward allegedly urged the schools to pay a Maryland techno…
News
Special Education Teacher In Virginia Sentenced For Importing MDMA Into The US From Overseas
A high school special education teacher in the region will spend years behind bars following his sentencing for importing MDMA into the United States from Europe. Virginia resident Andrew Myers, 39, of Newport News, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being busted bringing the drug, more commonly known as ecstasy, into the country from Spain and German. In February 2020, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations and detectives with the Newport News Police Department received a tip that a package containing MDMA was entering the US and was addressed to Myers, officials…
Police & Fire
Former DC Principal Gets 30 Months For Embezzling 175K Meant For Student Affairs
A former D.C. principal was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Wednesday, August 3, for embezzling $175,000, officials said. Bridget Coates, 49, of Falls Church was formerly the principal of St. Thomas More Catholic School, where her embezzlement scheme ran, depositing about 66 unauthorized checks, from 2012 to 2017, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The money was intended for the Home School Association, which is a program that funds student services and activities, officials reported. Coates abused her access to the association's checks and deposited the money to her account …
News
Ashburn Teacher Wins Lottery Without Buying A Ticket
A Loudoun County teacher won a massive prize thanks to the Virginia Lottery earlier this month. Roumario Bector, a history teacher at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, won a Virginia-theme vacation courtesy of the lottery's Thank A Teacher program on June 1, the lottery said. He can choose between a winery and brewery vacation or one focused on health and wellness. The trip is worth $2,500 and comes with a gift card to pay for luggage or any incidentals he may need on his vacation. Rock Ridge High School will also get $2,500 for school supplies, the lottery added.&nbs…
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