Seniors Spell in Bee, Expert Youth Speller Moderates
Herndon Senior Center hosted 200-plus senior attendees from 15 senior communities and 22 contestants on Sept. 11 in a spelling bee to remember. Lori Anne Madison, 7, the youngest ever participant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee from 2012, gave a presentation and assisted in word calling. The overall winner was Ruth Siegerson of Falcon's Landing.
Herndon Parks and Recreation Wins Awards for Marketing
Approximately 450 delegates from Virginia gathered in early September for the 59th annual conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, which was held in Williamsburg. The conference is a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to collaborate and ultimately improve the delivery of parks and recreation services. A highlight of each conference is a presentation of awards. This year Herndon Parks and Recreation had two items, which were selected in the 25,000 and less population category:
Editorial: Later Start Times for High School
It’s past time to act; let this year be the year.
Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, the first day of school in Fairfax County, Dr. Karen Garza began her official day at 6:30 a.m. at Chantilly High School. While Garza was making herself available for interviews before the first class started at 7:20 a.m., many students were already on the school bus.
New Superintendent Relishes Opportunity
A fan of Baylor grad RG3 … not Cowboys
Here in Fairfax, not only do we have the talent and the expertise to solve the problems facing us in FCPS, but we are uniquely positioned to solve the most pressing issues facing public schools across the country. -Karen K. Garza, Ph.D., superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools
Back to School
What Are the Most Exciting Changes in Herndon Schools?
Back to school season in Herndon brings plenty of new changes.

Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings
Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.
The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital
Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.
South Lakes Seniors Make Reston Proud
On June 6, I had occasion to go to South Lakes High School, the Alma Mater of our three children, to witness the 2013 South Lakes Seniors Awards Ceremony.
Herndon High School Graduation Viewpoints
Where are you headed in the fall and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Herndon High Class of 2013 Graduates
Four hundred and eighty-eight seniors graduate at Patriot Center.
The 488 members of the Herndon High School Class of 2013 took their final steps as high school students Tuesday, June 18 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax.
10 Years Incarceration For Former Teacher
Robert C. Fenn convicted of child-porn offenses.
Little more than a year ago, Oak Hill resident Robert C. Fenn was about to finish his first year of teaching at Poplar Tree Elementary, where he taught special-ed students in kindergarten through third grade.
Boy Dies at Fox Mill Elementary School
Bennett Rill, 14, fatally electrocuted behind school.
Fairfax County Police and Fire personnel were called to Fox Mill Elementary School shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 18. Upon arrival they discovered 14-year-old Bennett Rill of Herndon electrocuted and pronounced him dead on arrival.
Operation: Ladybug at Herndon Science Center
The Children's Science Center of Herndon, at 485 Spring Park Place, Suite 500, is providing some ideas for backyard science this summer, with a call to young scientists to identify various species of ladybugs in their backyard. The challenge is part of a project, Operation: Ladybug, a collaborative effort between Cornell University’s Lost Ladybug Project and the Children’s Science Center to gather data for entomologists.

South Lakes Seniors Graduate
Class of 2013 features 104 International Baccalaureate, 119 honor graduates.
The South Lakes High School Class of 2013 gathered for the final time as students at the school, leaving the building that evening, Friday, June 14, as South Lakes alumni.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.