Article Text

Students across Fairfax entered 2026 with projects that connect generations, support vulnerable families and expand access to sports, while more than 1,100 high schoolers prepared to tackle real-world problems with artificial intelligence.

Superintendent Michelle Reid opened the year by reflecting on the opportunities and unexpected challenges ahead. She said the school community’s shared skills and determination would help the division continue to grow.

South Lakes High School junior Zahra Nikzad is among the students leading that effort. During the current school year, she founded a local chapter of GlamourGals, an organization that provides free beauty makeovers to older adults in care facilities.

Nikzad and other South Lakes students visit senior communities, organize arts and crafts, spend time with residents and build relationships across generations.

South Lakes Principal Carlos Seward said the students show that service involves listening, caring and forming human connections. Their compassion and leadership, he said, are having a meaningful effect on residents.

Cunningham Park Elementary School fourth grader Mackenzie and her family were also featured during the fourth annual Toy Ruck, an event benefiting Children’s National Hospital.

Mackenzie’s medical journey began with a routine hearing screening and led to a diagnosis of inoperable low-grade gliomas. She is participating in a long-term clinical trial and serves as a Children’s National ambassador, using her experience to encourage others.

“New year, new adventures waiting for us in 2026,” Mackenzie said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Little Run Elementary School students contributed during winter break by making hats for Hats for Zoe, a local charity that comforts infants in neonatal intensive care units throughout the region.

Principal Christie Yarn recently delivered the handmade hats. Jen Lofquist, who runs the charity, said she was heartened to see young students helping families during especially vulnerable moments.

At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, junior Andrew Haydon and the baseball team are launching the school’s first Adaptive Baseball Camp for children and teenagers with disabilities.

The student-led camp will be guided by baseball players and will emphasize confidence, connection and enjoyment of the game. Andrew was inspired by his younger brother, Nick, and the difficulties Nick has encountered while trying to access sports. Space in the program is limited.

The division linked these acts of empathy, resilience and service to ethical and global citizenship, one of the five attributes in its Portrait of a Graduate framework.

Volleyball standouts capture statewide honors

Local athletes and coaches earned several places on the Virginia High School League’s Class 6 all-state girls volleyball team.

Madison High School’s Laila Chadwick was named Player of the Year, while West Springfield High School head coach Stephanie Noriega received Coach of the Year honors.

First-team selections included Langley’s Claire Mo, West Potomac’s Olivia Garey, Lake Braddock’s Morgan Williams and West Springfield’s Anna Dierks.

Woodson’s Sofie Ferrell, West Springfield’s Audrey Busch and Milena Kibret, Madison’s Chloe Barth and Marshall’s Tea Stamenkovic earned second-team recognition.

College plans still outpace enrollment

At a December 18 public meeting, school officials presented an update on the strategic plan’s fifth goal, “Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.” The report addressed on-time graduation and students’ preparation, plans and outcomes after high school.

The 2024-25 Student Experience Survey found that most respondents felt confident about their college or career plans. Most also agreed that their high school coursework would prepare them for those goals.

Class of 2024 figures nevertheless showed a 12-percentage-point difference between intentions and enrollment. Although 87% planned to attend college, 75% were enrolled that fall.

That gap was larger in 2023, but officials said more work remains to help students achieve their postsecondary plans.

Strategies include standardized graduation plans, on-time graduation resource teachers and a Graduation Status feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE that lets students and families monitor progress toward diploma requirements.

AI challenge draws more than 1,100 students

More than 1,100 students from every high school in the division have joined the Student AI Innovation Challenge.

Participants will follow a self-paced artificial-intelligence curriculum, build AI-powered applications and work in teams to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.

The challenge is designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, and goal-directed resilience.

Student-created tools are scheduled to be showcased at an AI Innovation Night in February 2027.