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Fairfax County Public Schools began 2026 by highlighting students whose projects are connecting generations, supporting vulnerable families and expanding access to sports.
South Lakes High School junior Zahra Nikzad founded a local chapter of GlamourGals this school year. The organization offers complimentary beauty makeovers to seniors living in care facilities.
Nikzad and other South Lakes students also spend time with residents, lead arts-and-crafts activities and build relationships across generations.
South Lakes Principal Carlos Seward said the students demonstrate how service can grow from listening, caring and creating human connections. He credited their compassion and leadership with making a meaningful difference in other people’s lives.
Another student recognized for helping her community was Mackenzie, a fourth grader at Cunningham Park Elementary School. She and her family participated in the fourth annual Toy Ruck during winter break, benefiting Children’s National Hospital.
Mackenzie’s medical journey began with a routine hearing screening and eventually led to a diagnosis of inoperable low-grade gliomas. She is now participating in a long-term clinical trial while serving as an ambassador for Children’s National.
Through that role, Mackenzie uses her experience to support others and spread hope. Looking toward the year ahead, she said, “New year, new adventures waiting for us in 2026. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Students at Little Run Elementary School also devoted time to serving others over the break. The Roadrunners made hats by hand for Hats for Zoe, a local charity that provides comfort to infants in neonatal intensive care units around the region.
Principal Christie Yarn recently delivered the hats to the organization. Jen Lofquist, who runs the charity, said she was encouraged to see some of FCPS’ youngest students helping families during especially vulnerable moments.
New Baseball Camp Will Welcome Athletes With Disabilities
At Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, junior Andrew Haydon and the school’s baseball team are preparing to hold their first Adaptive Baseball Camp.
The student-led program is designed to provide an inclusive and encouraging experience for children and teenagers with disabilities. TJ baseball players will guide participants through activities intended to foster confidence, relationships and enjoyment of the game.
Andrew drew inspiration from his younger brother, Nick, and the obstacles Nick has encountered when trying to participate in sports. The camp will emphasize players’ abilities and create opportunities for young people who may not have had equal access to athletics. Space is limited, and interested families have been encouraged to register.
The projects led by Zahra, Mackenzie, Andrew and the Little Run students reflect FCPS’ emphasis on developing ethical and global citizens, one of the five attributes in its Portrait of a Graduate framework.
FCPS Volleyball Players Capture State Honors
FCPS athletes and coaches earned prominent places on the Virginia High School League Class 6 all-state girls volleyball team.
Madison High School’s Laila Chadwick was selected as Player of the Year, while West Springfield High School head coach Stephanie Noriega received Coach of the Year honors.
Four additional FCPS athletes made the all-state first team: Langley’s Claire Mo, West Potomac’s Olivia Garey, Lake Braddock’s Morgan Williams and West Springfield’s Anna Dierks.
Second-team selections included Woodson’s Sofie Ferrell; West Springfield’s Audrey Busch and Milena Kibret; Madison’s Chloe Barth; and Marshall’s Tea Stamenkovic.
Graduation Data Reveal a Persistent College Enrollment Gap
FCPS also entered the new year focused on graduation and students’ plans after high school.
During the School Board’s Dec. 18 meeting, division leaders presented a report on Goal 5 of the strategic plan, “Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation.” The presentation covered on-time graduation rates as well as students’ postsecondary skills, plans and outcomes.
Results from the 2024-25 FCPS Student Experience Survey indicated that most students felt confident about their college or career plans. Students generally agreed that their high school coursework would prepare them for what they intended to do after graduation.
However, the Class of 2024 data showed a 12-percentage point difference between college intentions and actual fall enrollment. While 87% planned to attend college, 75% enrolled.
The gap was larger in 2023, indicating progress, but FCPS officials said more work remains to ensure students can carry out their postsecondary plans.
Division strategies include standardized graduation plans and the use of resource teachers focused on on-time graduation. FCPS has also introduced a Graduation Status feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE, allowing students and families to track progress toward graduation requirements.
More Than 1,100 Students Join AI Challenge
Artificial intelligence is another major part of the school division’s effort to prepare students for the future.
More than 1,100 students representing every FCPS high school have signed up for the new Student AI Innovation Challenge. Participants will complete a self-paced artificial intelligence curriculum, develop AI-powered applications and collaborate on creative responses to real-world problems.
The program is intended to strengthen the full range of Portrait of a Graduate attributes, including communication, collaboration, ethical and global citizenship, creative and critical thinking, resilience and goal-directed behavior.
FCPS plans to showcase the resulting student-built tools during an AI Innovation Night in February of the following year.
Superintendent Michelle Reid said the school division enters 2026 confident in its ability to confront unforeseen challenges while continuing to build on its established strengths. She emphasized that the community’s future depends on both the character and competence of the students it educates—and on the contributions of families, employees and community members in moments large and small.