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Fairfax County Public Schools entered June with graduation ceremonies, a major school renovation, scholarship awards and a record-filled middle school track championship.
Superintendent Michelle Reid attended several Class of 2025 celebrations during the final week of May, beginning with Robinson Secondary School on Tuesday. Ceremonies followed Thursday for Key Center, Bryant High School and the Achievement, Integrity, and Maturity program, with Cedar Lane School and Kilmer Center holding celebrations Friday.
At Kilmer Center, Langley High School student Reema Patel spoke about inclusion and how growing up with a brother who has multiple disabilities shaped her understanding of compassion, resilience and community. Patel also discussed founding a nonprofit that supports children with special needs and their families.
Former Kilmer staff member and aspiring Broadway performer Blake Hopkins returned for the ceremony. Hopkins previously supported Kilmer’s Extended School Year Services and is expected to graduate this summer with a master’s degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Justice High School hosted Educate Fairfax’s Beyond the Tassel award ceremony Tuesday evening. More than 40 students received scholarships totaling over $50,000 during an event connecting graduating seniors with alumni and community partners.
The Justice community gathered again Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the high school’s renovation. The project added an expanded cafeteria and a three-story classroom addition containing general classrooms and science, computer and multimedia laboratories.
Other improvements include an upgraded stormwater management system, a stadium restroom and an outdoor classroom for environmental education. Planning was financed through Fairfax County’s 2017 voter-approved bond referendum, while construction was funded through the 2019 bond referendum. Principal Sean Rolon said students have shown excitement about using the new spaces.
Reid also met Wednesday with senior faith leaders to discuss school security, new weapons-detection systems, immigration, mental health and world events. Another meeting that afternoon focused on a multiyear plan for students who are twice exceptional, meaning they are academically advanced while also having disabilities or learning differences.
The plan addresses staff training, family communication, understanding accommodations in individualized education programs, improvements to the IEP process and access to multiple forms of programming in diverse settings.
The Fairfax County Council of PTAs later held its meeting and awards ceremony, recognizing its 2025 Shining Stars and presenting senior scholarships, Virginia PTA honors and National PTA grants.
Community discussions over possible school boundary changes continued Thursday at Whitman Middle School and Friday at Chantilly High School. Participants used the district’s Boundary Explorer Tool to review and visualize potential scenarios.
A final meeting before the end of the school year was scheduled for June 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Glasgow Middle School, with in-person and Zoom participation available. Childcare was to be provided for attendees at the school, along with interpretation and translation services as needed. Another series of meetings is planned for the fall.
During a visit to Falls Church High School, Reid interviewed senior Colt Armstrong about theater and his portrayal of Gomez Addams in the school’s production of “The Addams Family.” Armstrong described how advancing from the role of the Tin Man to Gomez and participating in the school’s theater community helped him find his voice and become more comfortable with himself.
London Towne Elementary School librarian Megan Carnahan also received recognition through an FCPS CARES of the Month nomination. The submission praised Carnahan for creating an inclusive library where students feel safe and valued, and described how she inspired one student to consider becoming a librarian.
The week concluded with the Middle School Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 31, at Robinson Secondary School. More than 600 athletes representing all 26 middle schools competed in sprints, distance races, jumps and shot put despite early rain.
Of 823 individual performances, 463 were personal records—about 56% of the total. The championship capped a regular season in which more than 1,300 students competed each week.
Robinson Secondary School won the overall boys team championship, while Frost Middle School captured the overall girls title.