One of this month’s highlights was attending the Student Leadership Program Completion Ceremony. The positive impact of public education was on full display as the twelve participants spoke confidently and eloquently about their experiences and their commitment to serving as leaders in their communities. I would like to extend a special congratulations to Hayfield Secondary student Newt Shosteck, Franconia’s representative, who was elected to serve as the 2026–2027 Student School Board Representative. I am excited to work alongside Newt next year and I know he will represent students with distinction.

June is also a season of milestones and new beginnings. It was an honor to celebrate graduates at Bryant High School and at the Patriot Center for John R. Lewis High School as they crossed the stage and embarked on the next chapter of their journeys. Their achievements reflect years of hard work, perseverance, and support from dedicated educators and families. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

This time of year also provides an opportunity to celebrate the many ways students demonstrate dedication and perseverance. Congratulations to the 86 students from Crestwood and Lynbrook Elementary Schools who achieved perfect attendance this school year. Their commitment to being present and engaged in learning every day is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the support of families, educators, and school staff who help students succeed. Franconia Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Carla Bustillo, President of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia, joined the celebrations to recognize these students and honor their outstanding achievement. 

Throughout the month, I participated in a variety of meetings and events focused on advancing opportunities for students and strengthening our schools, including boundary meetings for Bren Mar Park and Saratoga, the School Board Community Advisory Committee Annual Summit, Audit Committee and Governance Committee meetings, and School Board work sessions and regular meetings.

I joined Delegate Kathy Tran at Lynbrook Elementary for a tour and meeting with Principal Heber Paredes and Assistant Principal Brandon Hunt. I also had the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon Woods Elementary, where I listened to students advocate on the calendar policy and witnessed several joyful celebrations taking place. While I was there for student advocacy, I happened to run into a wonderful family celebrating their preschool graduate, proudly wearing shirts that read “Proud Grandma,” “Proud Mommy,” “Proud Daddy,” and “Proud Grandpa.” I couldn’t help but stop and take a picture—it was a moment that truly filled me up and reminded me that behind every student is a family cheering them on every step of the way.

Thank you to everyone who has engaged in these conversations, celebrated our students’ successes, and continued to advocate for strong public schools. I wish all of our students, staff, and families a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer.