The Pride

On May 28th, Unity Reed HS gathered at Jiffy Lube Live with its senior graduating class, their friends, and their family for our Commencement Ceremony.

We celebrated close to 400 graduates, over half of whom proudly wore white stoles denoting that they are the first generation in their family to graduate from high school. The generational impact of their hard work is impossible to overstate.

The unofficial Mayor of Unity Reed, Evan Kalanda, welcomed everyone to the ceremony with energy and exuberance as he introduced Dr. Nichols. There were also moving speeches by the Class of 2024's student leaders: Bongkem Komfum, Michael Maurojorge, Aracely Osorio, and Eesha Shah. With performances by the Choir and Band, Color Guard service by the AFJROTC, and recognition of our many scholars, athletes, and public servants, it was a beautiful day for witnessing just how much talent and promise for the future our graduates are carrying with them into the world.

The Commencement Ceremony followed a week of activities for the graduating class, including their final exams, a Senior Picnic and Sunset, and the traditional graduation walk through Ellis Elementary - and this year, Innovation Elementary as well. The elementary school walks are particularly special, not only because the younger students get to envision themselves talking this same walk in the future, but because for many of our graduating seniors they are returning to the elementary school they attended. During our Ellis Walk, one senior stepped out of line to approach an elementary school teacher - stating, "Do you remember me? You're the one who first helped me learn English." Tears filling her eyes, she hugged him and said, "Look at how well you are speaking now! And you're graduating - I'm so proud of you!" Senior Tyler Hruska described the walk as 'surreal' because he said he vividly remembers being in elementary school and lining the hallways to cheer for the graduating seniors.

While Innovation Elementary School is new and does not yet have any URHS graduates, they hosted a senior walk to celebrate the Unity Reed students who have spent hours at their school volunteering in various capacities. The National Spanish Honor Society, sponsored by Mrs. McCall, goes over regularly to work with classes and the especially their newcomer students. The impact they have had on the students has not gone unnoticed. Additionally, the SAVE Club, sponsored by Mr. Bouchard, Mrs. Cuesta-Hammad, and Mrs. Hammad, also volunteers regularly at Innovation. At Back to School Night, they created games to keep the students engaged while their parents attended their Title 1 meeting. The members of the club also volunteered at their STEAM night. On Fridays our students help run the bus dismissal so that their teachers can leave early. In our line of graduates we also had a senior whose sister is a kindergartner at the school. The emotion on her face when she saw her sister for the first time in her cap and gown was priceless.

Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!

On May 3rd, the Firefighting students returned from class at the Public Safety Training Center to a surprise - a classroom packed with firefighters, county officials, PWCS employees, friends and family. The reason? PWC Fire and Rescue were there to present two of our cadets with job offers and contracts based on the skills and experience they gained over the course of the year in Firefighting.

Congratulations to Tyler Orefice and Ryan Sinclair!

On May 20th, we also celebrated all of our Firefighting graduates this year. Fourteen PWCS high school students earned their certifications and half of them are actively pursuing employment or further education in careers related to Fire and Rescue.

Last month, we wished our AFJROTC program good luck as they prepared to travel to Daytona for their national competition. This month, we are proud to announce the Unity Reed, VA-20065 drill team earned three trophies in the Inspection and Regulation events competing against the top 24 teams in the Army, Navy, Marine, and USAF JROTC programs from all over the world.

Congratulations to Lt Col Robinson, TSgt Laing, and all of our AFJROTC cadets for their hard work and dedication!

The talented URHS Art Department hosted an Art Show at school, as well as exhibited and competed in the All-County Art Show.

The following students received recognition for their works:

Award of Merit Ribbons (Yellow)

Junior Martinez

Olvin Canales

Elshaday Nigg

Avery Ashcraft

Ludwyn Castellanos-Garcia

Sean Yan-Lopez

Neavah Martin

Jayla Aguillar

Kylie Reyes

Betsy Machado-Castillo

Mayali Nuñez Morales

Xindrez Ramirez

Award of Merit (Blue)

Julianna Aguayo-Cotes

Elizabeth Perez Munos

Madian Ordonez Meja

Aisha Boudjerida

Alexandra Morales

Allison Luna-Acosta

Ashley Nguyen

Thomas Montalvo

Advanced Art Award of Merit (Silver)

Julie Bautista-Flores

Troy Kinsley

Samiyah Newsome

Ashley Herrera

Melanie Urrutia

Ashley Nguyen

Advanced Art Award of Excellence (Purple)

Valerie Vasquez

Helen Cabezas

Student Art Collection

A distinction for which the student artwork goes to the KLC for display for the 2024-25 school year

Ashley Herrera

May hosts both Principal Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Week, so Unity Reed was busy practicing gratitude for all of those who make it such a special place to learn. Students serenaded Dr. Nichols outside of his office and made him a banner of appreciation, and they made a video for all the teachers at URHS letting them know how much they are appreciated.

Teachers also got a catered lunch and breakfast during Teacher Appreciation Week, as well as a day of pampering hosted by the library. They received embroidered URHS blankets to snuggle up with and had a fun 'Teacher Superlative' competition amongst the students.

Senior Keya Thakur, a four-year Varsity tennis player, ended her high school tennis career with big wins. Not only was she able to compete at the district championships, but she also earned the Lion Award at the Spring Sports Banquet. This award goes to the student athlete that contributed the most to the team – the student-athlete that the coaches view as their MVP. She earned this distinction while also being an IB Diploma candidate, graduating at the very top of her class with an astonishing 4.6 GPA. She is a great embodiment of what it means to be an IB Learner and we wish her well at Virginia Tech in the fall.

The Unity Reed Special Education Department has had a fun and successful year, from meeting academic goals, to showing individual growth, to participating in the ever-popular Unified Basketball games.

For the last two weeks they have been engaged in another loved tradition - ending the year by creating their own tie-dyed shirts and having an end-of-year party at the bowling alley. Ms. Adams summed it up well:

"Every shirt came out different and beautiful! A special thank you to Ms. Clare and Mrs. K for keeping our shirts organized and the factory running smooth. Thank you to Mrs. Switzer, Ms. Conover, and Mrs. Payne for letting us use your washer and dryers nonstop. The students love having a shirt they designed themselves and it is always a special tradition. We were able to all wear them to the incredible end of the year party at the bowling alley that Ms. Clare organized for everyone. We all had a blast attending and can't wait to do it again next year!"

For some Unity Reed Lions, the time has come to bid farewell to their classrooms and offices as they embark on their next grand adventure in retirement.

PWCS held a retirement ceremony on May 21 to celebrate all of the division's nearly 300 employees who will retire at the end of this school year. At URHS, we have been slowly goodbye-ing these past few weeks. We recognized our 'graduating' members at our Commencement Ceremony and we will formally recognize them at our end-of-year celebration on June 7th as well.

Join us in wishing our 2024 retirees well; through their crucial work and irreplaceable efforts, they have provided a safe and welcoming environment for all students to learn the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.

Tina Brunn, ITC

Greg Dellaperuto, Science Teacher

Leigh Kaplan, Science Teacher

Patty Petry, Social Studies Teacher

Bill Ruthazer, Security

Eliana Whittington, School Counselor

On Friday, May 10th URHS hosted what has become an incredibly popular annual tradition - our schoolwide soccer tournament. Students and faculty members are able to form and name their own teams, and this year we had a record 16 teams enter the tournament.

Congratulations to the winners, DMV FC!

Thank you to SALC for sponsoring the event, Mrs. McCarthy for refereeing, Ms. Wiersberg for manning concessions, and Mr. Turner for the support of the Athletics Office.

On May 23rd, the URHS Choir, directed by Mr. Atkins, took its audience to 'a whole new world' in their Disney themed spring concert.

At the ending of the concert, all the seniors were recognized for their contribution to the choral program as well as the skills that they shared with the school in their four years here. The seniors then sang a song as a gift to the underclassmen.

Liz Payne, URHS Cosmetology Teacher, attended with her daughter and said the concert was amazing and the connection amongst students was heartfelt. She noted too, "It was evident that above all else the students in the choral program value, respect, and see Mr. Atkins as a safe space. He has created a culture of value and leadership among them that will carry them through life."

Great job, Chorus, on closing out a wonderful year full of learning and music!

Help PWCS create more efficient bus routes and improve on-time service. Beginning June 3, parents are requested to log in to ParentVUE and indicate their student's need for bus transportation for the 2024-25 school year.

This is part of the PWCS commitment to improving transportation. Details about this process - as well as the other measures the county is pursuing - can be found on the website linked here.

PWCS will be providing meals free of charge for all children (ages 18 and younger) this summer at designated school sites as part of the Summer Food Service Program.

Meal service is Monday-Friday during the dates listed in the chart linked here. Meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be consumed on-site.

Learn from and interact with current pro defenders Tim Settle and Greg Stroman!

On June 15th, Tim Settle and Greg Stroman will be at Unity Reed High School from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to work with young athletes in grades 1-8. The event is free, but please click here to learn more and register.

Throughout the one-day camp, Tim Settle, Greg Stroman and our coaches will offer tips and hands-on instruction, including words of wisdom, fundamental football skills stations, contests, and non-contact games in a high-energy, fun, and positive environment. Campers will be placed in small groups by age to ensure that each child gets maximum instruction featuring a 10:1 maximum camper to coach ratio. The camp will be staffed by some of the area's top high school and college coaches.

ProCamps, the sponsoring organization, prides themselves on ensuring that camp is not simply an “athlete appearance.” The comprehensive camp experience is great for athletes of all skill levels, whether they are new to the game or have been playing for years. Individual and team awards will be given in each age group.

Each attendee will receive:

• a souvenir autograph from Tim Settle and Greg Stroman (item provided – outside items not permitted)
• a camp team photo with Tim Settle and Greg Stroman
• a limited-edition Tim Settle and Greg Stroman Football ProCamp t-shirt
  

• Fall Athletes - keep an eye out for summer concussion training dates!
• August 15 - One of Us (New Student Orientation)
• August 19 - See you for the first day of school!