Week of December 4, 2019

SCRIP ORDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The last Great Lake Scrip Gift Card order for plastic cards before winter break is due Friday, December 6 by 3:00 p.m. Please consider your holiday shopping and dining at this time! You can order on-line at www.shopwithscrip.com if you have an account, pay by check (must be delivered to the Scrip box in room 100, Valenta William's office by 3:00 p.m. on Friday), by credit card (there are no Scrip fees for using your credit card if you place your order on December 5 or 6!), or by Presto Pay. If you don't have an account, you can use a paper order form and pay by check or contact Laura Dysart at scrip@mlwgsptsa.org for our enrollment code or any questions. This is a perfect way to give back to Maggie Walker in the giving season. There are also $5 and $10 gift cards available now. Families have raised $643.93 since the beginning of the school year- let's keep up that momentum as it costs you nothing extra. Let those retailers give to our school! Cards will arrive the following week and arrangements can be made for pick up at school. You can order Scrip Now with participating retailers anytime. The certificate will arrive to you digitally.  Look for either the (S) on the retailer product list or the ! icon when you click to order Scrip Now items.




ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SENIORS


National English Honor Society applications are available in a red folder outside of Ms. Cobb’s office in counseling. The application deadline is this Friday, December 6.

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MONTHLY MEETING

The Maggie L. Walker Athletic Boosters Club will hold its monthly Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9 in room 105. All members of Athletic Boosters and anyone interested in becoming involved with Athletic Boosters are welcome to attend. 

ORDER YOUR STUDENT'S SCHOOL PICTURES

Instructions:

1. Wendell Powell Home Gallery LINK password: mwdragons1920
2. Click onto your child's English teacher page. You will be asked for a password. This password with instructions was given to your child during English class when they got their School ID. If you cannot locate it, you can either ask your student's English Teacher, email Mr. White or Wendell Powell directly with your students's English teacher's name and period.

3. Order and pay online.  You can have them delivered to the school for free.  

Make up session dates have passed, but if want a re-take, you can go to the studio.  There is no deadline to order pictures at this time.

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS!

Summer Residential Governor's School Programs

Visual and Performing Arts Programs- areas of study include Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music. We can send a nominee for each area of study. Interested students must speak with their fine arts teacher.

Foreign Language Academies- full-immersion Academies in French, Spanish, and German; partial-immersion in Japanese and Latin. We are able to have one nominee from our school. If interested, please contact your language teacher.

Academic Programs- areas of study include Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Life Sciences and Medicine, Engineering (NASA- must be 16 years old by June 24, 2019), and Marine Science. Interested students should contact Ms. Davis in the counseling office.

Please see Ms. Davis or visit the website for more information.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

High School Diplomats

The High School Diplomats Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 High School Diplomats (HSD) program (July 22-August 2) at Princeton University. We are a true scholarship opportunity (no costs or add-on fees) and our best students learn about HSD from their teachers and counselors. The online application is available on our website: www.highschooldiplomats.com until January 8, 2020 and all current sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply.

SMOKE AND SCALES EDITOR POSITION AVAILABLE

Would you like to put your communications skills to work as an editor for Smoke and Scales starting in the 2020-2021 school year?  Strong writing and editing skills required.  Must be available for about one hour every Monday during the school year.  Experience with Google Blogger is a plus.  Please email smokeandscales@gmail.com. 

Week of December 9, 2014

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Residential Governor’s Schools for Sophomores and Juniors

Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. These programs provide opportunities for gifted high school students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment. Information and applications can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/ for academic and mentorship programs, and http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml for the foreign language academies. Please see Ms. Davis for additional information about application process and deadlines.

VCU Programs and Opportunities

After-school Program:
Project ACEe - pre-health focus on medicine, academic skills and prep

• Eligibility: Current Juniors and Seniors
• Program Duration: Fridays, starting January - April
• Application Requirements: Online application with personal statement, official transcript, 1 letter of recommendation from science teacher and 1 letter from guidance counselor:  due 12/12/14

Non-Residential Summer Programs:
Open to a variety of grade levels, each program focuses on a specific career field, offering hands-on instruction & information about preparing for these fields now.

• Dental Career Exploration (9, 10, 11, 12 grade), 
• Dental Hygiene Career Exploration (11 & 12 grade),
• Physical Therapy Career Exploration (10, 11, 12 grade)

The High School Diplomats (HSD) program brings American high school students together at Princeton University for a 10-day cultural and educational exchange program with students from Japan. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply and Japanese language familiarity/experience is not a pre-requisite. For more information about HSD, please visit www.highschooldiplomats.com. Application deadline is January 7, 2015.

The Cochrane Summer Economics Institute is a five-week work/study program for rising high school seniors. The program provides an introduction to economics, business, networking, and a variety of job/career choices through a combination of classroom work, community service, and internship experience. Applications will be available at www.powellinfo.org starting on December 1, 2014. Application and essay must be submitted by January 16, 2015.

MLWGS GRADS RECEIVE TOP AWARDS FROM VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1831, the Virginia Historical Society is the fourth oldest institution in America dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of history. Its mission includes service to a wide range of scholars, educators, genealogists, and “life-long learners” interested in any topic, period, or group found within Virginia history. Each year the society honors individuals for historical scholarship or service to the larger historical community. This year, two MLWGS graduates were recognized for their work.

Daniel Yoo (MLWGS ‘14) received the Bobby Chandler Student Award, which recognizes the top research submission from a Virginia high school student. Daniel’s award was based upon his oral history project on the HIV/AIDs epidemic of the 1980s and its intersection with the hemophilia community, federal blood screening protocols, and numerous drug approval obstacles. The project was part of Daniel’s Historiography seminar in the 2013-14 school year.

Adrianna Scheer-Cook (MLWGS ‘09), a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, won the Undergraduate History Paper of the Year for her paper on the Vietnam War activism of Phyllis Galanti, whose personal papers reside at the VHS. As a senior in the 2008-09 school year, Miss Scheer-Cook was enrolled in an advanced seminar on Korean and Vietnam conflicts offered by the Social Studies Department.

Daniel is currently enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond. Adrianna is in her first year of law school at the University of Virginia.



SOL TESTING WEEK OF MONDAY, JANUARY 5

SOL Testing for freshmen who attended private middle schools will take place during the week of Monday January 5th. Specific testing times and locations were distributed to students last week.

All students at Maggie L. Walker are required to pass nine SOL End of Course tests in order to qualify for a Virginia Advanced Studies High School Diploma. MLW students typically earn SOL verified credits for biology, chemistry, World History II (given at the end of 10th grade), US History (10th or 11th grade), English writing (10th grade), English reading (11th grade), Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II.

Students who attended private middle schools need to verify earned credit through SOL tests for Algebra I, geometry, and/or Algebra II classes taken.

Students are encouraged go to the Virginia Department of Education site http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml to review materials to prepare for the tests. In addition, students may ask their current math teacher for additional help. Finally, the math tutoring lab is open after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for help with specific content.

Students will have a practice opportunity to use the online math tools during lunch on Monday, December 15th in Lab 201. It is highly recommended that all students attend this practice session since it is important to be able to use the tools effectively during online testing. 

SOL tests are scored as fail, pass/proficient or advanced/college path. If a student fails the SOL, he or she is permitted to take an expedited re-take if the score is between 375 and 399. This re-take will be scheduled within a couple of weeks of the initial testing date. Otherwise, the student can take the test again in May. If a student fails the re-test, he or she will have an opportunity to retake the test in May. The scores are not used for college admissions purposes and are only used for verifying credits.

Please contact Karl Zweerink at kzweerink@gsgis.k12.va.us or 804-354-6800, extension 3210 if you have any questions.



COME SUPPORT MUSIC AT MLWGS!

WINTER JAZZ CONCERT – Monday, Dec. 15th, 7:00 pm
WINTER CHORUS/ORCHESTRA CONCERT – Wednesday, Dec. 17th, 7:00 pm

• Cost is $5 at the door.
• Concert Reception immediately followS each performance.
• Mark your calendar NOW!

Please contact Leslie Hausser, Music Boosters President, at lahmeems@comcast.net, with any questions.



ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS

The December Senior Newsletter is now available on the School Counseling Website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/2011-2012-newsletters). This newsletter contains college-related reminders and a listing of scholarships with approaching deadlines. The newsletter was distributed to students in their English classes last week. Scholarship information for seniors is also available on the School Counseling website (https://sites.google.com/a/gsgis.k12.va.us/mlw-school-counseling/college-admissions-information-1/scholarships-financial-aid) and in Naviance (https://connection.naviance.com/mlwgs). Contact your child’s counselor if you would like to view the Naviance scholarship database and need your registration code.

Scholarships are still being added to this database on a monthly basis, most with direct links to the applications. Hard-copy applications are scanned and attached to the scholarship description as a PDF. Please note that all deadlines posted on Naviance or in the Newsletter are subject to change as organizations are still sending us updated information for this school year. Check the organization’s website for the most current information. Please contact Rachel Loving in the School Counseling Office with scholarship questions.



AUCTION DEADLINE THIS WEEK

Last chance for donations! The 13th Annual Night of the Dragon Auction team will accept donations of auction items through this Friday, December 12. 

1. To donate, click here to print a donation form.
2. Fill it out and choose the group(s) that the proceeds from the item should benefit.
3. Drop the form and the item off at school in the auction box in Valenta Williams’ office.
4. All forms received by Friday, December 12 at the end of the school day will be accepted.
5. Due to processing times, donations received after the deadline cannot be included in this year's event.

For donations too big to send to school (or those donations that contain alcohol), pickup can be arranged by marking "to be arranged" in the delivery instructions section of the form – but the donation form must still be turned in by December 12.

Questions?? Contact Karen Akens at karenakens@gmail.com

FUNDING OF MLWGS KEY CONCERN AT BUDGET TOWN HALL MEETING

The Budget Town Hall on December 3 featured a total of 15 parents, PTSA and Foundation leaders, alumni, students and educators who provided public comments. The primary concern was the continued underfunding of MLWGS. The local funding for our students has dropped more than 10% over the past five years while VRS and healthcare costs have increased substantially. In front of a crowd of about 100, these speakers shared heartfelt concerns about the impact of deep budget cuts in recent years including what they felt was outdated textbooks, inadequate technology equipment and staffing, increased teacher workloads, noncompetitive salaries, reductions in field trips and course offerings, and a new proposed cap on participation in the Senior mentorship program.

Several speakers pointed out concerns about the anxiety surrounding the annual budget process. One speaker provided a detailed proposal to stabilize funding through a formula tied to the amounts spent by local school divisions on students in their home schools. Another speaker voiced concerns regarding the Regional School Board’s upcoming decision on a long-term capital improvement contract that will be funded with reserves (savings).

It is a challenge to gain consensus among all school divisions, but the Regional School Board and Superintendents Steering Committee are beginning to look at solutions. In addition to the MLWGS administrative team, Mr. Kevin Hazzard, chairman of the Regional School Board, Dr. James Lane, chair of the Superintendents Steering Committee, and, Mr. John Axselle, Vice Chair of the Regional School Board attended the meeting. One speaker expressed concern regarding the absence of the other 21 superintendents and elected representatives who are responsible for the MLWGS budget and requested that the Town Hall comments be communicated to them. Dr. McGee and Chairman Hazzard assured the audience the issues raised would be taken into consideration.

The PTSA Advocacy Committee will continue to update parents throughout the budget development process including any formal report or minutes for the Budget Town Hall. The budget should be finalized by April or May. The next Regional School Board meeting is Dec. 18, 2014 at 9 am at MLWGS. There is a public comment period at the beginning of each monthly meeting should you wish to share your thoughts. Here is information about the Regional School Board. If you are interested in learning more about government relations and advocacy on behalf of MLWGS, please contact PTSA Advocacy Co-Chairs Marianne Macon, macon4@verizon.net, or, Laura O’Brien, prable@comcast.net.



"AMICABLE COLLABORATORS", MICHELE SURAT AND LYNN REED, PRESENTED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Ms. Surat  is seen  ringing a “zenergy” chime as Lynn Reed provided the frequency for the sound in mathematical terms.

“Story as the Landscape of Knowing” was the theme of this year’s National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference. Thanks to the generous support of the Governor’s School Foundation, Michele Surat (World Literature) and Lynn Reed (AP Calculus) presented their collaborative work in two separate programs on November 21, 2014.

After NCTE’s acceptance of their original proposal, the National Council of Literacy Education (NCLE) also requested that Ms. Surat and Mrs. Reed participate in an all-morning session of round-table discussions. There the teachers shared their resources and interdisciplinary lessons plans with elementary through university teachers.

Later in the afternoon, Yoko Ogawa's award-winning novel, The Housekeeper and the Professorprovided the primary focus. Ms. Surat and Mrs. Reed each explained how to use the contemporary Japanese novel as a catalyst for increased literacy, close reading, and critical thinking skills. Since the protagonist of the novel was a math professor, students considered the use of the mathematics and baseball as metaphors to describe the relationships among the characters. About 40 teachers attended their animated session.

The Foundation Annual Fund supports grants for continuing education for faculty, programs for students, and special projects for facilities and technology. So far this year, the Annual Fund Campaign has raised $122,774 for the school. Overall current parent participation is 21%, and here is the parent participation by class:

• Seniors: 29%
• Juniors: 23%
• Sophomores: 24%
• Freshmen: 9%

To donate online, please click here.


ATTENTION ALL DRAGON LOVERS!

Karina Kunka (Class of 2015) really needs your support. She is making and selling Dragons of a Different Color (clay dragon ornaments) for her friend Caitlin Haigh from Powhatan County and who is currently battling Mitochondrial Disease, Dysautonomia, and Gastroparesis.  Her debilitating diseases and frequent surgeries and hospitalizations have prevented Caitlin from attending most of high school, although she will still be graduating this spring from Powhatan High.  Last year, her dream to swim with dolphins was fulfilled by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and despite all of her setbacks, she still wears a bright smile.

$5 buys a gift-wrapped dragon in your choice of available colors; designs vary since no two dragons are alike! Every single penny of your purchase goes directly towards Caitlin's medical expenses, so if you are interested in adopting a dragon this winter, contact karina.kunka@gmail.com. They make great holiday gifts, so be sure to snag one before they fly away! For more information on Caitlin, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caitlinalliehaigh.

DRAGON’S LAIR

‘Tis holiday season

So let us be lyrical!

We’ll change up our sales pitch

(But maintain the satirical).

If gifts you should need

For neighbors or cousins

Come drop by the Lair

We have a few (dozens).

From sweatshirts warm

To pajama pants snuggly

In our spirit apparel

You’ll look sharp, not ugly.

And gifts and accessories

And tchotchkes and bling

All kinds of drink tumblers

Ornaments on green string

Pens, pins and totes!

Stretchy swim caps!

Take your school to the pool

And do a few laps.

Dragon Shirts! Comfy Jackets!

Smart Ties! Cool Gym Shorts!

Our staff will assist you

With all types and sorts

Of purchases which –

By the time you are done –

Will finish your shopping

Before others’ve begun.

So swing by on Tuesday

Or Friday at lunch,

And these special hours

To help your time crunch:

- (after the winter concert)

- (after the winter concert)

- December 19 (ALL DAY BLITZ DAY - shop til you drop!]:   8:30 - 3:30

(Yeah, like I’m gonna try and rhyme all of that.  As if.)

Check our stuff on the web

Mlwgsdragons.weebly.com

Checks and cash are all welcome

If you need some, ask mom.

I’m through with this rhyming.

No more, this I swear.

So Happy Chrismahanakwanzaa!

From The Dragon’s Lair!

Week of November 25, 2014

NIGHT OF THE DRAGON

The Thirteenth Annual Night of the Dragon - an exciting evening of live and silent auctions, delicious food and spirits, beautiful music, and enjoyable conversation - will be held on February 21 at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump! This event directly benefits the students at MLWGS. Night of the Dragon provides major funding for: 

■ Parent Teacher Student Association
■ Academic Boosters
■ Athletic Boosters
■ Drama Boosters
■ Music Boosters
■ Visual Arts Boosters
■ The Governor's School Foundation

This event features a huge variety of items to auction and donations are actively being solicited now by all of the sponsoring groups.   Great donations include dinners at favorite local restaurants, tours of local attractions, vacation home stays, and unique behind the scenes experiences.  Can't think of anything to donate? How about redeeming credit card points for gift cards and donating the gift cards to the auction!

Donation forms are available on the event website - www.nightofthedragon.com - just print out a form and return it to the auction box in Valenta Williams' office off the Bluestone Lobby. The deadline for donations to be included in this year's event is December 12.  Questions?  Email karenakens@gmail.com

MAILING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

The MLWGS Foundation needs volunteers on Wednesday, December 3, at 9:00 am to help in preparing our second Annual Fund mailing. Please come for a couple hours in the Seond floor Boardroom. It is a great way to help the Foundation and have some lively conversation with other parents and volunteers!

No RSVP is necessary, but for questions or to be added to the Foundation's volunteer list for future bulk mailings, please contact Eva Boegner.

PARENT HELP NEEDED

Calling all night owls!  Freshman parents are needed to chaperone the Freshman Lock In on December 12th from 11pm until 6am the next morning.  Please use the following link to sign up to help:   http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0949abab2ba13-winter.  Thank you!  Tammy Brickley (Freshman Class Parent Representative)

The PTSA freshman class email distribution list was created using the directory.  However, many email addresses are not listed.  If you would like to provide your information, you may contact Tammy Brickley at tcbrickley@hotmail.com.  Thank you!

ANNUAL FUND SUPPORTS STUDENTS

The Annual Fund Campaign supports classroom instructional enhancements like providing the English classes with an internet subscription to vocabulary.com. The Foundation also provided funding for the purchase of copies of Lee Smith's book Guests on Earth.  This award-winning author will be visiting the school in March. Please consider contributing the annual fund.

UPCOMING PTSA MEETINGS

The December 2, 2014, 5:30PM MLWGS PTSA program on Academic Balance: Dual Enrollment, AP, Honors, and Plus with Mr. Karl Zweernick has been RESCHEDULED to February 2, 2015, 5:30pm.  

Mark the calendars now for the upcoming PTSA program Mental Wellness: Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, and Exercise with Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow on January 21, 2015, 8am!

MLWGS CHESS TEAM UPDATE

Last Saturday, the chess team hosted the third annual Maggie Walker scholastic tournament.  There was an enormous turnout with 79 competitors, making it the biggest scholastic tournament in Richmond this year.  In the K-12 sections, the Maggie Walker chess team placed first, with two of our players, Matthew Normansell (’17, Henrico) and Jeffrey Song (’17, Henrico) winning all of their games.  Yang Zhang (’16, Henrico) placed 3rd with a score of 3/4 and Santosh Dasari (’18, Chesterfield) finished 7th in the section with 2.5/4 points.  David Normansell (’16, Henrico), Trey Johnson (’18, Richmond), and Vishnu Pulavarthi (’17, Henrico) all scored 2/4.  The captain, Isaac Steincamp (’15, Chesterfield) was also elected into the Virginia Scholastic Chess Association (VSCA) Board of Directors, making him the youngest director in VSCA history!

SCHOLARSHIP NOMINEES

Congratulations to this fall’s scholarship nominees! The following students were nominated by Maggie Walker for scholarships this fall, some through tough selection processes by the MLWGS scholarship committee. Many of these students are in the midst of competing in regional, state, and national competitions for these scholarships. MLWGS is proud to have these students represent the school:

• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Morehead-Cain Scholarship: Helen Li
• North Carolina State University, Park Scholarship: Bennett Bowers
• Washington University in St. Louis, Danforth Scholarship: Afnan Enayet, Galen Green, Evrosina Isaac,  Anna Kuno, Helen Li, Caroline O’Brien
• Boston University, Trustee Scholarship: Bennett Bowers, Evrosina Isaac, Caroline O’Brien, Nivetha Saravanan, Gwyneth Sholar, Pranay Vissa, Lisa Wang
• Notre Dame, Hesburgh-Yusko Scholarship: Blaise Barsanti and Samantha Schwartzkopf
• Davidson College, Belk Scholarship: Margaret Graham and Andrew Leffler
• Duke/UNC-Chapel Hill, Robertson Scholarship (interview recipients): Connor Wood and Elena Zhou
• University of Virginia, Jefferson Scholarship: Raleigh Browne and Connor Wood
• Prudential Spirit of Community Award: Utkarsha Bhave
• Harry F. Byrd Leadership Award: Pranay Vissa
• Comcast Leaders & Achievers Award: Benjamin Wong
• Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award: Galen Green
• Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award: Michael Thompson
• US Senate Youth Program: Elena Palazzolo
• Lexus Scholars Weekly Winner: Joseph Boyle

VICKERS WINS POETRY OUT LOUD COMPETITION

For the second year in a row, Naomi Vickers (‘17) [not in directory] is the winner of MLWGS  school-wide Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Competition. Naomi will represent MLWGS in February at the regional competition. Mary-Dryden Maio (‘18, Richmond) came in as a close second, and James Tyler (’15, Henrico) was third. In all, nine winners from classroom competitions participated. Coordinated by Ms. Surat, the competition proceeds through regional, state , and national levels. At the national level a student may win a $20,000 scholarship. Special thanks are due to English Department Chair, Lisa Williams and English teachers John Piersol and Kerry Sheppard who served as judges with Ms. Surat.

GLOBAL CITIZENS ONLINE!

What will participants learn?  In the words of students who participated in the spring 2014 GCO pilot…

• Interested in striking the right balance (for you) between privacy and convenience in regard to online tools?
• Curious about options for developing an online identity that highlights what you’d most like others, like college admissions officers, to notice about you and your talents?
• Wondering how you might leverage online tools for social good, such as building awareness or coalitions across local, national, or international communities?

Enroll in Global Citizens Online (GCO) 2014-15, a program in which you’ll explore these topics (and more) with a small group of fellow MLWGS sophomores.

• Where does it happen? ONLINE
• Read articles and/or watch videos online – sources that intentionally present contrasting perspectives on issues – that will serve as sparks for discussion
• Participate in lively small group discussions via itslearning
• When does it happen? On your own schedule over seven weeks, about one hour per week.
• What does it cover?
• Personality and Presence (i.e. who – and where – are you online?)
• December 8-19, 2014
• Winter break (with optional challenge activity)
• Privacy and Power
• January 5-16, 2015
• Two-week break for first semester exams
• Connections and Intention
• February 2-20, 2015
• Our last week culminates with participants sharing personal strategic plans (no more than two pages long) regarding their online identity

Interested in bringing GCO topics home to discuss with your family? There will be optional weekly dinner table topics provided during the first six weeks of the program.

Sign-up DEADLINE: Friday, December 5, 2014.

Sign-up online, in the MLWGS Library, or by emailing Ms. DeGroat: wdegroat@gsgis.k12.va.us

MAGGIE WALKER GOLF TEAM GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Robbie Crawford and Brandon Shaw present the Maggie Walker Golf Team's donation check to Kelcey Henderson, of  The First Tee of Richmond and Chesterfield.

On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, MLWGS Team Captains, Robbie Crawford (’12, Hanover) and Brandon Shaw (’12, Henrico) along with their golf coach, Nancy Ramsbottom, presented a check in the amount of $243.00 to the First Tee of Richmond and Chesterfield.  The First Tee provides young people with character-building and life skills lessons using golf as the platform.  Through the First Tee, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life.  The funds presented to The First Tee of Richmond and Chesterfield were raised by the Maggie Walker Golf Team during last month's Fall Festival.

MLWGS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SENIOR REGIONAL ORCHESTRA

Left to right:  Alec Handy (’16, Richmond) viola, Willow Kwak (’18, Henrico) violin, Margaret Graham (’15, Petersburg) violin, Rachel Zhao (’18 Henrico) cello

MLWGS Orchestra students participated in Senior Regional Orchestra at Hanover High School November 14-15. They auditioned to earn their seats and have gained eligibility to audition for All-Virginia Orchestra.

SUMMER RESIDENTIAL GOVERNOR'S SCHOOLS FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Applications are now available for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools.  These programs provide opportunities for gifted high school students to explore professional and university environments through mentorships and academic enrichment.   Information and applications can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/ for academic and mentorship programs, andhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/foreign_language/language_academies/index.shtml for the foreign language academies.  Please see Ms. Davis for additional information about application process and deadlines.  

VCU PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

After-school Program:

Project ACEe - pre-health focus on medicine, academic skills and prep

Eligibility:  Current Juniors & Seniors

Application Requirements:  Online application with personal statement, official transcript, 1 letter of recommendation from science teacher and 1 letter from guidance counselor - due December 12, 2014.

Non-Residential Summer Programs:

Open to a variety of grade levels, each program focuses on a specific career field, offering hands-on instruction & information about preparing for these fields now.

Dental Career Exploration (9, 10, 11, 12 grade),  

Dental Hygiene Career Exploration (11 & 12 grade),

Physical Therapy Career Exploration (10, 11, 12 grade)

JUNIOR RECOGNIZED AT COMMUNITY EVENT

Jaylaan Darius Bell-Colley (’16, Richmond), was recognized by the Professionals Reaching Out to the Community Foundation on Saturday, November 15.  Jaylaan was awarded first runner-up in this year's Beautillion:  "Shaping the Future Through Leadership".  The full story is available HERE.

MLWGS STUDENT RECOGNIZED

"Pair of Jacks and the Queen of Hearts":  fiddler Buddy Griffin, Margaret Graham ('15), bass player Jack Bowman, and guitarist Jack Abeel

Comedian Steve Martin awarded the veteran banjo player, Eddie Adcock, his coveted Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass this fall. To commence a year of touring associated with the prize, Eddie and his wife Martha are hosting this year’s Christmas Bluegrass Benefit for the Homeless, which will be held on December 14 in the Station Inn, famed as the leading Bluegrass and Roots venue in Nashville, Tennessee. Adcock asked Maggie L. Walker senior Margaret Graham and her band member, Jack Abeel, to perform at the kick-off event.

Adcock began playing the banjo professionally in the early 1950s and rose to fame when he joined Bill Monroe’s band, the Blue Grass Boys, in 1957. He soon left to accompany the newly formed band, The Country Gentlemen, and stayed with them until the early 1970s. He then left to join Martha and the two have performed together ever since. Adcock has invited Graham and Abeel to guest-play at several of his Virginia concerts over the past three years. The benefit concert promises to bring out some of the best new and legendary Bluegrass talent for the evening.