Year in Review 2025

Annandale Students, Parents and Community: As 2025 winds down, this special edition of the Annandale Insider celebrates the incredible "Awesome Atoms" moments that have defined the year. Reliving these highlights reinforces what we already know: Annandale is truly a special place. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our staff, students, and community this year. From academic and athletic achievements to remarkable acts of school spirit and community engagement, Atom Nation has consistently showcased its talent, teamwork, and dedication. Of course, none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. On behalf of the entire Annandale High School staff, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your support throughout the year. Whether volunteering your time, cheering on our teams, or simply believing in our students, your contributions make all the difference. To revisit more “Awesome Atoms” moments, check out our past year-end editions: 2024, 2023, and 2022. Here is to an exciting and successful 2026! Shawn DeRose, Principal

A Year of Distinguished Work

For the 2024-25 school year, Annandale High School earned the highest recognition possible under Virginia's School Performance and Support Framework: Distinguished. This designation is reserved for schools that exceed state expectations in academic achievement, student growth, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. With over 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, this achievement is particularly significant. Annandale outperformed predictions and demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and commitment. This recognition reflects the hard work of students, the dedication of staff, and the support of our families and community. When we work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

January

Parent Orchestra at the Midwest Clinic: The week before winter break, Annie Ray presented the Fairfax Parent Orchestra at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Midwest Clinic is one of the most renowned music education conferences in the world. As part of the session, Annie gave an eloquent keynote that highlighted the connection that parent ensembles build with students through what she calls “music-ing,” the act of making music. The Parent Orchestra also played a few pieces that displayed our families’ hard work, resilience in learning an instrument, and love of music-ing. Along with Annie, Cat B IA, Nick Jacky, Crescendo Orchestra volunteer, Scott Engdahl, and Hanna Langstein performed with the group. Congrats to Annie and the Fairfax Parent Orchestra!

New Mural in the Main Gym! Thanks to Capital Murals and the generous support of the Class of 1974, we now have an incredible new mural in the main gym celebrating the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our Atoms athletes. This mural is more than artwork—it’s a tribute to the dedication and pride that make Annandale High School extraordinary. Check it out while you watch a game in the gym or see it on our Instagram page!

AHS CAT B Teacher, Ariana Gallahan-Zarate Featured in FCPS Teacher Spotlight: Seven years ago, Ariana Gallahan-Zarate began her journey with FCPS as an Instructional Assistant, working with students with special needs. Her dedication to education and passion for helping students led her to pursue her teaching degree—taking classes after work while managing a full-time role. Now, as a second-year teacher at Annandale High School, Ms. Gallahan-Zarate reflects on her rewarding decision: "Building relationships with the students and their families has really been a great experience." We’re proud to have Ms. Gallahan-Zarate as part of the Atom Nation! Check out the Teachers Spotlight here!

Basketball Team Featured for Mentor Program: Recently, FCPS featured the Annandale High School basketball team for their mentoring program. Each Wednesday afternoon during the winter months, the Annandale High School boys and girls basketball teams make the short walk to Braddock Elementary School for a very important match-up. The Atoms athletes are there to mentor third graders who could benefit from a little extra support in reading comprehension. For ten weeks the athletes and younger students sit down on benches in the cafeteria and work through literacy skills in collaboration with the Herndon non-profit, Readers Are Leaders. It’s a successful partnership that has been running between the schools since 2018.

Annandale Wins National District One-Acts! Congratulations to Annandale High School and theater teacher Kylie Murry for their incredible victory at the National District One-Acts competition held at Mt. Vernon on Saturday! The VHSL One-Act Plays competition showcases the creativity and talent of Virginia high school students as they write, direct, design, and perform 35-minute plays. This intense theatrical experience challenges students to explore innovative storytelling and refine their acting, directing, and technical skills, offering a unique platform to shine and share their passion for the arts.

Featured on WTOP: Annandale Athletes Help Young Readers Succeed! Annandale High School’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been making a lasting impact off the court by mentoring third graders at Braddock Elementary through a reading initiative. Supported by the nonprofit Readers Are Leaders, the program pairs student-athletes with younger students to improve their reading skills and confidence, especially for those from non-English-speaking homes. Beyond fostering academic growth, the initiative builds strong community connections and even enhances teamwork on the court. Learn more about this inspiring program in the full article from WTOP: Fairfax County high school athletes team up to help elementary kids read stronger.

February

Class of 2026 Blizzard Breakfast A Success: This past Saturday, the AHS Class of 2026 hosted the first annual Blizzard Breakfast in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. Families enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast, fun crafts, photo booth, and a story corner designed just for kids. The highlight of the event was a special guest appearance by Olaf from Frozen, who brought big smiles and even bigger hugs! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Class of 2026. Your participation helps make events like this a success and strengthens our vibrant Annandale community! The Class of 2026 looks forward to seeing our families at Blizzard Breakfast again next year!

Annandale HS Wins FCPS Best in Social Media Award! Annandale HS recently received the award for Best in Social Media in FCPS. From highlighting Inclusion Revolution Week to welcoming future Atoms, our Instagram and Facebook consistently celebrate our diverse community, engaging followers with creative, high-quality content. A huge shoutout to Jen Cory and Jae Lee, our Social Media Coordinators, for their dedication to making Annandale’s story come to life! #AtomNation

Annandale Pyramid Shines at FCPS School Communicators Conference! The Annandale Pyramid was proudly represented at theThird Annual FCPS School Communicators Conference and Awards, bringing home top honors in multiple categories. Weyanoke Elementary School won Best Newsletter (Elementary), Annandale Terrace Elementary School earned Best Website (Elementary), Columbia Elementary School received Best Social Media (Elementary), and Annandale High School was recognized for Best Social Media (High School). It is an honor to be recognized alongside the dedicated principals and school leaders of the Annandale Pyramid, who work to engage and inform our communities. Way to go, Annandale Pyramid!

Annandale Choir Students Place in All-Virginia Chorus: Congratulations to Lina Abuelhawa (4th Chair, Alto 2 – SSAA Choir) and Tyler Miller (1st Chair, Bass 2 – SATB Choir) for earning spots in the prestigious All-Virginia Chorus! Tyler’s selection marks his third consecutive year in All-VA. Additionally, Megan Murray, Lucy Baboyian, Drew McKenna, Finn Sample, and Noah Plank were named alternates. These students competed among the top vocalists in the state and will perform in Richmond after intensive rehearsals in April. Congratulations to these students for their incredible achievement!

Annandale Students Display Biliteracy Excellence: We are incredibly proud of our students who recently took the World Language Credit By Exam assessment. Out of 92 students tested, a total of 84 students earned credits towards their high school diploma. Of those, 71 students earned the full three credits and qualified for the VDOE Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious recognition of their bilingual proficiency. This achievement highlights the dedication of our students and the strength of our language programs. Congratulations to all who participated in this important step toward multilingual excellence.

March

Congressman Beyer Visits Annandale – Celebrating the Power of the Arts: We were honored to welcome Congressman Don Beyer to Annandale, where we had the opportunity to showcase the incredible impact that performing arts has on our students. He spent time with Annie Ray and our Crescendo Orchestra students where he engaged with different bow rhythms and hearing upcoming concert pieces. Congressman Beyer also visited our award-winning theatre program where he explored creative movement with Kylie Murray and our Spotlight Ensemble students. We were also joined by Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and FCPS School Board members Ricardy Anderson and Ilryong Moon, whose presence highlighted the strong community support for performing arts education.

Annandale Special Olympics Basketball: Our Annandale Atoms Special Olympics team played their hearts out in two fantastic games against Madison HS and West Potomac HS in their final tournament of the season! Their determination, teamwork, and spirit were truly inspiring. Next up: FanQuest on March 21 vs. Marshall HS!

Annandale Students Explore Auto Tech at NOVA! Annandale students got a firsthand look at the exciting world of auto tech at NOVA Alexandria! From diagnosing engines to exploring electric vehicles, our students were immersed in the latest technology. The GM Automotive Service Education Program sparked interest in many, with some planning to enroll at NOVA!

Annandale Journalism Project Welcomes Back Esteemed Mentors: Students in the Annandale Journalism Project had the opportunity to learn from top journalists on Thursday, as they welcomed back three industry experts. Former Wall Street Journal Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Seib, NPR Morning Edition host Michel Martin, and former Wall Street Journal tech, tax, and politics reporter John McKinnon.

Participants, who applied to join the Annandale Journalism Project, led by English teacher and former journalist Elizabeth Crowley, received guidance on their reporting and storytelling skills. The mentors helped students refine their journalistic approach and plan their next steps in investigative work. This marks the third visit in 2025 for Seib, who, alongside retired editor and Wall Street Journal reporter Barb Rosewicz, has played a key role in inspiring students to develop and craft compelling news feature stories.

AHS Students Visit the Embassy of Belgium - In celebration of International Women’s Day, three Annandale High School students visited the Embassy of Belgium to explore diplomacy and global leadership. Ambassador Bernard welcomed them, and diplomats Maite Morren and Hamed Mobasser shared insights on multilingualism, education, and empowering young women. The students reflected on how they plan to make a difference in their communities and future careers, offering unique perspectives on intercultural exchange. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for all!

Annandale HS Highlighted in New FCPS Boys Volleyball & Girls Wrestling Video! Fairfax County Public Schools made history this year by introducing Varsity Boys Volleyball and Varsity Girls Wrestling as official VHSL-sponsored sports. Student-athletes from across the county, including those from Annandale High School, showcased their dedication, skill, and school pride on the courts and mats. From the rapid growth of girls wrestling to standout performances in boys volleyball, this season was a milestone for FCPS athletics. Check out the Annandale students featured in the video.

Annandale FanQuest Featured on Fox 5 News: This year’s FanQuest pep rally was an unforgettable celebration of inclusion, unity, and school spirit as Special Olympics athletes from Annandale and Marshall High Schools took center court. With a gym full of cheering fans, the event highlighted the incredible talents and strength of our student-athletes. We’re proud to share that the story, “Annandale High School hosts Special Olympics Unified Sports,” was featured on Fox 5 News.

Dr. Sarah Eqab Named Interim Principal of Poe Middle School
We are proud to share that Dr. Sarah Eqab has been named the Interim Principal of Poe Middle School. As an Assistant Principal at Annandale, Dr. Eqab has been a passionate advocate for equity, leading the English and ESOL departments and supporting collaborative teaching practices. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on our school community. While she will be deeply missed at Annandale, we are excited to see her continue supporting students and families within the Annandale Pyramid in this new role. Congratulations, Dr. Eqab!

April

Pyramid Art Show Success! This week, Annandale hosted the Pyramid Art Show. This show is an opportunity to showcase student art work from our feeder elementary and middle schools alongside the work of Annandale students. This is a unique event in which our high school students have the opportunity to reconnect with their elementary and middle school Art teachers, and our future Atoms can see the many paths they can take to explore the Arts when they come to Annandale. Special thanks to Carmen Lucas, Erin Mahoney, Luis Navas Reyes and Megan Mooney for mounting this fabulous display of the talent in our community.

Congratulations Dr. Hanna Langstein! We’re excited to share that Dr. Hanna Langstein has been selected as interim assistant principal at Halley Elementary School! While we’ll truly miss her leadership at Annandale, we’re thrilled to see her step into this new role. During her time here, Dr. Langstein made a lasting impact—supporting student success, mentoring staff, and strengthening our instructional practices. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Langstein on this well-deserved opportunity!

Letters from the Battlefield Brings Community Together: Last week’s screening of Letters from the Battlefield was a powerful and moving evening at Annandale High School. Created by three Annandale graduates from the Class of 1982, the film shares a personal story of the Vietnam War that connects generations and perspectives. The event welcomed students, families, staff, and community members for a thoughtful reflection on history, service, and understanding—capturing the spirit of what makes Atom Nation special. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the night a success!

May

Building Bridges: Atoms Ambassadors Visit Poe and Holmes Middle Schools! Our amazing Atoms Ambassadors and school counselors recently visited Poe Middle School and Holmes Middle School to welcome and connect with our future Atoms! During these visits, rising 9th graders had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about life at Annandale High School, and start building important connections that will support their transition this fall. A huge thank you to our Atoms Ambassadors for their leadership, positivity, and school spirit!

Autism Acceptance Night – A Huge Success: Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Varsity Baseball and Softball teams and celebrate Autism Acceptance Night! The evening was made even more special with Amanuel Mebrate and Billy Boateng throwing out the first pitch and kicking things off in style. Our students’ handmade crafts, baked goods, and t-shirts were a hit, and thanks to your generosity, we raised meaningful funds for our Special Education Department. It was a night full of community, pride, and inclusion—thank you for being a part of it!

Annandale Theater Shines with Four Cappies Award Nominations! The National Capital Area Cappies Award Nominations were recently announced. We are thrilled to report that Annandale High School received four nominations. Honorees include Fiona Raymer, Jasmine Hamilton, and Kaleigh Rosania for Props; Angela Fuentes Quinteros for Vocalist in a Female Role; Marcello Canniff for Comedic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical; and Nathaniel Dosen for Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Musical. These students, along with our Cappies Critic Team, will attend the Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center on June 2. Congratulations to all our talented nominees!

15 Annandale Students Earn Study Abroad Scholoarship: Join us in congratulating the following 15 outstanding students who have been selected to study abroad this summer through the Center for International Education and Exchange (CIEE) Global Navigator Partnership Program. Annandale High School is proud to share that our students have been awarded over $40,000 in scholarship funding to support their global learning experiences. This incredible opportunity allows students to expand their horizons, immerse themselves in new cultures, and gain invaluable global perspectives. AHS students will be traveling to several destinations including Australia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy,  Spain, and South Korea. Our partnership with the Center for International Education and Exchange opens doors -and the world - to our students!

Summer 2025

Annandale High School Awarded Tony Cook Memorial Grant for Global Education: Annandale High School has been selected as a recipient of this year’s Tony Cook Memorial Grant from Academic Year in America (AYA)! This national award recognizes schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to international education and global understanding.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Meredith Hedrick, Tricia Kapuscinski, and Lily Craig, Annandale received the grant to further support our global studies initiatives and enhance opportunities for cross-cultural learning across our school community. We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to fostering global citizenship among our students and look forward to the continued growth of our international education programs. Congratulations to all involved—and thank you for helping bring the world to Atom Nation!

AHS Best Buddies Featured in Strategic Plan Video on Inclusion and Belonging: Annandale High School’s Best Buddies program was recently featured in FCPS’s Strategic Plan Goal #2 video, which highlighted the division’s efforts to foster a positive school climate and promote a strong sense of inclusion and belonging for all students. This video was presented by Dr. Reid at the School Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Check it out!

Celebrating the Class of 2025: Senior Awards Highlights: On Thursday, May 30, Annandale High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 during our annual Senior Awards Ceremony. The event recognized students for outstanding academic achievements across all content areas and honored seniors selected for community-based awards and scholarships. From leadership in the arts and sciences to service and resilience, the ceremony highlighted the talent and determination that define our graduating Atoms. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!

Literacy, Language, and Learning at Annandale Summer Credit Recovery: The literacy and ELD classes at Annandale’s summer Credit Recovery program were a success, with strong student engagement and skill-building in all four language domains. Families valued the structured, supportive environment, and students celebrated their growth on the final day with certificates and photos. Congrats to Ariana Patino Orellana, winner of the Chromebook raffle!

Expanding Special Olympics in FCPS: Assistant Principal Jae Lee continues to make a division-wide impact by helping expand Special Olympics programming throughout FCPS. This summer, Mr. Lee helped bring together nearly 30 FCPS administrators, teachers, and students for the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Workshop. The session introduced schools that are new to Special Olympics to the resources and support needed to launch their own programs.

September

Activities Fair a Huge Success! This past Tuesday, students had an opportunity to visit with members of over 60 of Annandale's clubs, organizations, and athletic teams at the annual Activities Fair. Students were able to learn more about each organization, their meetings, and how to join. This event will be followed by our first W4 Day during W4/Pride Time on Monday, September 29. Be on the lookout for more information during an upcoming W4 Lesson.

Annandale Awarded Grant to Support Global Citizenship: Annandale High School has been awarded a grant from Academic Year in America in support of the Tony Cook Scholarship award. The funding will further the school's commitment to "Cultivating Global Citizens through the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" and empower students to engage in meaningful projects that promote sustainability, equity, and peace. Exchange students Gagik (Armenia), Feras (Israel), and Vivian (Germany) delivered the award in person, highlighting the global connections that enrich our school community. This grant will bring new opportunities as Annandale continues to build a culture of global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, and responsible leadership.

Three AHS Students Commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Congratulations to Annandale students Jasmin Dinh, Tyler Miller, and Khyber Zaheer for their outstanding achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT and recently being named as a Commended Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Norma Foti Featured on WUSA9 for PTSA Pantry Leadership: Former Annandale PTSA President, mother to Annandale Alumni, and founder of the Annandale PTSA Pantry Norma Foti was featured on WUSA9 for her community work. Norma continues to lead the pantry she founded even after her children have moved on from the school, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting her community. The AHS PTSA Pantry provides essential resources to students and families throughout the school year. Foti's story highlights the community spirit that defines Annandale High School and showcases how individual dedication can create lasting positive impact within the school community. The Pantry is supported through the generous donations of community members like you. Find out more or donate here!

October