Goodbye Stonewall Jackson, hello Unity Braxton and Unity Reed.
During its June 29 meeting, the Prince William County School Board voted to rename Stonewall Jackson Senior High School to Unity Reed High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School to Unity Braxton Middle School. These names were chosen out of over 775 submissions from community residents.
Special preference was given to the names of individuals ‘who have made significant contributions to the field of education, especially within Prince William County,’ according to a presentation from the schools’ naming committees. The naming committee for the former Stonewall Jackson Senior High School consisted of school board Chairman Babur Lateef, Brentsville District Member Adele Jackson, Gainesville District Member Jennifer T. Wall, and Coles District Member Lisa Zargarpur, while the committee for the former Stonewall Middle School consisted of Chairman Lateef, Brentsville District Member Jackson, and Gainesville District Member Wall.
“Arthur Reed was a favorite among the community for the renaming of the school and the school board seeks to recognize the voices and opinions of current and former students of the high school. Arthur Reed reflects a lifelong legacy and dedication to Prince William County, representing leadership, respect, pride, and perseverance,” said Brentesville District member Adele Jackson.
“Unity Braxton has a great sound to it. I think its inspirational and uplifting,” said Prince William County Schools Superintendant Steve Walts.
The former Stonewall Jackson High School was renamed after Arthur Reed, a security assistant at Stonewall Jackson High School for a number of years, who was nicknamed the âgodfatherâ of the school. The former Stonewall Jackson Middle School, on the other hand, was renamed after Celestine and Carol Braxton, an African-American teacher who taught in Virginia during racial segregation and a master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps respectively.
The names Reed and Braxton are preceded by unity, another popular suggestion for the new names of the schools, as it ‘reminds the students to uplift, inspire, and support each other in their commitment to excellence,’ according to Gainsville District Member Wall.
Aside from naming the schools, the school board also named the auditorium of what is now Unity Braxton Middle School after the school’s newly retired principal, John G. Miller.
“John Miller has served as a Principal at Stonewall Middle School for the last 18 years. Mr.Miller has provided an outstanding example of selfless dedication and service,” said Gainsville District Member Wall.
The renaming of the schools comes in light of the recent deaths of African-American during encounters with police that sparked nationwide protests. Prince William County Schools Superintendant, Steven L. Walts, called for the renaming of the schools in his “Action Plan to Combat Racism.”
âWe can no longer represent the Confederacy in our schools. To this end, the renaming of Stonewall Jackson High School and Stonewall Middle School should begin immediately, pursuant to the policy of the School Board. It is an insult and an affront to our students, especially in schools where the majority of the students are students of color,â Waltsâ plan states.
While the naming process is over, school board members assured their work was far from done.
“Don’t think these name changes are just check a box and done. We’re working,” said Coles District Member Zargapur.
“Many citizens commented and said ‘Don’t just change the rename the school. We as a board have committed to improving student performance,” said Chariman Babur Lateef.
The now Unity Reed High School has the third-lowest graduation rate in the county and many infrastructure problems, according to student representative to the school board Ben Kim.
“What would truly benefit our students would be improvements to our school such as new bathrooms, natural lighting, and locker rooms,” tweeted student representative Kim.
Recent Stories
For the first time, Stafford County will host a Relay for Life event, bringing the community together for a day of remembrance, celebration, and action in the fight against cancer.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. â Two communities in Northern Virginia celebrated big wheels and loud horns this weekend, giving children the chance to get hands-on with the vehicles they usually only see driving by.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. â Orofino Restaurant has launched a new regional menu for May, taking guests on a culinary journey to the southern Italian coast with flavors inspired by Campania.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. â Always Flavored, Fredericksburgâs hometown hot sauce sensation, has just bottled its first batch of legendary sauce on-site at its new bistro and market on Caroline Streetâa fiery milestone years in the making.
Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking â Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7â11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nationâs first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MDâs change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,â he explains. âAchieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.â
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. âI believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.â Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, âMy patients know Iâm always just a phone call away.â
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
