Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) had much to celebrate at the October 16, 2024, school board meeting. The recognition of both T. Clay Wood Elementary School and six outstanding National Merit Scholarship semifinalists underscores the district’s dedication to academic achievement and closing performance gaps.
T. Clay Wood Elementary: National Blue Ribbon School
T. Clay Wood Elementary in Nokesville was honored as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School in the “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing” category, one of only eight schools in Virginia to receive this prestigious designation. The U.S. Department of Education recognized the school’s efforts in closing achievement gaps and its commitment to data-driven instruction, effective teaching methods, and collaboration among staff, students, and families.
During the school board meeting, Principal Dr. Andrew Buckhite expressed pride in the school’s achievement, emphasizing the teamwork among teachers, students, and families. “We are very proud of earning this award,” he said, “but it really takes all of us to make sure our students are learning and successful.” Dr. Buckhite highlighted the dedication of the school’s staff and students, who worked together to ensure every student reached their full potential despite challenges over the past few years. The recognition reflects the broader goal of creating a thriving future for every student in the PWCS system.
2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
PWCS also celebrated the achievements of six students who were named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, a competition that recognizes the top high school seniors across the nation. The students selected were Daniel Cho and Allen Peng from Battlefield High School, Isabella Carter from Colgan High School, Alexandra Whalen from Osbourn Park High School, Max Eikenberry from Forest Park High School, and James Yuntz from Patriot High School.
These students now have the opportunity to compete for thousands of National Merit Scholarships collectively worth nearly $26 million. Each semifinalist was selected based on outstanding academic records, leadership abilities, and high scores on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
During the meeting, several students expressed gratitude for the support from their families, teachers, and schools. Max Eikenberry, from Forest Park High School, shared his appreciation, saying, “This is as much an award for them as it is for me,” highlighting the importance of educators in his academic journey.
Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade praised the achievements of T. Clay Wood Elementary and the National Merit semifinalists, noting how these recognitions reflect the district’s broader mission of academic excellence and inclusivity.
