Schools

PWCS Students Rule the Court—Again

By Jazbia Chaudhry

RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.

According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.

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NOVA Grads Pack Arena in One of School’s Biggest Ceremonies Yet

By Jazbia Chaudhry

FAIRFAX, Va. – More than 7,500 Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students were celebrated this week during one of the college’s largest-ever commencements.

Held May 12 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, the graduation ceremony drew over 1,600 graduates and more than 5,000 guests. The crowd was so big that overflow seating and a livestream were set up in a nearby concert hall, according to a release from the college.

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Prince William Schools Celebrate Nearly 300 Retirees at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

MANASSAS, Va. – Hundreds gathered last night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to honor nearly 300 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees who are retiring this year.

According to PWCS, 278 educators, administrators, and support staff were recognized during the ceremony for their years of dedication to students across the county. The honorees included those who officially submitted retirement notices between April 2024 and April 2025.

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Big School Shuffle Coming for Stafford County Elementary Students in 2026

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Thousands of elementary students in Stafford County will head to different schools starting in the 2026-27 school year, following the School Board’s unanimous approval of a countywide redistricting plan.

The board voted on Tuesday, May 13, to adopt Scenario Lime, a boundary adjustment that prepares for the opening of two new elementary schools currently under construction—Elementary School 18 (ES-18) and Elementary School 19 (ES-19).

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Local Graduation Schedules + Big Changes Ahead for Stafford Students

By Uriah Kiser

Hey Everyone, I’m Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News.

Graduation season is here, and we have the full schedule for every local high school. We’re also bringing you highlights from student events across our region and breaking news about a significant elementary school boundary change coming to Stafford County in 2026. Here’s what you need to know.

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Stafford Narrowly Approves $2.95M Warehouse Purchase Despite Pushback

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved a $2.95 million warehouse purchase on Blackjack Road, siding with school officials who say the facility is essential to meet the district’s growing infrastructure needs, despite concerns from some supervisors who argued the deal was rushed and overpriced.

In a 4-3 vote, the board passed Resolution R25-105, authorizing Stafford County Public Schools to use leftover funds from its FY2024 budget to buy the building at 42 Blackjack Road. The warehouse currently houses several school division operations, including IT storage, bus driver training, and nutrition services. School leaders say owning the space will end the need to rent it and provide a long-term solution as the division grows.

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Stafford County Shines a Spotlight on Top Educators and Staff at 2025 Gold Star Gala

By Potomac Local News
Tracey Watterson of Colonial Forge High School, honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, poses with district leaders at the Gold Star Gala in recognition of her exceptional dedication to students. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night to honor its top educators and staff members at the 2025 Gold Star Gala. The annual event recognizes employees across a wide range of roles who help students succeed every day.

The celebration, held before a crowd of staff, students, and community members, included student-led presentations. Gabriella Irish, the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board, kicked off the event with a welcome address. The North Stafford High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by Mountain View High School student Raina Chan singing the National Anthem.

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A New Drew Middle School Is One Step Closer to Reality

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $2.5 million on land for the long-awaited rebuild of Drew Middle School.

The money, pulled from the county’s Capital Projects Fund, will be transferred to the Schools Capital Projects Fund to buy a new site for the school. The rebuild has been years in the making—and for many in the community, it’s personal.

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PWCS to Host Second Annual Sports Fair May 10 to Inspire Future Student-Athletes

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will host its second annual Sports Fair on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, located at 14715 Bristow Road, at Independent Hill.

The event is free and open to all students, but rising sixth-grade, middle, and high school students are especially encouraged to attend. The goal of the Sports Fair is to promote awareness of the many athletic opportunities available through PWCS and to inspire interest among students who may be new to organized sports.

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