WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University is proud to announce the 30 students who were selected for its Hornet Ambassadors program for 2025-26.
The new Hornet Ambassadors include:
Schools
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, Stafford Middle School unveiled a mural outside its main office celebrating Andrew “Norfolk” Walker and Rosie Walker, who opened Walker’s Inn in 1941. The inn became known for its music, dancing, baseball games, and Rosie’s chicken sandwiches, drawing visitors from Stafford, Quantico, Fort A.P. Hill, and beyond. The mural, painted by local artist Brenda Edwards, was dedicated during a ceremony inside the school cafeteria.
The event brought together Walker family descendants, who shared memories of growing up around the inn, where “no one ever went hungry.” Students played a central role, interviewing family members beforehand and posing questions during a roundtable discussion.
DUMFRIES, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools just broke ground on a new elementary school in the Potomac Shores area, aiming to open its doors by fall 2027.
The ceremonial event brought together local leaders, including PWCS Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade, members of the School Board, and county officials, to celebrate the start of construction. The school—temporarily referred to as “Potomac Shores” Elementary—will receive its official name later, following a recommendation from the School Naming Committee.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Germanna Community College has narrowed its search for a new president to three finalists, all of whom will visit campus this fall for public forums and community meet-and-greets.
The finalists are Dr. David Ferreira of Connecticut, Dr. Tashika Griffith of Florida, and Dr. Thomas Walker, Jr. of North Carolina. One of them will succeed Dr. Van Wilson, who has served as interim president since July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Janet Gullickson.
STAFFORD, Va. – A Stafford County parent who wore a unicorn suit to School Board meetings has been warned about his conduct, even as the U.S. Attorney General issued a memo affirming parents’ rights to speak at public meetings.
On Sept. 10, 2025, Board Member Maureen Siegmund sent a letter to Shamgar Connors, a former teacher with a son in county schools. The letter cited his conduct at the Aug. 27 and Sept. 9 meetings, where he crawled on all fours, mimicked animal behavior, and used stuffed unicorns as props during public comment. Siegmund wrote that while free speech is protected, speakers must maintain decorum, noting that disruptive behavior could result in his removal from future meetings.
STAFFORD, Va. – For the second time in less than a week, Stafford County students experienced a school lockdown.
Stafford High School went into lockdown twice this morning, beginning at approximately 9 a.m., due to a malfunctioning alarm. Deputies and school staff confirmed there was no active threat. The lockdowns were lifted, and regular activity resumed. Parents arriving at the school were directed to nearby Chichester Park.
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“Start small” for now: what we know so far
In response to our inquiries, Sandra Osborn, a school spokeswoman, confirmed that Falls Run and Crow’s Nest elementary schools will open at reduced capacity, and Hartwood High will open without a senior class in its first year. She also shared new details about staffing and the teacher transfer process.
Key takeaways:
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg City School Board will meet tonight to choose a temporary replacement for Ward 3 representative Jennifer Boyd, who resigned earlier this month after moving out of the city.
Boyd’s departure on Sept. 8 left a vacancy the Board must fill by appointment. Whoever is chosen tonight will serve through the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2025.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – School leaders from across the region gathered Wednesday to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing local students—and how businesses can play a bigger role in preparing the future workforce.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the Sept. 17 Workforce Now luncheon at the Fredericksburg Country Club, drawing about 140 attendees and 50 students from area school divisions, Germanna Community College, and the University of Mary Washington. The panel included superintendents Marci Catlett of Fredericksburg, Sarah Calveric of Caroline, Clint Mitchell of Spotsylvania, and Daniel Smith of Stafford, along with King George Deputy Superintendent Troy Wright. Dr. Pete Kelly, Dean of UMW’s College of Education, moderated the discussion.