MANASSAS, Va — There are budding artists all across Prince William County, and many of them walked away with top honors in the “Off the Wall” art exhibit at Manassas’ Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory.
Many of the winners include students from Battlefield and Woodbridge high schools, but students from across the county participated the event. More in a press release from Prince William County Public Schools:
3rd place: Savannah Wichman,”The Boy”,Woodbridge
The award-winning work of budding young authors and aspiring artists is on display at the Caton Merchant Family Art Gallery in Old Town Manassas. Hundreds of high school students in Prince William, Manassas City, and Manassas Park Public Schools recently submitted entries in the juried “Off the Wall” Student Art and Poetry Festival.
Encouraged by their teachers, many of whom are professional artists, students put forth their best effort to create works for this competition. Hard work paid off with first, second, and third place in both categories awarded to students enrolled in the Woodbridge High School Center for Fine and Performing Arts and an additional nine honorable mentions to PWCS students.
The “Off the Wall” Student Art and Poetry Festival, now in its ninth year, is sponsored
1st place: Dara Merritt, “A Private Space”,Woodbridge
by Lockheed Martin and the Center for the Arts/Caton Merchant Family Gallery.
“The arts programs in Prince William County Public Schools offer students many diverse and rich opportunities to develop and showcase their talents,” said Joyce Zsembery, curriculum supervisor of Arts. “Community support for students through juried shows such as “Off the Wall” provides students with additional recognition for their talents, and are appreciated by those of us involved in arts education. Community support for the arts is invaluable.”
PWCS students who were recognized for their achievement in the visual arts and poetry at the festival’s January 5 award ceremony are listed below.
Poetry Contest
1st Place: Brittany Crow,Woodbridge High School (second consecutive year)
2nd Place: Neil Hailey, Woodbridge High School
3rd Place: Mary DesJardin, Woodbridge High School
Visual Arts Contest
1st Place: Dara Merritt, Woodbridge High School
2nd Place: Catherine Winings, Woodbridge High School
3rd Place: Savannah Wichman, Woodbridge High School
Honorable Mention in poetry and art categories:
Brianna Washington, Woodbridge High School
Katie Vanderveldt, Battlefield High School
Bryan Simmons, Battlefield High School
Brooke Short, Battlefield High School
Kaitlyn Reeves, Patriot High School
Mary Kim, Battlefield High School
Jacqueline Javier, Battlefield High School
Genesis Flores-Aguilar, Woodbridge High School
Niklavs Barbars, Battlefield High School
Anna Mish, gallery director at the Center for the Arts, said this group of students and thier submitted artwork has been some of the best yet:
I am hearing from our visitors how this, so far, is the best overall exhibit of “Off the Wall” artwork we have had. The students truly raised the bar this year. After speaking to many of the students at the Open House on Saturday, I learned quite a few of them are seniors, so they have had past experience in preparing for the level of competition this exhibit brings. The sponsor, Lockheed Martin, and the Center for the Arts look forward each year to celebrating the achievements of a each new mix of artists.
If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
