DST is one of the Divine Nine organizations, a group of historically African American fraternities and sororities that the National Pan-Hellenic Council governs. PWCAC-DST has been hosting this oratorical event for 40 years, which predates the first national celebration of the holiday in 1986.
Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year’s six regional competitors must center their speeches on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”
There’s also a one- to two-page writing contest for fourth and fifth graders about democracy and using one’s voice to make an important decision. Judges will select two to three essays per grade level and the winners will be recognized during the Jan. 18 event. Submissions were due on Nov. 22.
A press release states that children of all ages from the MLK Youth Community Choir will sing “songs of celebration.” The choir has been practicing since November for the performance.
Those interested in attending can also bring ready-to-eat items or microwaveable food items to support the work of Northern Virginia Food Rescue.
- When: Jan. 18 starting at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10 a.m.)
- Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 18410 Chapel St. in Triangle
- Snow date: Jan. 25
At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Manassas City School Board heard from Craig Gfeller, deputy superintendent, about the potential partnership and what it means for the district.
University Instructors was founded in 1994 in Richmond to provide one-on-one private mentoring by connecting students to tutors from local universities. The program expanded later in the 1990s once state test scores improved in Richmond City Public Schools, the company's website states. Now, UI works in 56 districts across the Commonwealth, including Loudoun County.
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In a 4-2 vote with one abstention, the School Board voted to start on Aug. 12 in the upcoming two school years. The Board members who voted in favor of earlier start dates, or Option A, said they did so to remain in line with the survey results.
According to a non-scientific poll conducted by MCPS in the fall, 59% of parents and 63% of staff members preferred Option A. Only 13% of respondents made comments on the poll, and among those most vocal were parents who preferred Option B, or a start for students in the third week of August.
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At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Manassas City School Board approved the fiscal year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines significant facility and resource investments to improve the district's educational environment.
The Board unanimously passed the $73 million plan. It includes several projects aimed at upgrading school facilities, addressing maintenance needs and creating more engaging spaces for learning. A notable addition is the installation of new bleachers at Metz Middle School.
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On Monday, leaders from Prince William County gathered to celebrate the start of improvements to two of the soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas.
The improvements are scheduled to be completed by March 2025.
According to a county press release, fields three and eight are undergoing renovations to upgrade and install synthetic turf, respectively. Field three is scheduled to also receive a large underground stormwater management system, new concrete walkways, fencing, goals and behind-goal netting.
Hellwig Park is 132 acres with eight soccer fields, five baseball diamonds, three tennis courts, two basketball courts, a pickleball court and a small playground. The park is located at 14420 Bristow Road in Manassas, located in the Coles District of the county.
“As a coach who has spent countless hours on these fields, I’m so excited to support the turf improvements here at Hellwig,” Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega said. “These upgrades not only enhance the experience for our local athletes of all ages, but strengthen Prince William County’s commitment to health, wellness and community.”
The park was named in 1987 for George Hellwig, a president of the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department for three years as well as a rescue caption and chairman of the board. He’s most known for his efforts in getting an emergency medical training program started in the county.
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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction: Host Uriah Kiser sets the stage for a discussion of the North Star Branding Study’s findings and their implications for Manassas’ future. The podcast also teases other local stories, including an insurance scam and City Council updates.
- Conversation with Theresa Coates Ellis:
- North Star Branding Study: Theresa discusses the study’s insights, including the city’s brand awareness and challenges in balancing its historical identity with modern growth.
- Balancing History and Growth: Discussion on preserving Manassas’ Civil War legacy while fostering tech and business opportunities.
- Community Concerns: Addressing high taxes, overdevelopment, and the need for workforce readiness in tech industries.
- Future Vision for Manassas: Theresa shares her vision for redeveloping key areas and fostering investment to make Manassas a thriving community.
- Local News Highlights:
- Insurance Scam Story: A troubling case of predatory towing in Prince William County, with police investigation updates and tips for residents to avoid similar scams.
- City Council Swearing-In Ceremony: Details about the January 2025 ceremony, reflections on a contentious election season, and hopes for a collaborative future.
- Closing Thoughts: Uriah reflects on the power of local journalism, encourages community engagement, and invites listeners to share their thoughts on the podcast and local news stories.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn about the North Star Branding Study results and its role in shaping Manassas’ identity.
- Understand how Manassas balances historic preservation with modern economic development.
- Discover actionable insights for preventing predatory towing scams.
- Gain perspective on the recent City Council election and what it means for Manassas residents.
What to Listen For:
- Insights from Theresa Coates Ellis about preserving Manassas’ historic charm while embracing its future.
- Shocking details about the insurance scam and police response.
- Reflections on the heated City Council election and the swearing-in ceremony.
Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!
Council will be on a two-week recess beginning Dec. 16 through the holiday season. Their first scheduled meeting back will be in early January.
Council unanimously approved the combination of the service and sales buildings of the Safford Subaru dealership on Liberia Avenue. The special use permit filed by the dealership details a nearly 40,000-square-foot building with interior and exterior updates to help the business run more efficiently.
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The parade organizers released a comprehensive list of winners in performance and float categories. The Chairman’s Award was given to the Manassas Park High School Marching Cougars, who earned a perfect score for their performance during the parade. The Parade Committee Award went to Caporales San Simon VA USA, a Bolivian cultural association.
All of the award winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Manassas City Hall. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate.
Here are the rest of the awards:
Marching Bands1st Place: Woodbridge High School Mighty Viking Marching Band2nd Place: Patriot High School Marching Band3rd Place: The Pride of Unity Reed Marching Band
Dance CompanyCheerleading, Majorette, Step Teams1st: Unity Reed High School AF JROTC2nd: Grace E. Metz Middle School Cheer3rd: Osbourn Park High School Cheer ProgramFloat – Other2nd: St. Thomas United Methodist ChurchFloat – Business3rd: Ameri-CansBusiness Vehicles2nd: Move4Free Realty LLCNonprofit Organization
Vehicle Club1st: Drunk Monkey Jeepers2nd: Capital VW Club3rd: TKO Jeepers
According to a release from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Sinclair Lane closures will take place between Brentsville Road and Smithfield Road. Closures will occur each weekday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The VDOT release states those needing to access Sinclair Lane will be able to, but drivers will not be able to go beyond the point of pipe replacement near the property at 11824 Sinclair Lane.
More information about these closures can be found on VDOT’s website or by visiting the 511Virginia app.
![Prince William County leaders celebrated the start of improvements to two soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park on Monday. [Courtesy of Prince William County]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hellwig_soccer_field.jpg){kind=link}
![The current state of construction of two soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park/ [Courtesy of Prince William County Parks and Recreation via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hellwig-park-2-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
![The current state of construction of two soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park/ [Courtesy of Prince William County Parks and Recreation via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hellwig-park-3-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}