Doodle For Google, Best Places To Live, Eaglet Naming: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include the best places to live in the state, a local NAACP chapter donates $60,000 to plant trees, an elementary school student wins Doodle for Google contest, and high school students complete construction of a house.

Plus, the most popular baby names in 2022, a local student promotes the cost-effectiveness of reusable diapers, the Dulles Greenway holds a naming contest for little eagles, and South Lakes High School receives the most Cappies nominations.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

Arlington Student Named VA State Winner In Doodle For Google Contest

An Arlington elementary school student was selected as the Virginia state winner of the 15th annual Doodle for Google contest, a competition that attracted tens of thousands of submissions from students across the country. Sofia Kaarina Kurbat, a student at Innovation Elementary in Arlington, is one of 55 state and territory winners for her doodle.

Public Contest To Select Names For Dulles Greenway Eaglets

The public will help name the three eaglets who were born in a nest along the Dulles Greenway this spring. The naming contest is being hosted by the Dulles Greenway and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, who operate a live camera near the eagles' nest. Rosa and Martin, the adult eagles, welcomed the new birds in early March.

2022’s Top Baby Names In Virginia: Charlotte, Liam, Olivia, Noah

Liam and Charlotte are the top names Virginia parents chose for their babies in 2022, according to the Social Security Administration, which this month released its top baby names by state analysis.

2 VA Cities Ranked Among Best Places To Live By U.S. News

Two cities in Virginia are among the 2023-2024 Best Places to Live, according to a ranking released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report.

NAACP Arlington Branch Donates $60K To Increase Tree Canopy In County

The NAACP Arlington Branch donated $60,000 to EcoAction Arlington on Thursday in an effort to "further tree equity in historically underserved neighborhoods." The $60,000 charitable donation to EcoAction Arlington was made possible through a grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, NAACP Arlington said.

Mount Vernon Plaza Hosting Chalkful Of Flowers At New Parklet

Artists will brighten up the parklet space at the Mount Vernon Plaza parklet in Hybla Valley as more people use the space during the warmer months. The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation will host the Chalkful of Flowers event at the new parklet next to Capital Chicken and Moe's Southwest Grill in the 7600 block of Richmond Highway.

Vienna Student Promotes Reusable Diapers Among NoVA Communities

For parents on a tight budget, diapers are one of the expensive products they need for their children. That's why a James Madison High School student is working to promote a more cost-effective alternative. Avery Cañedo, a junior at Madison High School decided to do her Girl Scout Gold Award project on promoting reusable diapers and where to find them.

South Lakes High Scores Most Cappies Nominations For 'Bright Star'

South Lakes High School's production of "Bright Star" shined this spring, at least according to the audience and critics. South Lakes High School received 18 nominations for the prestigious National Capital Area Cappies, which are considered the Tony Awards for high school theater in the DC region.

Other 2023 Cappies Nominees

• Herndon High Scores 15 Cappies Nominations For Musical, Critics
• Mount Vernon Scores 3 Cappies Nominations For 'She Kills Monsters'
• 3 Alexandria High Schools Score Cappies Nominations
• Madison Scores 3 Cappies Nominations For 'Much Ado About Nothing'
• Meridian Scores 7 Cappies Nominations For 'The Love Doctor'
• Langley Gets 7 Cappies Nominations For 'The Man Who Came To Dinner'
• Lake Braddock Gets 13 Cappies Nominations For Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'
• McLean High School Scores 9 Cappies Nominations For 'Claudio Quest'
• Cappies Nominations Recognize 3 Prince William County School Plays

Lottery Winners

• Manassas Man Wins $300K From VA Lottery Scratcher
• Stafford Man Wins $1 Million From VA Lottery During Coffee Break

Star Students

• Students Complete Construction On Stafford County House
• McLean Citizens Association Honors 4 Teens With Character Award
• Star Student Is 'Remarkably Special' In Class And In The Community

Special Events and Celebrations

• Taste Of Del Ray, Fireworks: Alexandria Summer 2023 Events
• Vienna Elementary School's 150th Anniversary To Be Celebrated
• Second Part Of Falls Church Arts All Member Show Draws 88 Artists
• ViVa Vienna Returns Memorial Day Weekend 2023 With BrewFest
• Quarterfest Crawl To Bring Live Music, Drink Specials To Arlington

More Good News Stories

• Vienna Wins Mayor's Fitness Challenge In 2023
• New Restaurant Opens In Former Elo's Italian Location In Del Ray
• Veterans Resource Fair Coming To Fashion Centre At Pentagon City