Rivals Cheer Each Other On, No Shave November, Heroes: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include the cheer teams from rivals Langley High School and McLean High School coming together to cheer each other on at the regional finals and a Herndon man splitting his $100,000 lottery winnings with his brother because they've always looked out for each other.

Plus, Vienna police officers are holding a no shave November fundraiser in honor of one of the officer's dads who died of prostate cancer; Britepaths is holding a wine-tasting event on Nov. 9 to raise money for area families in need; and George Mason University announced plans to open the first public health program in Virginia. And don't forget to read about the local heroes and star student athletes in Virginia who are doing great work in the community.

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

Langley Cheer Team Earns Trip To State Finals With Support From Rival

The varsity cheer teams at rivals Langley High School and McLean High School competed at the regional tournament on Saturday, with the team from Langley High School qualifying for the state championship. After the regional competition at Centreville High School, the two competitive cheer teams came together for a group photograph. Even during the competition at the regional tournament, the two teams showed great camaraderie and supported each other.

Scouts From Northwestern Fairfax To Collect Food For Local Charities

Scouts and their adult leaders from around Northern Virginia will be collecting donated food from their neighbors on Nov. 12, as part of the annual Scouting for Food collection. All of the food will be given to four local charities that assist those in need within the community.

Herndon Man Splits $100K Maryland Lottery Ticket With Brother

A Herndon man who won one of the eight top prizes in the Maryland Lottery's $100,000 Crossword Sixth Edition game is splitting his winnings with his brother. “It is a 50-50 split,” Jesus Vallecillo Serrano, 49, of Herndon said, when he arrived with his 51-year-old brother Orlando Vallecillo Serrano at lottery headquarters in Baltimore. He added that the two brothers live together and look out for each other, which is why he decided to share his winnings.

Britepaths Kicks Off Holiday Program To Help Fairfax County Families

Britepaths is seeking donations from the community to provide meals and gifts to 265 families across Fairfax County during the upcoming holiday season as part of the Fairfax-based nonprofit's Holiday Program. Along with donating money, community members are invited to attend Britepaths’ Wine & Wonderment wine tasting event on Nov. 9 at 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church. All proceeds from the event will go to the Holiday Program for Fairfax County families.

Alexandria Man Tops Handcycle Finishers At Marine Corps Marathon

An Alexandria competitor was the top male finisher in the Marine Corps Marathon's Wheelchair/Handcycle event Saturday. The 47th annual Marine Corps Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing runners from all U.S. states and over 50 countries. Kevin Hillery, 32, of Alexandria, was the top male handcycle finisher with a time of 1:19:25.

No Shave November Fundraiser Honors Vienna Officer's Late Father

Vienna police officers will once again be allowed to grow facial hair for a Grow & Give fundraiser to support prostate cancer research and programs. For one of the officers, the cause is personal. "One of our officers, Juan Vazquez, lost his father to prostate cancer a few years ago, and it is especially meaningful to him that we participate," Vienna Police Chief Jim Morris said in a statement. "Last year, our small department raised the second-highest amount of any public safety organization in the country for the cancer charity – more than $8,000 – and that’s thanks to the generosity of our community."

George Mason University Launches Virginia's First College Of Public Health

The new college will benefit Northern Virginia and beyond by responding to the state's public health and workforce needs, officials said. It will be the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia to meet the growing need for skilled, interdisciplinary health professionals and research across the state.

NoVA Restaurant News

• Compass Coffee Opens Drive-Thru On Langston Blvd. In Arlington
• Free Food For A Year For First 100 At Bolay Opening In Falls Church
• New Biscuit Restaurant Applies To Open In Vacant Arlandria Space

Local Heroes:

• Local Heroes: Santa's Helpers Make The Holidays Brighter In Woodbridge
• Local Heroes: The Tates Were Empty Nesters Who Became Foster Parents
• Annandale Local Hero: Support For Vietnamese Community, Volunteerism
• Interpreter And Volunteer Building Community: Falls Church Hero
• Local Hero: Yorktown HS's Amy Cohen Makes Every Student Feel Special
• Local Hero: Arlington's Susan Thompson-Gaines Is A Kindness Activist
• Local Heroes: Ashley And Vicky Omekam Give Back To Arlington

Star Student Athletes:

• Star Student Athlete: McLean 14-Year-Old Donates Used Sports Equipment
• Star Student Athletes: McLean Twins Make Positive Impact On Community
• Star Student Athlete: McLean Teen Earns Accolades On And Off The Field
• Star Athlete: Lorton 8th Grader Shines On The Court, In The Community
• Falls Church Athlete Shines In Academics, Helps PTSA
• ‘James Has A Kind Heart, Works Hard’: Reston Star Student Athlete
• Star Student Athlete: Albert Teaches Tennis To Young Players In Reston
• Star Student Athlete: Herndon High Lacrosse Player Shines On The Field
• Star Student Athlete: Oakton Soccer Player Shines On The Field
• Star Student Athlete: Leesburg Golfer Shines Off The Course Too
• Vienna Star Athlete Shows Confidence In Soccer, School Work
• Golf Star Athlete From Del Ray Perseveres After Injury
• Alexandria Star Athlete Balances Volleyball, Food Pantry Volunteering
• Star Student Athlete In Alexandria Works With Special Olympics
• Star Student Athlete In Vienna Shines In School, Community Service
• Star Athlete: Yorktown Student Raises Money For Special Olympics
• Star Athlete: Burke Soccer Player Shares American Ideal Of Equality