Spelling Bee Star, Pet Calendar, Bakery Expansions: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Northern Virginia include a local student who wins the runner-up prize in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, an animal welfare league that invites pet owners to participate in a pet calendar photo contest, and show times that are announced for the summer outdoor movie season.

Plus, high school students conduct their own art exhibition, city officials attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a local bakery, and Pride Month celebrations planned across Northern Virginia.

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

Northern VA Student Places 2nd In Scripps National Spelling Bee

A student from Northern Virginia was the runner-up in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which held its final Thursday night. Charlotte Walsh, 14, a student from Arlington in a Fairfax County education program, was one of 11 finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Art Show By Arlington Career Center Students Opens

Arlington Career Center students are putting on an art exhibition at the Gallery Underground in Crystal City that will run through the end of June. The exhibition, titled "Un | Natural," will be on exhibit through June 30 at Gallery Underground.

• 21 Students at McLean's Potomac School To Play Sports At College Level
• 13 Seniors Receive Mount Vernon Chamber Business Scholarships
• Danny, Star Student In Vienna, Won International Competition
• Fairfax City College Students Excel Academically, Earn Degrees

Pet Owners Invited To Participate In AWLA's Pet Photo Contest

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hosting a contest for pets to be featured in its 2024 calendar. The 2024 Calendar Pet Photo Contest is a fundraiser to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria; the goal is $50,000.

Wedding Cakes 'Bread And Butter' Of Liberty Baking Co.

Allison Friedman, owner of Liberty Baking Co., started her business with a cottage license, working out of her home in Fairfax City. She and business partner/employee/pastry chef Kim Schaeffer moved to commercial kitchen and meeting space at 10782 Fairfax Blvd.

Other Business Openings and Anniversaries

• Robeks Opens New Store In West Springfield's Cardinal Forest Plaza
• Expanded Restaurant Joins Waterfront Dining Around Alexandria In 2023
• Lily's Chocolate & Coffee Opens In Old Town Alexandria
• Tous Les Jours Bakery Now Open In Sterling
• Draper's Steak & Seafood Marks First Anniversary With Ribbon Cutting

Pride Month

• Festival Highlights Pride Month Celebrations In Loudoun County
• March And Festival Top Pride Month Celebration In Fredericksburg

Summer Outdoor Movies

• Free Outdoor Movie Nights Coming To Westpost In Pentagon City
• Summer Movie Night Returns To Rosslyn With Free Showing of 'Jumanji'
• Free Summer Music Concert Series Returns To 2 Venues In Reston

More Good News Stories

• D.C., Arlington Home To Top Public Park Systems In The U.S.: Report
• Burke Civil Air Patrol Participates In Memorial Day Observance
• Del Ray Photographer Finds Passion In Home Organizing
• Herndon Festival Brings Music, Carnival Rides, Food To Enjoy