🌱 McLean High School Wins Award + AP African American Studies Courses

Hello again, friends! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A couple of afternoon showers. High: 48 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in McLean today:

1. McLean High School is one of 16 schools nationally to be selected as a 2023 First Amendment Press Freedom Award winner. Chantilly and West Springfield were selected as well. The award is given to private and public high schools that support and protect the First Amendment. These schools place emphasis on student-run media. The 16 winning schools will be honored on Apr. 20 as part of the Spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco. (Patch)
2. On Friday, Virginia Del. Kathleen Murphy of McLean announced that she would not be running for re-election this fall. Her decision comes after she was placed in the same district as a fellow Democratic delegate. Two other representatives, Kenneth Plum of the Reston area and Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw of Fairfax, both announced their retirements last week, making Del. Murphy the third Northern Virginia delegate to announce her retirement. (WTOP News)
3. McLean High School is one of three Fairfax County schools that will participate in a pilot program next school year that offers Advanced Placement African American Studies. The courses will be offered at Centreville and Westfield high schools as well. Though the topic has been controversial, notably in the state of Florida, Fairfax County school board members believe that "We have a moral obligation to teach our students about both the darkest times from our past and the inspiring progress we have made as a country." (FFX Now)

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Today in McLean:

• Invasive Species Removal Volunteering At McLean Central Park (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Have you ever considered having a goose or rooster join your family? Spruce the Goose and roosters Eclipse and Luna are available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. If you have room in your barn, consider adopting these friendly fowl! (Fairfax County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• The Fairfax County Park Authority will begin to install a new pedestrian bridge in the section of Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park between Heather Down Drive and Eddyspark Drive. Construction activities are expected to start in early March and are anticipated to be completed by late summer 2023, weather permitting. Residents may expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting the park access road via Eddyspark Drive and Heather Down Drive. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. (Fairfax County Park Authority via Facebook)
• Hop into spring with an egg-cellent day of fun at Burke Lake Park on Saturday, Apr. 8, for Baskets and Bunnies! Visit Sunny the Bunny, take a spin on the carousel, get egg-cited for crafts and games, and play a round of mini-golf. Egg hunt time slots fill out fast, so register here to save your spot! (Fairfax County Park Authority via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you around!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.