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Ms. Jones' Biology students for the spring semester created edible models of cells for the unit on cell structures and functions. Each of the finished products included key cell parts such as the nucleus and mitochondrion. After the presentations, the class got to eat their yummy creations. Meredith Schmidt, a sophomore in the class, remarked, “[Making the cell model] took a lot of time, but it was fun, and in the end, it turned out really well."

On Friday, February 21st, alumni from across the years returned to Gilmer Gym to join in what is fast becoming a new Fuqua School tradition--Winter Sports Night for Seniors and Alumni. The celebration for boys and girls basketball, cheerleading, and swim changed significantly a year ago. In 2019, Senior Night for basketball and cheerleading was almost cancelled when the opponents did not come. Instead, alumni, along with faculty and staff, came to challenge the basketball team and cheerleaders, and the positive energy of that event was impressive.  

This year's event was planned and was surely one for the record books. Students and alumni alike played as if they were winning a gold medal with the Falcons past and present cheering them on. Senior Michael Corrigan said that he really enjoyed just having fun with his teammates. His sentiments were echoed by senior Charlotte Haney who added that it was “great to see people who had graduated that I hadn’t seen in years.” Whatever brought folks to Gilmer Gym that Friday allowed them to take part in another amazing Fuqua School memory. If you did not get a chance to take part this year, keep an eye out!  We will do it again next February. 

Junior Maureon Tisdale-Couch and Senior Jaylen Hempfield  recently attended the Southside Virginia Community College's (SVCC) "Make It Happen" program.  This program, aimed to help inform African American students on the college application process, included a panel discussion where professional African Americans in Higher Education shared a vast amount of knowledge with participants. Students learned from College Presidents, Deans, and even a supervisor from the US Patent Office.  The panel passed on words of encouragement to all present.  These words, simply put, were to chase after your dreams, surround yourself with positive people moving in the right direction, and don't wait for someone to help you reach your goals.  

According to Mike Edwards, Athletics Director who accompanied the students, "It was an amazing event that African American students from the local high schools in the area attended." Prince Edward, Cumberland, Nottoway and Randolph-Henry were all represented.  Edwards added, " After our lunch break, we had the opportunity to sit with SVCC's President.  He shared his vision for SVCC and how he hopes to form a partnership with the new Amazon HQ building to help develop programs that will teach SVCC students the ins and outs of what is needed and be placed at Amazon. He also hopes to expand their sports offerings to give those students wanting to work in a trade the opportunity to continue their athletic dreams."

The day concluded with a performance by magician Ran'd Shine who incorporates his magic with words that help students be successful. Ran'd Shine's four keys to success are passion, skills or abilities, temperament and support.  Ran'd Shine's final words to the young students were, "Your Network is your Net Worth. Who you surround yourself with is who you will become. "

"It was an amazing event!  I am happy that we were able to represent Fuqua School" added Edwards. 

Students from elementary schools across the state will experience the joy of making music together in this year's All Virginia Elementary Chorus. Fuqua School students in 5th grade that were interested auditioned and were chosen to participate in this annual performance. These students will work with a master conductor, perform a varied repertoire of quality choral literature, and increase their knowledge of vocal skills. The performance is on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Eastern View High School in Culpeper, Virginia. Please wish the following Fuqua School students congratulations for earning this distinction: Aviva Bloom, Rebekah Call, Cameron Pace, and Blair Pembelton

Decorating our classroom doors, in honor of Black History Month, is just one of the many ways in which our lower and middle school teachers and students are collectively learning, teaching and celebrating the achievements, contributions, challenges and triumphs of African Americans throughout American history. Fuqua parents, such as Jessica Simmons, Jessica Robinson, Juanita Giles, and the Reid family, also visited our rooms to share experiences and read books to the students on African American History. Edith Crawley, a Fuqua grandparent, shared her story of meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore. What an amazing month celebrating those who have made such a lifelong impact on our country today!

February was an important month for Falcons in Richmond. Senior Roman Davis was invited to Virginia’s capital city as part of his official duties as House Speaker Pro Tempore for this year’s Model General Assembly to be held in early April. Over the course of two days, he was able to meet with his local delegates in addition to shadowing the Speaker of the House. Roman shared, “It was a great opportunity for me to see the General Assembly in action.” His older brother, alumnus Brad Davis ‘17, also earned a trip to Capitol Hill as part of a select group of students representing VMI. Both brothers met with alumnus State Senator Monty Mason ‘85. All three of them participated in MGA as part of their Fuqua experience, and all of them give us reason to be proud today.