WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Dr. Mitchell explained that student engagement is measured by a combination of attendance, academic performance, behavior, and family involvement. "One of the things that we look at is weekly chronic absenteeism data," he said. "We look to see where we have the highest pockets of kids who are not coming to school."

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

The curtain fell for the final time on The Clockmaker’s Daughter, marking not just the end of a show, but the closing of a chapter for the students who brought it to life. As the last school in the United States to stage the musical, this production carried a unique sense of responsibility and Wildcat pride.

WRITTEN BY MORA SOAN

This activity is brought to you by the author of the children's book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

May marks the culmination of a milestone year for families navigating educational transitions. It’s a
time filled with mixed emotions, as steps from one stage to the next can be both exciting and nerve-
racking at the same time.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

April Spring Training with the FredNats bat dog, Diamond, got your dog moving. June promises to bring the heat. May is the month in between, and what you do with it sets the tone for your pet's entire summer.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In a region where technology careers are among the fastest-growing — and fastest-changing — one organization is making sure no one gets left behind. The Cyber Bytes Foundation, based in Stafford County, is on a mission to connect students, educators, and professionals to real-world pathways in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Leading that charge is Executive Director NancyLynn Rose Pattillo, whose passion for the work is both professional and deeply personal.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Summer is upon us, bringing puddles from wet swimsuits, sticky ice cream splatters, and foot traffic from summer cookouts and get-togethers. Doors stay open longer, kids run in and out, and pets track in water and dirt. With so much added activity, a home’s flooring becomes central to both function and style. Summer is the perfect time to consider whether your floors truly work for your lifestyle.

WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL NYINAKU

When Colonial Forge High School student, Pranav Vedula, set out to design his first iOS app, he wasn’t only chasing prizes—he was looking for solutions. His creation, ReCheck, recently earned top honors in the Congressional App Challenge for its thoughtful and accessible approach to supporting individuals with memory loss.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Lamyaa and Nathan's story began the way the best ones often do: unexpectedly. Mutual friends orchestrated a blind date at a group dinner, and the connection was immediate. "Sparks flew instantly," Lamyaa recalls, "and just four months later, we were married." This spring, they will celebrate a decade together: "My dream vacation spot was to go to Greece," says Lamyaa, "so Nathan and I just booked a week-long trip for our upcoming 10-year anniversary!"

WRITTEN BY ADIA SHANEE

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and more adventures with our dogs. But it also brings something many guardians don’t anticipate: a rise in itching, irritated ears, and skin flare-ups. When nature wakes up, so do allergens.

WRITTEN BY LIYA ZEWDU

Spotsy Moose Hoops proves that the most meaningful moments in sports aren’t just about winning. Sometimes, they’re found in the cheers after a basket, encouragement after a miss, and growing confidence with every play. Spotsy Moose Hoops is a Spotsylvania County basketball group that gives special education students a chance to compete in 30-minute games during flex time.

WRITTEN BY DR. KUSTER, AU.D.  

Thirty years ago, I saw my first patient as an audiologist. This year, I had the profound privilege of seeing my 5,000th patient here in Fredericksburg. Each of those appointments represents a person who took a courageous step—a step towards better hearing, better health, and a fuller life. And after three decades of practice, one truth has never changed: ignoring hearing loss is never the right choice.

WRITTEN BY KIM OZTUNA

While not mandated coverage, in most cases, flood insurance is still important to consider. Many floods occur outside of flood zones, so it’s wise to be prepared—no matter where you live. If you have questions, pick up the phone and call your NOBLE KNIGHTS. It's worth it if your “kingdom” ever ends up taking on water!

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Located in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, Black Lace Boudoir has spent over a decade helping women remember who they are. Founded by photographer Ramilyn Thompson, known by her friends and clients as simply "Rami," the studio has grown from a one-woman operation to the #1-rated boudoir studio in Virginia, serving clients across the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions and earning international publication and multiple photography awards.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

When Senna Al-Safari and Robbie Hogan decided to make Fredericksburg their home, they weren't just looking for a place to live—they were searching for a community. What they found in Fredericksburg exceeded their expectations, becoming the foundation for both their family life and their mobile catering business.

WRITTEN BY MORA SOAN

This activity is brought to you by the author of the children's book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed.

WRITTEN BY KIRA POHWALA

A new student-led organization is bringing environmental awareness and public health advocacy to the forefront at the local high school. Youth for Planetary Health, founded by passionate students, focuses on educating peers about how environmental issues and climate change directly impact human health.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Every April, schools and communities across the nation pause to recognize the "littlest heroes" among us. Since its inception in 1986, the Month of the Military Child has served as a dedicated time to honor the resilience, courage, and unique sacrifices of the children whose parents serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The theme for April 2026 is “Military Children and Youth: Strength in Every Story,” a nod to the diverse experiences of the more than 1.6 million military-connected children worldwide.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Juanita Shanks's son became entangled in the criminal justice system in 2004, just after graduating from high school, she found herself in unfamiliar, isolating territory. There were no guides, no roadmaps, no organizations to call. There was only the weight of uncertainty and a mother's love searching for somewhere to land.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN & SWEET ME PHOTOGRAPHY

When Ashlee and Joshua Kato moved to Lake Estates in January 2025, they brought more than just their young family to Stafford. The Katos brought a legacy of service, a passion for community, and a philosophy centered on one simple yet powerful gesture: smiling.