Whiz Kids: McLean Band Honors, National Merit Scholar at Langley, Deans List

We write a lot about local politicians, Tysons Corner traffic tangles and other grown-up goings on about town, but we thought we'd pause a moment to highlight some of our younger neighbors.

These McLean kids - and young adults - caught our attention for their recent accomplishments. A round of applause for the group, please!

Congratulations to all of the members of the McLean Bands for Outstanding performances in the Worldstrides Heritage Festival in Boston last weekend.  Results are as follows:

Individual Soloist Awards recognized by the adjudicators:
Margaret Duvall, trumpet
Josh Higbee, trumpet
Jeong-In Lee, clarinet
Brett Park, baritone saxophone
Danielle Wertz, jazz vocalist

Percussion Ensemble:
Superior "Gold" Rating - 94/100
No places in class possible for this division

Jazz Ensemble:
1st place in class 3A
Superior "Gold" Rating - 96/100
Best Overall Jazz Ensemble in competition

Concert Band:
1st place in class 2A
Superior "Gold" Rating - 91/100
Adjudicator's Award for Excellence

Symphonic Band:
1st place in class 3A
Superior "Gold" Rating - 97/100
Adjudicator's Award for Excellence
Best Overall Band
Instrumental Division Grand Champions

National Merit Winners

Holliday Shuler of Langley High School is among 41 Fairfax County Public Schools  students who won National Merit Scholarship Corporation  of $2,500 National Merit® Scholarships. The students are part of a group of approximately 2,500 National Merit® finalists chosen to receive scholarships.

Each scholarship winner was evaluated on his or her academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay describing interests and goals; and a recommendation from a high school official. The number of winners named in a state is in proportion to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors.

Area Students Earn on Dean's List  at Washington and Lee University

Blake Grady, of McLean, VA, a member of the class of 2013 at Washington and Lee University.

Catherine Klinedinst, of McLean, VA, a member of the class of 2015 at Washington and Lee University.

Kyle McGinnis, of McLean, VA, a member of the class of 2012 at Washington and Lee University.

Dean's list status at W&L represents a term grade-average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.