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AHS Middle College High School culminates successful academic program
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 9
AFDW Airmen receive Special Olympics Special Friend Award
BY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST
On Feb 24, Prince George’s Community College’s Academy of Health Sciences (AHS) held a college orientation for more than 100 college-bound students to the first Middle College High School in Maryland. The purpose of the event was to welcome the young colligates and celebrate the impending success of the 2015 AHS graduating class. “This year is a very exciting time for us because our first cohort of students who entered in 2011 will be graduating in May,” noted Dr. Mara R. Doss, AHS liaison. “Of the 92 students at the AHS, all have been accepted to college or university. Ninety students are apparently moving on to a four-year institution of higher education and it appears that two students will continue advanced studies in health sciences at Prince George’s Community College. “All 92 students will graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree. Those with associate’s degrees choosing to matriculate to college will enter as juniors,” said Doss, adding to the banner success of the middle college model. “According to our AHS Principal, Dr. Kathy Andrews, the amount of scholarship money available is more than substantial.” Andrews noted the fouryear course load is not only offered at the community college level, but the college and university level. “For example, I had the
see STUDENTS, page 4
American Health Association celebrates ‘Joie de Vivre’ BY LESLIE C. SMITH AND BOBBY JONES STAFF WRITERS
Feb. 28 the American Heart Association held its 17th annual Heart Ball, the culmination of American Heart Month, where the night’s theme was Joie de Vivre – Joy of life. Some of the region’s foremost medical, corporate and community leaders gathered for the event held at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, DC. This year the event featured remarks by special guest Chelsea Clinton. During her remarks, Clinton shared her experience of heart disease touching her own family, her father, former
see CLINTON, page 6
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/MICHAEL MARTIN
Staff Sgt. Connecticut Wilson, 89th Airlift Wing flight attendant, assists D.C. Special Olympics Bowling Championship competitor Christopher McClain Feb. 25 at the bowling tournament in Hyattsville. More than 50 Airmen from across the National Capital Region volunteered to support athletes competing in the event.
every year, and today is hosted by the Air Force,” said 1st Lt. Delma Guevara, 779th Medical More than 50 Airmen Group resource managefrom across the National ment deputy flight comCapital Region volun- mander. “It’s pretty cool teered to support ath- to walk in, see ABUs on letes competing in the every side of you and D.C. Special Olympics see the Air Force come Bowling Championship out and support such an Feb. 25 in Hyattsville, important event for the Md. Special Olympics and “This is one of the the National Capital Refour days of the Spe- gion” cial Olympics Bowling To commemorate the Championship that is Air Force’s role in the done in the D.C. area championship, Air Force BY MICHAEL MARTIN AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
District of Washington Command Chief Master Sgt. Farrell Thomas accepted the Special Olympics Special Friend Award on behalf of AFDW. For Thomas, the Special Olympics hold a special meaning. “I have a daughter who has special needs so I know first-hand how important it is for those with special needs to be treated as real people, showing their life has value,” Thomas said. “To
me Special Olympics are a way to celebrate people with special needs, allowing them to showcase their skills and talents in an environment conducive to their limitations and abilities, and also for them to have fun together, bringing together families and individuals that might have similar experiences to share.” Special Olympics D.C. Associate Director of
see BOWLING, page 4
Fun, fare, ‘fabulousness’ at the VA Ladies’ Night BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center held its sixth annual Ladies’ Night February 27. The night was filled with fun and fare. The National Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble welcomed guests as they arrived to receive gift bags and pinned with corsages. On air personality April Watts of Magic 102.3 radio station was the MC for the night with DJ Sixth sense providing music. “Our female veterans
see LADIES, page 5