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The County Chronicle

The online newspaper for Loudoun County High School

The County Chronicle

The County Chronicle

Pierson Lee sits on top of the school sign for a picture announcing him as commencement speaker for social media. Lee plans to study biophysics at Duke University in the fall. Photo courtesy of @lchs1954

Pierson Lee named 2025 Commencement Speaker

Taylor Helfer, Editor-in-Chief June 12, 2025

All last summer, while other students were relaxing by the pool or traveling to various places, senior Pierson Lee was in the lab, doing science research at Duke University. There, Lee discovered his love...

The County Chronicle nominees senior William Kluttz, sophomore Scarlett Ashford, junior Karan Singh and
senior Berek Harrison pose during the first annual Loudoun Now Excellence in Journalism awards night,
held at Loudoun County High School. Ashford’s podcast, during which she interviewed former superintendent Edgar Hatrick, won runner up in the podcast category. “I had little expectation going into the evening
about how it would go since this is the first year that Loudoun Community Media was offering the awards,”
librarian Patti Bagdasarian said. “I was impressed by the entire program, from the reception beforehand, to
the emcee (News 4 Bureau Chief!), to the high level and involvement of the sponsors, but most importantly,
how they created this program to honor the commitment, hard work, and excellence of our student journalist. It wasn’t lost on me that Scarlett won for an interview of Dr. Hatrick in the building where he started and
spent much of his career.” Bagdasarian not only attended the event, but helped Ashford produce her podcast
with the library’s recording equipment.

Loudoun Now hosts first annual ‘Excellence in Journalism Awards’

Taylor Helfer, Editor-in-Chief June 12, 2025

With a spotlight on her face and several glistening trophies behind her, NBC 4 reporter Julie Carey welcomed student journalists from all over the county to the Loudoun Now Excellence in Journalism Awards...

Simpson Teacher Kimberly Poole wins major Washington Post award as teacher of the year

William Kluttz, Managing Editor June 12, 2025

On April 22, it was announced that Simpson computer applications teacher Kimberly Poole won the Washington Post’s teacher of the year award. Poole, in her 30th year of teaching, shared the award with...

Fine Arts field trip

Scarlett Ashford, Copy Editor June 12, 2025

This spring, our school’s fine and performing arts groups traveled to Disney World near Orlando, Florida. The choir and orchestra groups competed in front of judges, the marching band marched in a parade...

DeGroat poses with her pet dog Grady. When not in school, she partakes in playing with her dog and being with family. Photo courtesy of Laura DeGroat.

Saying Goodbye

Aspen DeWan, William Kluttz, and Nur Mustafa June 12, 2025

Mark Alexander Longtime Economics, Human geography teacher, and coach Mark Alexander reflects on his career and upcoming retirement Mark Alexander has been a familiar face in the halls of County...

Spanish Conversations professional development helps teachers confront vulnerabilities

Aspen DeWan, Business Manager April 5, 2025

Roughly once a month the roles between teacher and student are reversed. With the development of the new Spanish professional development program, teachers are able to use an app to learn Spanish and collaborate...

Captains United, Alpha Delta Kappa hosts fourth annual Women’s Summit

William Kluttz, Managing Editor April 5, 2025

While giving her presentation to an auditorium full of students and teachers alike, speaker and County graduate Taryn Smithson, while recounting her national tour for the Broadway show "Cats," gave attendees...

Kyla Jenkins poses next to her photography display during a reception during 4th block on March 20. Jenkins described her process for creating the artwork, which was inspired by her work planning for her Photography II class.

Art teacher Kyla Jenkins Showcases Photography in Leesburg Art Show, honored at County

Sofia Crespin, Staff writer April 3, 2025

Art teacher Kyla Jenkins recently had a solo art show that ran December through February at the Leesburg town hall. She has also entered five pieces in the Chelsea International Photography competition....

The New Grab and Go cart offers some available breakfast and snack options for students entering the athletic wing in the morning.

New Grab and Go cart provides students quick breakfast and snack options

Aspen DeWan, Business manager April 3, 2025

Are you ever feeling hungry throughout the day and regret not bringing anything to snack on? Do you ever wish that you had something to quickly grab for breakfast or share with your friends? The new Grab...

Toland’s comment on Instagram about the "Dune: Part Two" movie. Photo courtesy of Adam Toland.

Adam Toland’s Instagram comment about Dune becomes famous

Alexa Sterner, Staff writer April 3, 2025

Senior Adam Toland has been reviewing movies since 2022, but he never expected that hobby to lead to his name being mentioned at the Oscars. While scrolling on Instagram, Toland came across a Letterboxd...

HVAC Replacements: what to expect

Sofia Crespin, Staff writer April 3, 2025

We spoke with Principal Michelle Luttrell and Assistant Principal Lacey Kimbrough about the upcoming HVAC replacement and how it will impact you. Q: What is happening? The start of a major HVAC system...

Kevin Grigsby and English teacher Kathryn Ives, who taught Grigsby while attending County, reunite at Grigsby’s presentation. They excitedly greeted each other before he began.

Author and alumnus Kevin Grigsby discusses his discovery of Loudoun County history

Scarlett Ashford, Copy Editor March 5, 2025

Kevin Grigsby, student alum of our school, strives to share the untold stories of Black people in Loudoun County history. He recounted that as a high school student, he would question his history teacher...

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