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Photo by Mercia Hobson/The ConnectionOpinion, Page 12 v Calendar, Page 11MountainView GradsAre SpecialPages 2, 3, 4Faculty Award winner Sofanit Gebremariam. The Faculty Award is given tothe student achieving the greatest academic and personal success, despitesignificant obstacles.Recharging atHerndon CarnivalPage 8Pride DayReturns to RestonPage 6June 8-14, 2022online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
GraduationsTariq AldalouNuruddin NabilSofanit GebremariamCitizenship Award winnerNikolas Migliore‘Thank You for Helping Me See My Own Value’Mountain View High celebrates Class of 2022.Photos By Bonnie Hobbs/The ConnectionBy Bonnie HobbsThe ConnectionAMountain View High graduationis always a mixture of joy, tearsand pride – joy because of thestudents heading toward their futures, tears because of the heartfelt speechesdescribing all they’ve overcome, and pridebecause they’ve succeeded. And the ceremony last Tuesday, May 31, at Centreville Highwas no exception.Mountain View holds both fall and springcommencements, and this one was the 52ndsince the school opened, 26 years ago. Assistant Principal Catherine Stone said all thegrads share the common bond of being partof the Mountain View family and embodying the school’s motto of Family, Love andRespect. She also thanked their parents for“sharing your students with us and beingpart of their support system.”Principal Joe Thompson noted that theschool’s nonprofit Mountain View Foundation was responsible for this semester’sgrads receiving more than 37,000 worthof scholarships. Acknowledging each graduate’s “amazing contributions” to MountainView, he said, “We believe you can succeed.”He also urged the grads to remember that“The unconditional support we’ve provided here for your growth and developmentnever goes away. You’ll always be part of theMountain View family.” (See sidebar for therest of his speech.)Since the majority of the students comehere from other countries – often fleeinggreat adversity and not speaking any English– they must overcome tremendous obstaclesthe average FCPS student doesn’t have. Sotheir dedication and drive to obtain an education and graduate sets them apart. It’salso illustrated in the stories related by eachstudent speaker at graduation.The first one, last week, was Tariq Aldalou. He’s Palestinian but was raised in Syria. “Violence in the Middle East forced myPersonal Achievement Award winnerKimberly PerezFrom left are Renee Harrison, grad Astrid Cordón and Jacqueline Bonilla.Faculty Award winner Sofanit Gebremariamfamily to seek a better life,” he said. “I lovedPalestine and my family and the olive treesthere. But war forces us to make decisionsthat affect our future.”Eventually moving to America, he said,“People in the U.S. have different food,clothes and lifestyles. As an immigrant, I’velearned you must be proud of what makesyou unique and remember your values. Ithank my father, who’s helped me and always had my back, and my sister, who mademe a better person. And I also thank everyone at Mountain View who helped make mydream of graduation come true.”Nuruddin Nabil immigrated from Bangladesh to the U.S. four years ago. “There werechallenges – English isn’t my first language,”he said. “But coming to Mountain View isthe best decision I made in my life. Theymade learning fun for me, and they havewonderful counselors and teachers.” Case inpoint, directly addressing his math teacher,Dylan Thomas, he said, “Mr. Thomas, I likeyou, but I don’t like math.”Continuing, Nabil said, “The teachers here2 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022are so friendly and treat us like their ownchildren. When I come to Mountain View, it’slike coming to my second home. I’ll alwaysbe grateful to Mountain View for helpingme get my education. It isn’t just a place ofstudy; here, you realize you are not alone.Mountain View lets students catch theirdreams.”Nabil also thanked his parents, sister andbrother-in-law for supporting him unconditionally. Next, he plans to study informationtechnology at NOVA and then attend Virginia Tech or GMU and eventually work in cybersecurity.“I’m here because of the sacrifices myparents made,” said Sofanit Gebremariam.“Four years ago, I couldn’t have dreamedof graduating.” She was born and raised inEthiopia, but she and her sister and olderbrother were able to move to the U.S. AndSee Mountain View High, Page 4www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News{Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The ConnectionSandra Ofori receives her diploma from Joe Thompson.Joe Thompson giving Brenda Martinez Solano her diploma.‘Please Remember the Importance of Respect’Mountain View principal shareswords of advice.By Bonnie HobbsThe ConnectionDuring Mountain View’s graduationlast week, Principal Joe Thompson thanked the seniors for all thepositive contributions they madeto the school. He also offered them somewords of advice.He said they’ve shown “amazing resilienceand commitment” en route to receiving theirdiplomas. “Your Mountain View family hasmade it our mission to provide a rigorous,educational experience in a warm and caring environment,” said Thompson. “Andwe’re proud and grateful to be part of thiscelebration.”“We challenged you to work for your diploma, and you’ve earned it. So please takea moment to celebrate yourself, and thosethat helped you along the way. We hopeMountain View has proven to you how important it is to maintain the values of family,love and respect. In life, getting and keepinganything you value requires not just hardwork, but engagement in it, and the resilience to pursue that which you value.”Thompson said the school’s motto of Family, Love and Respect starts with the studentsrespecting their own strengths in reachingthis day. “What makes your accomplishments, and those of the staff, even moreastounding is the resilience each of you displayed in working through multiple virtualcourses, in-person courses and mitigatingstrategies over the past two-and-a-half yearsto complete your studies,” he said. “Thatcreativity, poise and sense of community willcarry you in all aspects of your life.”www.ConnectionNewspapers.compeople who’ll help you.”Furthermore,saidThompson, “Please remember the importance of respect. At Mountain View,students come from 14 dif“There were a ton of newferent schools. That meansdemands on teachers and14 different neighborhoodsstudents, and we were all– not to mention the manylearning daily how to makedifferent countries and lanit work,” he continued. “Theguages and customs youconfidence we all had thatshared in this building. Inwe were going to find a wayyour class projects this year,to succeed, despite the chalin your online classroomslenges, is rooted in our valbefore that, and in our hallue of love. We all fail, butways, you’ve demonstratedlove erases the fear of failan amazing ability to reure and gives us a sense ofspect each other as individbelonging and confidence.uals.Love not only permits, but“Our communities willrequires, resilience.”grow and improve becauseFurthermore,saidof your skills in respectThompson, “You had toing others. Your generaendure a worldwide pantion will ultimately decidedemic on the way to gradhow we, as a country, inuation. Had you given upteract with each other inwhen times seemed mostthe future. Please take thedifficult, some would havelessons learned here andaccepted or even expectedteach those around you thatit. However, you continuedrespect for others makesto pursue your diploma andyour life and theirs better.we’re proud to see how youThe current division we seebounced back from adversi- Christian Araniva Lopez gets his diploma from Joe Thompson.in our country along racialty to make it happen.”He said the seniors set goals and built graduation isn’t their finish line, but the lines – the diminishing of our neighborsrelationships with people who care about beginning of the rest of their lives. He said based on color, religion or culture – shouldthem. “You achieved success during one of the lessons they’ve learned at school will not be your future.”Lastly, Thompson told the students tothe most tumultuous times in our country’s become even more relevant as they grow,history,” said Thompson. “Your children and and the relationships they’ve developed at “Never forget you’re important, you’regrandchildren will want to know how you Mountain View will help them navigate fu- valued, and you deserve success. We’ll always be here for you, and we want youmanaged to live life during this pandemic. ture life challenges.“We all live lives requiring us to overcome to stay in touch – that’s what families do.I hope you’ll proudly tell them about yourresilience and how you found the values of obstacles and difficulties; they’re unavoid- Congratulations to the graduating classable,” he said. “When you encounter them, of 2022 on all your successes today, andfamily, love and respect at Mountain View.”Thompson also told the students that use the lessons you’ve learned to connect to those yet to come.”Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022 v 3
NewsNew grad Didier Lopez with (from left) friend Esmeralda Gutierrez, sister Astrid,mom Maria and brother Julian.Grad Sofanit Gebremariam with her brother, Tinsaye Kebede, and sister,Mesenbet Gebremariam.Mountain View HighClass of 2022From Page 2although her mother is still in Ethiopia,when Gebremariam was 13, she helped herfather come here, too.“My parents are precious to me – a sourceof inspiration and encouragement,” she said.“My mother was my first teacher; she wasmy guide and my friend, and she taught meto be wise. And my sister sacrificed herselfmany times to make me happy.”When Gebremariam came to the U.S.,she, too, had to learn a new language. Andshe did that, and more, at Mountain View.“This school helped me to learn and grow,be responsible and proud,” she said. “If youfail, the teachers tell you to try again ’til yousucceed. They motivate you to work hard.”Tearing up, she then thanked the school,Bulletin BoardJUNE 8 TO JULY 14Chronic Disease Self-Management.10:30 to 12:30 p.m. At Centreville Regional Library, 14200Saint Germain Drive, Centreville. Learn strategies to managepain, fatigue, eat better, stayactive and more in this free6-week workshop. Register forthis free event with the FairfaxCounty Agency on Aging byher parents and her siblings for “being there for me – and my aunt, forbeing a second parent. And thank youto my teachers for encouraging me tolearn and helping me to see my ownvalue. I also thank God; I feel blessed Grad Hector Ordoñez with his mom, Doris Jaico, and brother, Luis Ordoñez.for all the good things that have happened to me.”v The Personal Achievement Award goes hour flight to come to the U.S.,” said Bates.Stepping to the podium afterward, Stone to a student who succeeded academical- “But that’s what Sofanit did. Without parthanked the speakers for “sharing your sto- ly and personally, despite having adult re- ents in the country, she was living on herries with us. You are the reason we come to sponsibilities, such as a job or a child. This own with her siblings. She works 40 hours aschool every day.”award, presented by math teacher Jennifer week and had almost perfect attendance atschool. She’s the Mountain View epitome ofSpecial awards were then presented to Lee, went to Kimberly Perez.three deserving students chosen by thev The Faculty Award is given to the stu- perseverance and resilience.“She won department awards in math, sciteachers. The winners were as follows:dent achieving the greatest academic andv The Citizenship Award is given to personal success, despite significant obsta- ence and English and won two scholarships.a student who’s helped build a positive cles. ESOL teacher Lora Bates presented it She wants to go to college and become amath teacher, and we’re incredibly happy toschool community. Thomas presented it to to Gebremariam.Nikolas Migliore.“Imagine traveling 7,200 miles on a 23- see Sofanit making her dreams come true.”Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before the event.calling (703) 324-7721 or going tohttps://tinyurl.com/CDSMP123.JULY 6-29Host French Teens. Ten volunteerfamilies are needed to host Frenchstudents from July 6-29. Enjoy aninternational experience and helppromote international understanding and worldwide friendships,Call Tiffany 484-347-3459. Visitthe website: https://www.smore.com/n2csdSHEPHERD’S CENTER OFNORTHERN VIRGINIA SPRING2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTSThe Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia continues to offer educational,health and wellness and entertain-4 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022ing programming to our SeniorCommunity. The programmingincludes Adventures In Learning,Active Wellness Classes, GreatDiscussions Book Club, Caregivers’Support Group and much more.The Adventures In Learning programbegan in April and repeats everyThursday for 8 weeks. There isongoing AIL programming all yearlong. Topics this session includeHealth & Wellness, Arts & Entertainment & Travel as well asWorld Affairs Past & Present.The Active Aging and WellnessProgram is an Exercise Class toimprove strength, balance andmobility for older adults. Thisclass is held on Wednesdays(via Zoom) from 10:45-11:45a.m. for eight week schedules.The cost is 50/session and youcan learn more about it andregister on the website.www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
BusinessRoundupsPublic Safety Day atLondon Towne ElementaryGrand Openingfor HighlandTitle & EscrowFairfax County’s Communities of Trust Committee will host aPublic Safety Day at London Towne Elementary School, 6100 StoneRoad in Centreville. The event is slated for Saturday, June 11, from11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature food and games plus various police vehicles on display. For more information, email fairfaxCOTC@gmail.com.New home in historicTown of Herndon building.Car Seat Inspections, June 16By Mercia HobsonThe ConnectionMike McFarlane, president and chief counsel of Highland Title & Escrow, has longdesired a permanent, larger location. McFarlane, a real estate attorney, foundedthe company in 1999, and it currently employs 42 people in 15 settlement offices throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. “So, I thought, why not bein downtown Herndon, in the historic district and oneof the most remarkable buildings,” McFarlane said.Highland Title & Escrow, located at 783 StationStreet in downtown Herndon, celebrated a delayedGrand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, June3. The office is located on the first floor of the formerNational Bank of Herndon building, a brick two-storyClassical Revival structure with a 1910 constructiondate on the pediment and is designated as VirginiaDivision of Historic Preservation Landmark 235–69.“We opened our Herndon office a year ago. Likeall of you, we have been waiting for COVID to goaway before having a Grand Opening celebration.But we decided that this is as good a time as any,”McFarlane said. “Many of our key employees live inPhoto by Mercia Hobson/Connection NewspapersThe Grand Opening and ribbon cutting forHighland Title & Escrow in the Town of Herndon(from left) Lisa Goldman, staff, Highland Title& Escrow; Mike McFarlane, president and chiefoperating officer, Highland Title & Escrow; MayorSheila Olem, Town of Herndon; Mike O’Reilly,former mayor Town of Herndon (2004-2006)and former Town Councilmember (2000-2004);Nicolas A. Pasquini, real estate agent, CENTURY21 Redwood Realty Arlington; Jenny Phipps,Herndon aide for Supervisor John W. Foust, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (D-DranesvilleDistrict); John Boylan, president and CEO, DullesRegional Chamber of Commerce; and Sarah Fri,staff, Highland Title & EscrowHerndon [and] three of us can walk to work,” he said.According to McFarlane, many people want to live inthe little town of Herndon because of the restaurants,activities, and other facilities.“Congratulations on your first year in business inthe town and many more to come,” said Mayor SheilaOlem of the Town of Herndon.ST Engineering iDirect,2022 Community ChampionSatellite company helpsFood for Neighborsprovide for 3.400 students.Food For Neighbors has named ST EngineeringiDirect as a 2022 Community Champion. Withits generous donation and volunteer support, theglobal satellite company is a key Food For Neighborspartner in providing a reliable and nutritious foodsource for approximately 3,400 students in NorthernVirginia.In Fall 2016, Karen Joseph built Food For Neighbors on the concept of reaching vulnerable studentsthrough schools supported by their local communities.The nonprofit is fortunate to have 29 participatingschools, over 1,700 food donors, and approximately1,400 volunteers. Providing afoundation to these three pillars of community support is the important funding donated by local government organizations, foundations, and businesses.ST Engineering iDirect is one of these key businesses,and, in addition to being a leader in satellite technology, the company is a leader in community spirit.Joseph, the Founder and Executive Director of FoodFor Neighbors, met with ST Engineering iDirect representatives Kevin Steen, CEO, and Donna Wilson,CFO, at the company’s headquarters in Herndon, VA.Joseph conveyed her gratitude for their generosity aswww.ConnectionNewspapers.comPhoto by Renee MaxwellFood For Neighbors celebrates ST EngineeringiDirect as a 2022 Community Champion. Pictured,left to right, are Kevin Steen, CEO, ST Engineering iDirect; Donna Wilson, CFO, ST EngineeringiDirect; and Karen Joseph, Founder and ExecutiveDirector, Food For Neighborswell as the positive impact the company is making onthe lives of students in Northern Virginia.“We are thrilled to partner with ST EngineeringiDirect,” said Joseph. “The company’s generous community spirit is key in our fight against teen food insecurity. This support is more than a financial contribution. It represents the larger community’s recognitionof the challenges our most vulnerablestudents face as well as an affirmation of the positive impact our volunteers are making every day.”See Food For Neighbors, Page 12Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday,June 16, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station.It’s at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Inspections are done on afirst-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to wear a maskand adhere to social-distancing and safety precautions.They should also install the child safety seat themselves, so theinspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed,if necessary, and parents will be taught how to install the seatproperly, in the future. Another car-seat inspection is scheduled forJune 30, at the same place and time.Basketball Court GetsLighting UpgradeThe Fairfax County Park Authority recently began a basketball,lighting-upgrade project in Chalet Woods Park at 14912 CranokeSt. in Centreville. The work includes removal of the existing polesand fixtures, followed by the installation of new poles, fixtures anda push button for basketball-court lights.The power to the basketball court’s lighting fixtures has been turnedoff but is expected to be back on by the end of June. During this time,the basketball court will be open for daytime play only; lighting willnot be available after dusk. For more information, contact ProjectManager Wendy Li at fu.li@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-223-4989.Sully Antique Car ShowThe 47th Sully Antique Car Show will be held Sunday, June 19,from 10 a.m.-3;30 p.m., at the Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay in Chantilly. jointly sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority and the George Washington Chapter Model A Ford Club. Ticketsare available online; walk-in admissions are also accepted at the gate.On Father’s Day, dad and the family will enjoy this classic show’slong-awaited return, after a two-year hiatus. Stroll among 350 classicand antique cars, a Car Corral, special displays including Hit ‘n’ Missengines and a “take-apart” Model T Ford demonstration. Entertainment includes live music from two bands and children’s activities.Check out the flea market and food vendors. End the afternoonwith a Century parade featuring cars at least 100 years old. Toursof the first floor of the historic house are included with the price ofadmission: 12 adults, 10 seniors and 8 for children. Trophieswill be awarded at 3 p.m.For Juneteenth, visitors may explore Sully’s historic past at the18th century, slave- quarter area, where enslaved people lived priorto the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Learn the meaning ofJuneteenth and why it’s celebrated. Also learn about little-known,late 19th to early 20th century, African American inventors andpatent holders who contributed to American transportation.World Blood Donor Day, June 14Donate at Inova Blood Donor ServicesThe World Health Organizationestablished World Blood Donor Dayas a celebration of all blood donors.Every year on June 14, Inova BloodDonor Services and blood collectionorganizations all around the worldprovide special recognition of thegift of life that our donors provide.The history of the recognitionday relates to the memorial of KarlLandsteiner, a former Nobel Prize recipient for the discovery of the ABOblood group system. Without Landsteiner’s research, the transfusionmedicine world would not have ad-vanced to where it is today.This summer, blood centers across the country are at critically low levels for nearly all bloodtypes. Please take the time to makean appointment to donate on June14, or whenever you have time, tohelp boost the blood supply and ensure there is an adequate supply forour community in case of accidentsand emergencies. There is no substitute for blood when needed for patient caare — it can only come fromvolunteer donors like you. All donorswho donate on World Blood DonorDay will receive an exclusive t-shirtas a thank-you gift.Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022 v 5
Reston PridePhotos by Mercia Hobson/Connection NewspapersThe Rev. Jessica Holthus, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in RestonU.S. Postal Carrier Petra Loebach, transgender woman: “I’m enjoying this eventin Reston. During my lunchtime, I’m going to get to as many booths as possibleI can.”From left Ken Williamson and MorrisSmith, both of RestonReston Pride 2022 patronsIt is a community for all, according to Rachel Eisenfeld, owner of Elden Street TeaShop in Herndon, and her friend, KevenLaBlanc, who announced he is runningfor one of the six councilmember seats onthe Herndon Town Council.Dulles Triangles is an LGBTQ social cluboutside the beltway that sponsors weeklyHappy Hours and events, including bowling, movies, hiking, amusement parks,book clubs, billiards, dinners, and such.The Rev. Scott Alexander Unitarian Universalist Church in RestonKyle Rowen (they/them), president ofReston Pride. It is fiscally sponsored byand a D.B.A. of CORE Foundation Inc, a501(c)3 nonprofit organization that advocates for, educates on behalf, supports,and celebrates the LGBTQIA communityin Reston, VA, and its surrounding area.Reston Pride 2022 Affirms Gender Identity ChoiceCelebrates past work and acknowledgesthreatened future progress.By Mercia HobsonThe ConnectionThe Pride community gets to saywho they are: lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, trans, intersect, queer,questioning, gender non-binary,gender expansive, genderfluid, genderqueer,and more. “We exist, by God, and we do soproudly,” said the Rev. Emma Chattin, seniorpastor, Metropolitan Community Church ofNorthern Virginia, a speaker at Reston Pride2022.On Saturday, June 4, 2022, the RestonPride Festival came back for its third yearat Lake Anne Plaza in Reston to celebrateLGBTQIA people living authentically andtheir equal right to thrive while flying theirgender identity flags.Sex and gender are different. While thereare two biological sexes, there are manygenders, according to P.F.L.A.G., the first andlargest organization for (LGBTQ ) people,their parents, families and allies.One of the two biological sexes, male orfemale, is assigned based on physical characteristics at birth. However, this does notmean that there are two gender identities.There is a rainbow of genders: lesbian, gay,bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others, hence LGBTQIA . The “ ”also includes gender allies.Under the banner theme of Reston Pride2022, “You Belong Here,” Kyle Rohen, president of Reston Pride, welcomed everyoneto the event and introduced emcee Ken Williamson, minister of music for WashingtonPlaza Baptist Church. “Let the magic andfestivities begin,” Williamson said before introducing festival speakers, local elected officials, and faith-based leaders.The speakers emphasized that the equitybattle for gender and sexual orientation isongoing. The allies talked about how theyare catalysts acting with the LGBTQ community to address troubling findings of inequality, face down discrimination, and taketangible actions.Del. Ken Plum (D) said that when he looksback, the only thing he’s sorry about is thatthey didn’t start the festival “a whole lot earlier.”“When you think about what makes Reston special, one of the things to think aboutis inclusiveness,” Plum said. He added that ithas only been in recent years that they haverecognized that inclusiveness includes notonly racial issues but also gender issues.“I look forward to representing you in theHouse of Delegates. When I say you, I amtalking about members of the L.G.B.T. community. Your concerns are my concerns. Yourrights are my concerns. Being able to represent you fairly and effectively is something Iwant to do. So, bless you all for being here,”said Plum.Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill)said that one of the things he wanted to bringto Reston Pride was to reaffirm, on behalf ofthe Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County,that “we are a welcoming community.”Supervisor Alcorn said, “We are an inclusive community. And frankly, we are very,very focused on how we can become moreinclusive — how we can find situationswhere some in our community are not actingThe Rev. Emma Chattin, MetropolitanCommunity Church of Northern Virginiain FairfaxDel. Ken Plum (D), member, VA House ofDelegates, 36th Districtthat way.”According to Alcorn, not only are the battles of yesterday relevant to today, not onlyare equal rights an issue in the past, butthey are also an issue today. As the community moves forward, Alcorn said the Boardof Supervisors will watch for employmentdiscrimination and housing discrimination.They need to make sure that the communityis living up to the ideals of those in Restonset out many years ago.“Because once we take those for granted, they can go away. So, let’s not do that,please,” Supervisor Alcorn said.Emcee Williamson said that when RestonPride founded the festival years ago, somelocal churches immediately stood up to helpmake things happen. Williams introducedthe Rev. Michelle Nickens of Washington Pla-Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter MillDistrict), member of the Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors (center back)za Baptist Church on Lake Anne Plaza.The Unitarian Universalist Church founded Reston Pride, according to Pastor Nickens.They had a vision for the festival, and it continues to grow every year.The Rev. Daniel Park, the pastor of Restoration Church in Reston that celebratesat South Lakes High School in Reston, saidit was important that they were all together and experienced the wide welcome loveof God together. Park invited everyone tocome by because they were writing affirmation matters to transgender youth partneringwith Reston Pride.The Reverend Jessica Holthus, the rectorat St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Reston,began her ministry in February of 2022. Introducing herself by her title, Mother. Hol-6 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022 www.ConnectionNewspapers.comThe Rev. Michelle Nickens, WashingtonPlaza Baptist Church on Lake Anne Plaza.The Rev. Daniel Park, Restoration Churchin Restonthus spoke of the progressive church beinga welcoming space for LGBTQIA folks andput out an invite to anyone. “God loves you,no exceptions. Come as you are. Hear thatmessage loud and clear,” Holthus said.The Rev. Scott Alexander, interim ministerof Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston,said that their church began the Pride Festival because of its tradition of all inclusion.“The first principle of our faith is the inherent worth and dignity of every person Noexceptions,” he said.The Rev. Emma Chattin, the senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church ofNorthern Virginia, closed the speakers’ presentation. “I am lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer, and questioning at any point inmy life. I’ve lived authentically and have hadeach one of these identities. I am certifiablyqueer. By God, I am my own rainbow,” Rev.Chattin said.Chattin said that the community didn’t“storm into existence” in the 1960s. Theyhave always existed. Chattin said, “We justdidn’t have a way you could find us in history.”Chattin said that there are those todaywho are trying to take away their names;they are trying to remove their books, stories, and histories from schools. “They aretrying to take away the places for youth toexist safely in school. Take away the medically-proven pathways that are life-saving fortrans youth. This is happening,” Chattin said.She added that they tell their youth, “It isokay to be who you are.”“For those on the margins, those at thegreatest risk, those who are most vulnerable,www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Cora Thompson, 5, of Reston poses withher dad, David at Reston Pride 2022.we have a name, and we have formed adiverse community composed of so manyletters, shapes, sizes, and colors,” Chattinsaid. She told those at the festival to alwaysremember that the social highways the c
6 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v June 8-14, 2022 rs.com vOak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View June 8-14, 2022 v 7 Reston Pride By Mercia Hobson The Connection T he Pride community gets to say who they are: lesbian, gay, bisexu-al, asexual, trans, intersect, queer,
