Rippon Middle School Principal Gail Stone was given a certificate of appreciation by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR).
According to a release, Stone received the certificate for her support of extracurricular activities at the Woodbridge school in the areas of geography and American history.
More on Stone’s work, from a release:
During the period 2013-2017 Ms. Stone Approved and funded the Geography/History Bee Club, a weekly student group that met from October through February and focuses on preparation for school-wide competitions in the National Geographic Bee and the National History Bee. In support of the growth of this program, Ms. Stone approved and funded the participation and transportation of students to regional and national competitions. These included 2017 when she arranged an all-expenses paid trip for Social Studies teacher Tom Warzywak and two students to participate in the National History Bee finals at the National History Fair in Atlanta, Georgia.
During the 2016-2017 school year, Ms. Stone approved and supported the hosting of two major events, the first of which was the first annual Prince William countywide Geography Bee, which included students from various middle schools from throughout Prince William County. Ms. Stone also supported the hosting of the National History Bee regional finals at Rippon Middle School, which included more than 400 students from throughout the Washington, D.C. area competing to qualify for the national finals.
Ms. Stone also supported an annual student outing for the last three (3) years to the Sergeant Mac Foundation’s National Wreath Project at Quantico Cemetery in December each year. Ms. Stone coordinated transportation for 60-80 students to attend the event each year where students assist in the unloading and laying of approximately 10,000 wreaths on the graves of Veterans at Quantico National Cemetery. The wreath project provides an excellent community service opportunity for Rippon Middle School students and contributes to student awareness and appreciation for Veterans who served the country and helped create the society we live in today. The experience laying wreaths at Quantico National Cemetery is invaluable in helping students connect class room discussions with the real world in a very meaningful way.
“Stone’s support of the programs described is consistent with objectives of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution specific to stimulating interest in American History and Patriotism in our young people,” stated a release.
