Fairfax County School Board honors National Merit Scholarship winners and Quander family legacy

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board meeting on June 26, 2025, highlighted significant achievements in student scholarship awards and honored a historic family in the community.

The board unanimously recognized the accomplishments of local students who received National Merit Scholarships. This year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation awarded a total of 6,870 scholarships, amounting to nearly $26 million. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500, with additional corporate and college-sponsored scholarships providing varying amounts for up to four years of undergraduate study. The board commended several students from various high schools, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), Langley High School, and Oakton High School, among others, for their outstanding academic achievements and contributions to their communities.

In addition to the scholarship recognition, the board passed a proclamation honoring the Quander family, one of the oldest documented African American families in the United States. The proclamation celebrated the family's historical significance and their contributions to Fairfax County Public Schools and the broader community. The Quander family will celebrate their 100th reunion in August 2025, marking a century of resilience and excellence in various fields, including education, military service, and civic leadership.

The meeting concluded with a call for a group photo to commemorate the achievements of the scholarship winners, further emphasizing the community's pride in its students and heritage.