Mark Twain Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Dozens of Mark Twain Middle School students, parents and community supporters came together last week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school's founding.

The celebration featured countless games and activities for all ages to enjoy and invited attendees to donate books, winter clothing and food to the local community in need.

“What a night," principal Amiee Holleb said. "Tonight’s Twain Night and 50th Anniversary Celebration was amazing! I loved our theme of 'giving back to the community.' I’m so proud of our school and thank the community for all their support."

As part of the celebration, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay hand delivered a copy of Delegate Mark Sickles’ resolution honoring the school for 50 years of excellence in Fairfax County. The resolution highlighted the staff’s dedication to improving education, the school’s popular Extended Learning Time and its record of impressive test scores.

"We have one secret weapon in Fairfax County that is here tonight," McKay said. "Our secret weapon is  our public school system, which is arguably the best in the nation. Most importantly, we’ve said in this county from our Board of Supervisor to our School Board that our number one responsibility, and the most fundamental thing that local government can do, is educate our children and prepare them for a successful future. What is more important than that?”

Cluster V Assistant Superintendent Dr. Frances Ivey was also on site and spoke to the the assembled parents and students to offer her well wishes for the next 50 years of Mark Twain Middle School's success.

Ivey congratulated winners of the NatCap and the Technology student association awards. "Lets give these fine students a round of applause” Ivey said. “And lastly, we know that good student achievement and success takes a village, and that village is not only the hard work of the students, it’s the support from the parents and community and it’s also the wonderful staff. And of course, the leadership of the administration, so again congratulations.”

Parents were quick to support the school’s 50th celebration by donating their time arranging the evening. Any donations of food, clothing or school supplies will go to local organizations in Alexandria and help make a child’s school year or winter a little better.

“I love the school and my 7th and 8th graders, Daniel and Sara, do too," said parent Maria Fox. "I’m a huge advocate for it. I have not met a single teacher that doesn’t have enthusiasm. By the first day, the teachers knew my students’ names. And, by the second day the principle was on a first name basis with my son. It has such high standards and it’s hard to find a school like this.”