During Fairfax High’s June 5 graduation, four students were honored with special awards. The first three were the Service, Faculty and Fairfax award, and the fourth was for the graduate deemed the Most Outstanding Senior. Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read presented the first three, which included scholarships from the City.

Photo Courtesy of FCPS

Service Award: Zane Geadah

 

Service Award

This honor went to Zane Geadah. The Service Award is given to the senior who’s been outstanding in loyalty and service to the school. “This student can be described as curious, tenacious and outgoing,” said Read. “He possesses a maturity beyond his years, displaying empathy and understanding toward his peers and staff alike. He approaches his leadership role as an act of service to others.

“As captain of the Science Olympiad team, he’s led over 100 students through 23 events in national invitationals and statewide competitions. He’s also been a student co-leader for the Global Leaders of Fairfax County and vice president of the Computer Science Honors Society. He’ll bring his passion for engineering smarter and simpler solutions to complex problems to Georgia Tech next year.”

Photo Courtesy of Carrie Dorsey

Faculty Award: Kat Pascual

 

Faculty Award

Receiving this award was Kat Pascual. The Faculty Award goes to the senior who’s demonstrated outstanding loyalty, citizenship and service to Fairfax High. “This year’s winner brought infectious positivity and enthusiasm to every class they attended – a quality greatly appreciated by their teachers,” said Read. “They are resilient, creative and passionate about learning. 

“Their greatest impact has been to the Theater Department, where they’ve served in several leadership roles, including president, marketing lead, Cappies critic, improv co-captain and social media head. They value relationships and lead with compassion, inclusivity and respect for all students and cultures. We’ll miss their smile and bright light when they go to the College of William & Mary in the fall.”

Photo Courtesy of Carrie Dorsey 

Fairfax Award: Ainsley Buice

 

Fairfax Award

This honor went to Ainsley Buice. The Fairfax Award is given to the senior who’s been outstanding in scholarship, loyalty, service and leadership. “This young woman embodies all the qualities of a student leader – perseverance, discipline, intelligence and an unshakeable work ethic,” said Read. “Her positive and kind attitude inspires all those around her. She’s been respectful of her teachers, coaches and peers; and in return, she’s highly respected. She’s served as president of the Fairfax High Choir and has baked over 7,000 muffins to help the food insecure in our community.

“She’s also an accomplished athlete and holds the all-time, school record for the 2K on the rowing machine and is one of the top 200 U-19 women rowers in the nation. As a four-year crew captain, she fostered a supportive and competitive atmosphere which helped double the size of the varsity women’s team and led to remarkable finishes in state and national regattas. MIT is getting the best and brightest of Fairfax High.”

Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

Most Outstanding Senior: Vy Tran

 

Most Outstanding Senior

Director of Student Services Ashley Anderson presented this award to Vy Tran. It’s presented to the senior who best represents the Senior Class as a whole, displays loyalty and dedication to the school and embodies the Fairfax spirit. The recipient is selected by the members of the graduating class and receives an American flag that’s been flown in front of the school during the 2024-25 school year.

“Vy Tran is not only a dedicated student with remarkable academic strengths but can also be described as compassionate and a beacon of positivity,” said Anderson. “She constantly works hard to be kinder and more understanding and embodies the heart of Fairfax High. Her leadership roles include varsity speech captain and president of the Spanish Honor Society and Student Equity Team.

“She’s increased school spirit by serving as the lead coordinator of the annual cultural celebration. Her kindness and caring personality will be missed at Fairfax, but we’re confident she’ll be a tremendous asset to her next school, Brown University.”