Wakefield High School to Showcase Senior Projects on June 15 Wakefield High School’s annual Senior Project Fair will be held on Wed, June 15 in the Town Hall during all lunch periods (11:17 to 11:52 a.m., 12:04 to 12:39 p.m. and 12:52-1:27 p.m.). The Arlington community is invited to attend this celebration of senior achievements. The State Board of Education cited Wakefield High School and the Arlington Career Center as models for Governor Terry McAuliffe’s new graduation requirement legislation, which emphasizes the development of core skill sets in the early years of high school, and requires students in later years to move toward college or career readiness, through internships and other authentic learning experiences. Governor McAuliffe visited Wakefield last month to sign this new legislation which requires the state Board of Education to work with school and community leaders to establish a “Profile of a Virginia Graduate.” Senior Project was created as a culminating experience for Wakefield students in 1998 to showcase their knowledge, skills and talents. Each student designs, refines and accomplishes a significant “real world” project, reflecting approximately 150 hours of work. Students are required to document their hours in journals, work with mentors, and write essays about their experiences. Each project culminates in a 15-25 minute oral presentation before an assessment panel. Wakefield’s Senior Project offers each 12th grader an opportunity for personal growth that is self-determined, easily observable, and ultimately empowering. In the process, students learn the importance of time management, networking and problem-solving and helps them realize their potential for success. For additional information, contact Senior Project Coordinator Lisa Labella at 703-228-6666.