Fauquier County Public Schools is proud to celebrate the achievements of its students in the visual and performing arts. As the School Board recognizes March as Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month, and Theatre in Our Schools Month, FCPS1 highlights the outstanding accomplishments of students who have excelled in statewide and national competitions in art and choral music.

Watch the 2025 Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month, and Theatre in Our Schools Month Video: https://youtu.be/hXh1JfmV6co

Youth Art Month Flag Competition Winners

Each year, Youth Art Month provides an opportunity to showcase student creativity and the importance of arts education. As part of this celebration, students from across Virginia submitted flag designs for a prestigious statewide competition. FCPS1 is proud to recognize four students who earned top honors:

First Place:

• Felix Kontanis – Kettle Run High School
• Liliana Lowe – C. Hunter Ritchie Elementary School

Second Place:

• Chloe Chang – Marshall Middle School
• Lila Blaemire – Greenville Elementary School

Explore more student artwork in the 2025 FCPS Virtual Art Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsVWlB24_1Q&feature=youtu.be

These students’ artistic achievements highlight their creativity and dedication to the visual arts, bringing recognition to FCPS1’s strong art programs. Their work will be celebrated at the state level, showcasing the talent of young artists within the division.

FCPS1 Students Selected for All Virginia Choir

Music in Our Schools Month is an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional vocal talent of FCPS1 students. Several students earned spots in the highly competitive All Virginia Choir, an honor that recognizes the top student vocalists in the state.

ACDA All Virginia Middle School Honor Choir

Treble Choir:

• Tiffany Bernhardt (Soprano 1) – Auburn Middle School
• Cassidy Montgomery (Alto 2) – Auburn Middle School

Mixed Choir:

• Allison Budnik (Soprano 2) – Auburn Middle School
• Giana DeCastro (Alto 1) – Auburn Middle School
• Lena Innocenzi (Soprano 2) – Auburn Middle School
• Mary Lou Paratore (Alto 1) – Auburn Middle School
• Lily Stucki (Alto 1) – Taylor Middle School
• Ariah Noble (Alto 2) – Taylor Middle School

VMEA All Virginia High School Honor Choir

Mixed Choir:

• Mairin Doyle (Alto 1) – Kettle Run High School
• Lula McCain (Soprano 1) – Kettle Run High School
• Christina Sowers (Alto 2) – Kettle Run High School
• Kate Radzville (Tenor 1 Alternate) – Kettle Run High School

These students’ selection is a testament to their dedication and the strength of FCPS1’s music programs. Their participation in the All Virginia Choir will allow them to perform with some of the most talented young vocalists in the state.

National Honor for Taylor Middle School Student

FCPS1 is also proud to recognize Noah Hillstrom, a student at Taylor Middle School, for being selected to the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Tenor-Bass Choir. This prestigious honor places Noah among the top middle school vocalists in the country.

The ACDA Honor Choirs provide students with an opportunity to work with esteemed conductors and perform challenging repertoire at a national level. Noah’s selection is a reflection of his exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to musical excellence.

Celebrating the Arts in FCPS1

The arts play a vital role in education, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. The achievements of these FCPS1 students in both visual arts and choral music highlight the strength of arts education in the division.

FCPS1 congratulates all of these talented students and their educators for their outstanding accomplishments. Their success is a testament to their hard work and passion for the arts, and the division looks forward to seeing them continue to excel in their artistic pursuits.