Annandale Safe Youth Program honors graduates

Left to right: Judith Dittman, executive director of Alternative House; Andrew House, who received a certificate for being the “Best All-Around Student”; and Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova.

Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova presented graduation certificates June 13 to students in the Annandale Safe Youth Program. Food for the event was provided by Vienna Presbyterian Church and John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Annandale.

The Annandale Safe Youth Program, operated by Alternative House, provides a safe, after-school environment for students in grades 4-6 at St. Barnabas Epispocal Church on Ravensworth Road. The students, most of whom attend Braddock Elementary School in Annandale, receive homework help, mentoring, counseling, and a snack, while learning to form positive relationships. There’s also a summer program which includes lots of field trips.