Falls Church students honored by Park Authority

Falls Church High School [FCPS]

Falls Church High School was named a “youth honoree” for the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board announced Aug. 22.

FCHS was recognized for its partnership with Providence RECenter for the past six years in which special needs students carry out work-based learning experiences.

Students have helped at the RECenter’s front desk and with general assistance tasks, such as cleaning windows, wiping down mats, and putting away materials after children’s classes.

Those duties are a component of each student’s individualized education program, which calls for real-life work experience outside the classroom to prepare them for future work or postsecondary education.

Leaders of the program were praised for being flexible, responsive, and creative in assessing each student’s needs and in customizing work experiences. The students have consistently endeared themselves to patrons, who reported looking forward to seeing their smiling faces each week.

The award winners will be honored at a Park Authority ceremony in November. The Elly Doyle Park Service Award was established in 1988 to honor exemplary volunteers. The program is named for former Park Authority Board chair Ellamae Doyle.