Millbrook High School

Select students from Mrs. Lancaster’s AP English 11 classes presented their “Reimaging the Student Experience” research projects to members of the central office staff on Tuesday, May 26. Administrators from the buildings and grounds, finance, and instructional departments, among others, learned the student perspective on the use of technology and testing in schools and heard suggestions for adding more project-based learning and outdoor learning spaces. Other projects proposed changes to school schedules and curriculum for student-paced learning and added internship opportunities. This allowed students to showcase their research, literacy, and public speaking skills in an authentic setting where their ideas might not make a difference for their education, but might influence the education of their younger peers.

Millbrook students enrolled in Navy Federal Credit Union's Classroom to Office Program presented their projects to community members, leaders, and other various stakeholders. These projects involved thorough research, community partnerships, and areas of passion in order to help raise awareness for their cause.

There is a parent meeting for anyone interested in playing football next year at Millbrook on Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00pm in the MHS auditorium. Please use the doors by the main office to enter.

Yesterday in Ms. Holmes and Mrs. Davis’ Competitive Team Sports class, several students were recognized for their outstanding performance throughout this semester’s units, as well as for overall MVP, Sportsmanship, "Sleeper Pick" and Coach of the Year honors. Students received a certificate, a mini trophy, and an ice pop to celebrate their achievements. We are incredibly grateful for these students and the leadership, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes they demonstrated throughout the semester.

This is a reminder to join Redbud District School Board member Mike Procuk for a town hall event. Redbud District families and staff are invited to share their perspectives on school initiatives, provide feedback, and stay informed.

The Millbrook varsity football team traveled to Fauquier on Saturday, May 16th to compete in the "Showdown in Fauquier" 7v7 tournament. There were 11 teams total and the Pioneers finished 6-0 winning the entire tournament. Hard work pays off! Congrats to those who participated!

Creative Writing Club is excited to celebrate Miley Hanna’s Third Place at VHSL’s Creative Writing Contest! The other writers contributing to the team’s eight place finish (out of 38 schools entering) were Jeter Rivera, Pauline Pham, Mabel Sytron, Nel Kulp, and Julian Fost.

Short Story: Miley Hanna, Superior: “What a fantastic short story! You’ve done a superb job combining the modern world with high fantasy in a way that feels realistic and authentic. I am so invested in this world you’ve created. I can’t wait to see what else you do with it. Keep writing!”

Mabel Styron, Superior: “In just four pages, ‘Luminary Heretic’ accomplishes a lot. The reader gets fantastic character work, a sense of the world, and important social commentary on how stifling societal expectations around gender conformity can be for those who don’t fall into their expected place.”

Poetry: Jeter Rivera, Excellent: “This poem is a vibrant and assertive celebration of cultural identity, voice, and resilience, using rich imagery and rhythm to confront misunderstanding and dismissal. From the opening lines, the speaker establishes a strong emotional core and that tension carries effectively throughout the piece.”

Pauline Pham, Excellent: “This is a deeply moving multi-part poem that explores difficult topics with remarkable depth and control. The structure allows the reader to experience the speaker’s journey as something unfolding, layered, and intentional. Overall, this is a thoughtfully crafted and emotionally resonant poem that balances vulnerability with strength. Its layered structure, vivid imagery, and thematic cohesion make it a compelling and memorable work, demonstrating both technical skill and a powerful, authentic voice.”

Creative Nonfiction: Nel Kulp, Excellent: “I enjoyed your use of the dream imagery of the minecart as a metaphor for life. I found the metaphor to be both fresh and coherent, which can be challenging to accomplish. I found your exploration of identity, fear of the unknown, and the experience of feeling “in-between” very insightful.”

Julian Fost, Good: The use of language in this essay felt polished. I enjoyed the narrative voice. I also found the star imagery throughout the essay intriguing. I found the conclusion particularly compelling and satisfying.”

Want to read the winning entries?
Visit our website at: https://sites.google.com/fcpsk12.net/mhsthevoice-creativewritingmag/home

You’ll enjoy these winning compositions along with more writing, art, and design by Pioneers!

Prefer a print copy? We still have a few! The magazine is free to Millbrook students and employees! Email Mrs. Lancaster at [email protected]