Patriot High School Student Publishes Book As a 12-year-old, Patriot High School senior Nora Mehadi first drafted a story that is now a published book available for purchase at retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, and more. Her book, Rewrite, is a mystery young adult novel written in three different timelines about a group of high school friends who become murder suspects, and in the process discover deeply woven secrets and troubles within the friendship. Mehadi has been in high school journalism classes since freshman year and credits the class and teachers for nourishing her passion for writing. In addition to authoring a novel, Mehadi also serves as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. Students Find Inspiration at White House Youth Engagement Forum In January, as part of an effort to engage young Americans in political discourse, the White House hosted the “Starting Point Youth Engagement Forum,” a collaborative effort with the Close Up Foundation and A Starting Point. The event provided a unique educational experience for the students and reinforced the importance of youth involvement in democracy and policymaking. Libraries Debut New Mobile Library As the county’s population continues to grow, Prince William County public libraries seek new opportunities to meet people where they live, work, and play. To this end, a state-ofthe-art mobile library was recently introduced to allow library staff to bring the library to the community. The new project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February. Beginning this spring, the mobile library will deliver books and other materials to local senior centers, youth centers, and residents who may have difficulty visiting one of the library’s 12 branches. It will also bring programs and access to technology to underserved communities. To see where the mobile library will be traveling, visit pwcgov. libnet.info/events. High school students in Prince William County Schools (PWCS) leadership workshops participated in the forum, which was introduced by White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre and focused on critical issues such as economic opportunity, job creation, and climate action. Students attended a lively moderated discussion between Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo. Students were engaged directly with policymakers and voiced their concerns and ideas on government support for initiatives like achieving carbon net-zero and expanding clean energy to underprivileged families. One student commented that having the opportunity to be involved in the government decision-making process gave her great hope for the future of civic participation. Historic Farmers Market Kicks Off Next Month The 2024 season of the Historic Manassas Farmers Market kicks off on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00 a.m. followed by the first Saturday market on April 13 at 8:00 a.m. The market is open rain or shine from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. each Saturday through November 23 at the Harris Pavilion (9201 Center Street), and each Thursday through October 31 at the parking lot located at 9024 Prince William Street. Please note, only service animals are allowed at both markets. Established in 1987, the Historic Manassas Farmers Market has evolved from just four vendors into one of the largest and most popular farmers markets in Virginia, featuring a variety of vendors. For more information, visit historicmanassas.org/farmers-market. 18 Discover Western Prince William ■ March 2024 Chamber Honors Local Businesses Last month, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce honored several City of Manassas-based companies during their annual business award program. This year’s biggest honor—the City of Manassas Business of the year award—went to Micron Technology, Inc., a global leader in the semiconductor industry and a major employer in the City, with more than 1,300 staff members. In addition, Micron has committed $3 billion to its future research and development and growth potential, making Manassas home to the largest capital investment in Virginia’s history. Other awards included the Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education going to the ARTfactory, and the Government Contracting Company of the Year awarded to ECU Communications LLC. Manassas Ballet Theatre won the Community Outreach Award, and MP Copiers Inc. was recognized as the Veteran-Owned Company of the Year. Manassas Junction B&B Features Creative Brush Studio Artwork Creative Brush Studio has a special art installation at Manassas Junction Bed & Breakfast, located at 9311 Prescott Avenue in Historic Downtown Manassas. This special display features a variety of the studio’s resident artists’ masterpieces and paintings by NOVA Plein Air Artists hanging throughout the historical B&B—all available for sale. Be sure to stop by and enjoy this pop-up art gallery. For more information, visit creativebrush.com. ~ Sarah Smarrelli To advertise: 800-371-9938 www.discoverypubs.com