Calculus Retreat 2026
The Calculus students studied hard preparing for their AP exams during a multi-day retreat at Smith Mountain Lake. But can you imagine a nicer way to study math?
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Oliver Herron (’23) Presents on Anthropogenic CO2
Oliver Herron (’23) came back to CHS to give a presentation on the advocacy project he is currently working on at the University of Mary Washington. He discussed how human produced carbon dioxide affects the Earth’s long and short term carbon cycles and how that leads to changes in our Earth’s temperature and climate. He went on to talk about how the changing climate is now affecting all of us, especially local farmers, and what we can do to be more climate conscious and better support our community.
It was wonderful having you Ollie!
Global Surrealism Techniques
Students in the Global Surrealism experimented with visual automatism and chance-derived mark-making techniques developed by the Surrealists, including Fumage (drawing with smoke), Sifflage (painting with paint blown through a straw), and Decalcomania (paint pulled apart between two surfaces). Their experiments will be developed by adding marks using traditional media to make potential images emerge.
Darielle Shandler (’09) For Play Practice
Darielle Shandler (’09) stopped by CHS while she was town, and it was such a joy having her back on campus. She spent some time catching up with Brian, Josh, and Les—and let’s just say things got a little theatrical (in the best way).
Les put his former theater student to work during spring play rehearsal… and of course, it’s a setting where Darielle feels right at home!
It was truly a pleasure having her back. If you missed our recent feature on Darielle, be sure to check it out here: https://communityhigh.net/…/from-chs-to-the-world…/
Yeast Protection
Our Biology students designed their own experiments to compare methods for protecting a strain of yeast that was particularly sensitive to UV light. They tested the results for different levels of stated SPF protection, tried organic sunscreen vs non-organic sunscreen, wondered if a spray would be better than a squeeze option, questioned how different brands would protect the yeast, and wondered it paper would offer any protection.
The posters they presented below show their experimental results.
Tyler’s Book Award
This year’s William & Mary Leadership Award was presented to Tyler W. It’s a prestigious honor recognizing students who are visible, dynamic leaders within their school community.
Congratulations, Tyler! Well done.
pi Day 2026
CHS celebrated pi Day in yummy fashion. We were thrilled to have so many pies to sample.
Pies weren’t the only way we celebrated pi Day this year. The darts competition was fierce 
. Contestants aimed for targets based on pi’s digits. John David led, with Damien close behind, but Derek’s bullseye gave him a 10-digit boost, snatching victory.
MathWorks’ Mathematical Modeling Competition
Math/CS Club has spent the spring semester learning about Data Analysis and Mathematical Modeling. They then participated in MathWorks’ Mathematical Modeling Competition, which asked students across the country to analyze a real world problem using existing data, information, programming, and mathematical reasoning. This year’s problem was concerned with the rise of online gambling. Using Python programming, our club ran hundreds of simulations to determine an individual’s discretionary income, willingness to risk money, and estimated net gains and losses. After that, they submitted a paper detailing their findings.
“I had a lot of fun working on the problem with my teammates and learned a fair bit about coding and data modeling. Will definitely try and do it again.” – Tyler
“We worked on this problem over the course of 14 hours, and that time was filled with many highs and lows. All that being said, I’m glad to have worked with everyone and I feel that everyone else is proud of what we accomplished.” – Derek
“This competition was an enjoyable test of all that I’ve learned in math club this year. Excited to see where this goes next year, although I doubt we’ll get a better topic than gambling!” – Wilson
Lily Receives Another Scholastic Award
Lily E has done it again! One of the art pieces from her senior portfolio, a painting titled “Speculum”, has been recognized with a prestigious award, marking another milestone in her artistic journey. Lily is a talented art student mentored by Patricia Kapral, a former CHS parent.
The Fine Arts Center is the official affiliate of the Scholastic Art Awards, which are renowned for being the most prestigious and longest-running awards initiative for teen artists. This year, the competition drew over 400 entries from students in grades 7-12. These submissions came from a wide geographic area, encompassing 23 counties as well as independent towns and cities throughout Southwest Virginia.
Lily’s exceptional talent has earned her the honor of being chosen as an American Visions Nominee. Along with this recognition, she received a $250 scholarship, which will further support her future artistic endeavors and projects.
Lily’s award-winning piece can also be viewed here at the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley website.
Congratulations, Lily, we are all so proud of you.
Squid Dissection
The zoology students dissected squids to take a closer look into cephalopod anatomy. They studied the squid’s external and internal features, and will be able to compare their findings with the anatomy of other marine animals.
