To the Editor:

On Friday, May 17, the Barnes & Noble at Fair Lakes will host a book fair to raise funds for the Mountain View High School Scholarship Foundation. From 5-9 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, storytelling, bookmark making, musical performances and an art display while purchasing books for graduations, birthdays or personal enjoyment.

The Mountain View Foundation distributes scholarships to Mountain View High School graduates pursuing a post-secondary education. Mountain View's student body is drawn from 14 different high schools throughout Fairfax County and serves students seeking a second chance to earn a high school diploma.

As a member of the Board of Directors of Mountain View High School Foundation, I am impressed by the drive, determination and creativity of the students at Mountain View. They are determined to get their high school diploma despite various obstacles and roadblocks. The faculty and staff, led by principal Dave Jagels, are incredibly resourceful and dedicated to these students, creating a welcoming atmosphere each and every day, encouraging acceptance and tolerance of all and an unwavering belief in their students’ success.

I encourage the community to come out and enjoy the festivities Friday evening. However, if that is too difficult, a percentage of purchases made that day in the store or on line from Saturday, May 18-Wednesday, May 22, will benefit the foundation. Customers can visit bn.com/bookfairs and enter Bookfair ID 11061660 at checkout. Barnes & Noble is located at 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax.

Lu Ann Maciulla McNabb

Centreville