'Sharp Mind:' UVA Med Student, Northern VA Native Anna Diederich Dies, 24
Anna Diederich, a medical student at the University of Virginia, died on Oct. 9, after suffering a medical emergency, her obituary says. She was 24 years old.
Anna was born in Alexandria and went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2021, with a degree in chemical engineering, according to her obituary on the Adams-Green Funeral Home website.
She worked at the Oakcrest School in Vienna, where she had graduated in 2017, as a class dean, cross country coach, and math teacher.
Anna was in her first year of medical school at the University of Virginia.
She was …
Basketball Coach Embezzled Money From Fairfax County High School Event: Police
A 33-year-old basketball coach employed by the Fairfax County Public Schools has been charged with embezzling district money, authorities said.
Drew Smerdzinski, of Herndon, is believed to have embezzled money from a school event at James Madison High School, county police said.
The coach, who became the center of an investigation in July, was charged by a warrant on Wednesday, Oct. 4, and surrendered on Thursday, Oct. 5, with felony embezzlement, police said.
Smerdzinski was released on an unsecured bond, and has been suspended from his position following the arrest.
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Real Life Peter Pan Spreads Magical Joy Across The DMV
The best magicians are the ones with Peter Pan syndrome, says Drew Kennerley.
And he's the first to admit, he's no different.
"The best magicians have to be a kid at heart," said 28-year-old Kennerley, who may be better known across northern Virginia as his stage name, Drew Blue Shoes.
Drew has been making life magical with children's shows at libraries, carnivals and birthday parties since he was 15. And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Armed with his trusty sidekick, Chicken Nugget — a rubber chicken — Drew dons a red bow tie, top hat, suit jacket, and of course, his hallmark blue sh…
