F.C. Bulletin: Dec. 10, 2025

1) Meridian H.S. Graduate Recognized as National 'Food Hero'

2) FCEF Awards Wollenberg Family for Scholarship Program

3) VPIS Donates Over $1K to Community Food Pantry

4) $1 Billion Women-Led Falls Church RIA Firm Acquired

5) Fairfax's Generous '26 Adult Ed Scholarship Opportunities

Hormel Foods Honors Meridian Grad. Adam Belouad, 19, as One of 10 National 'Food Heroes' Younger Than 20 for 2025

In a Nov. 30 Austin, Minn. awards ceremony, Hormel Foods Corporation named 19-year-old Meridian H.S. graduate, Adam Belouad (Class of 2025), as one of only 10 outstanding "Food Heroes" nationwide under the age of 20 for the year 2025.

In this fourth cohort of the Fortune 500-branded food company's award, Belouad, the Executive Director of Hand to Hunger – and currently a first-year student at Princeton University studying computer science and architecture – was honored at Hormel's Global Headquarters for helping to mobilize thousands of student volunteers to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry and unhoused people while a FCCPS high school student.

Hand to Hunger is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization "committed to empowering students to fight food insecurity by helping them plan, fundraise, and execute meal packaging events at their high school," according to Idealist.org.

"Adam serves as the executive director of Hand to Hunger, a nonprofit that works to combat food insecurity by bringing students and corporations together to provide meals for those in need," Hormel Foods wrote in the awards blurb. "Together with some friends, he started a weekly tradition of cooking warm meals for a local homeless shelter. This weekly tradition grew from 30 bagged lunches to 4,000 meals by the third month and now has grown into a global community of tens of thousands of volunteers. Hand to Hunger has served over 220,000 meals and mobilized 62,500 student volunteers."

The purpose of Hormel's "Food Heroes" award is to recognize "the efforts of young people across the United States who are working to create a more transparent, secure, and sustainable food system," Hormel said. "The program fosters a nationwide network of young change-makers united by a shared passion for improving their communities."

At Hormel's Global Headquarters in Austin, Minn., this year's "Food Heroes" will "connect with Hormel Foods leaders and discuss scaling their projects," Hormel announced before the awards ceremony. "This support aims to expand the reach of their initiatives and help them continue to grow their leadership skills."

“We're incredibly proud to welcome these young leaders to Hormel Foods and provide them with the resources and support they need to amplify their impact,” said Katie Clark, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Hormel Foods. “From passing state legislation to developing sustainable farming solutions, each of the 10 Under 20 Food Heroes has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to building a more sustainable food system, and we are excited to see how they'll continue to shape the future of food.”

In November 2022, Molly Moore, then editor-in-chief of Meridian H.S.'s student newspaper The Lasso, noted Belouad's enthusiasm for the opening of Whole Foods grocery store at Broad & Washington: “I’m excited for Whole Foods, and it better have a self checkout, hot bar, and bakery,” Belouad said.

Congratulations for your outstanding leadership and national recognition, Adam Belouad, MHS Class of 2025!

Falls Church Education Foundation Awards Wollenberg Family for Generous Memorial Scholarship Fund

At their Dec. 5 Impact Breakfast, the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) presented their 2025 FCEF Impact Award to the Wollenberg family of Falls Church, founders of the J. Roger & Patricia A. Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship program that provides needs-based tuition support to Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) students.

Launched in 2004, the Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund, has provided over $1 million in tuition assistance to multiple FCCPS students and families. In 2025, the Wollenberg Scholarship provided one Meridian H.S. senior a "need-based full-ride scholarship" to a four-year Virginia public school, upon graduation.

"The Wollenberg Family has supported public schools and public education in Virginia, particularly in the City of Falls Church, for generations," FCEF wrote in a Dec. 9 press release. "The Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 to provide full tuition and fees at any Virginia college or university."

According to former FCEF Executive Director Debbie Hiscott, the family envisioned supporting “the whole student — both academic success and extracurricular passions,” FCEF said. "Many scholarship recipients are the first in their families to attend college and never imagined higher education would be possible. Some have also overcome significant personal hardships, including the loss of a parent, and were able to continue their education because of the stability this scholarship provided."

"To date, 20 students have benefited from the Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship, with more than $1.3 million awarded in tuition and fees across seven Virginia colleges and universities," FCEF said. "Today, past recipients are thriving in careers across the country, including: a Licensed Hearing Aid Specialist and Assistant Conductor at UVA; a Doctor of Physical Therapy; a Senior Project Manager at 3CLogic; a Senior Consultant at IBM; and a recent University of Virginia graduate with degrees in Mathematics and Economics now working as an Associate at Strategy& in New York City."

One scholarship recipient, Brittany Rorrer, wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks to the Wollenberg Scholarship Donors:

My name is Brittany Rorrer, and I am a 2011 graduate of George Mason High School and a proud recipient of the Wollenberg Scholarship. It is an honor to have the opportunity to express my gratitude to you today. 

As a first-generation college student, the path to higher education felt overwhelming and, at times, uncertain. Receiving the Wollenberg Scholarship changed the course of my life. Your support opened doors that once felt out of reach and allowed me to pursue my education with confidence and focus. 

I went on to attend Virginia Tech, where I graduated in 2015 with two degrees — a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Driven by a desire to serve others through healthcare, I continued my education and earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. Today, I am practicing as a physical therapist in Falls Church, a community that has shaped me since the beginning. 

I want you to know that your generosity did far more than fund my education — it helped create a foundation for the life and career I now get to lead. Every patient I support, every milestone I help someone reach, and every step I take in my profession is in some way connected to the opportunity you gave me. 

Thank you for believing in students like me. Your investment has an impact that extends far beyond the classroom, and I am deeply grateful to be one of the many lives touched by your kindness. 

With heartfelt appreciation, 

Brittany Rorrer

J. Roger Wollenberg's Historic Leadership in the City of Falls Church

According to his 2000 Washington Post obituary, J. Roger Wollenberg served as "a communications lawyer who was a founding partner of the Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering firm in 1962 and a former member of the Falls Church School Board and City Council.... During a career of more than 50 years, Mr. Wollenberg argued a number of appeals, including seven cases before the Supreme Court, where he had served as law clerk to Justice William O. Douglas in the late 1940s."

"In Falls Church, where he had lived since 1956, he was a founder and president of Citizens for a Better City," Wollenberg's obituary continues. "He chaired the School Board in the 1960s and served on the City Council in the 1980s.... Mr. Wollenberg was president of the Council of PTAs in Falls Church.... He was a member of the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society, Friends of Cherry Hill, Historic Falls Church organization and the Falls Church Garden Club."

FCEF's Impact in 2025

Village Preservation and Improvement Society Donates Over $1K to F.C. Community Service Food Pantry

The Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) – dedicated to preserving the City of Falls Church's "natural and built environment, historic structures and landmarks," as well as promoting the community's "cultural activities" – raised donations over the last few weeks for the Falls Church Community Service Food Pantry whose mission is to "provide emergency food and rental assistance to individuals and families in the Falls Church community."

"VPIS matched all donations up to $500," the group wrote in a recent press release. "As a result of this very successful campaign, we will be delivering a check on Friday November 28th for $1,137.00."

"We would like to thank all of our donors in Support of Falls Church Community Service Council Food Pantry," VPIS posted to Instagram Nov. 28.

The Falls Church Community Service Food Pantry is located at: 3245 Glen Carlyn Rd.

Beacon Pointe Acquires Falls Church's $1 Billion Women-Led Hemington Wealth Management Firm

The power of women leaders in the wealth management space continues to grow.

From their unassuming brick offices at 7651 Leesburg Pike and another in Chicago, Falls Church's women-founded Hemington Wealth Management amassed $1.1 billion under management, per US News, prior to acquisition by Beacon Pointe, one of the nation's largest Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms, with over $53 billion in managed assets prior to the acquisition.

Beacon Pointe, of Newport Beach, Calif., is the nation's largest women-led RIA, according to the firm's website. Founded in 2002, the firm has over 80 offices throughout the United States. With the Nov. 15 acquisition of Hemington, Beacon Pointe has now acquired five women-led RIA firms year-to-date, according to Beacon Pointe.

A Nov. 18 press release from Beacon Pointe describes the acquisition of Hemington as, "reinforcing its commitment to women-led leadership and client excellence."

"With this acquisition, Beacon Pointe’s assets under advisement (AUA) rise to approximately $55 billion, marking the firm’s fifth female-led team addition and 12th transaction this year. As Beacon Pointe continues to grow as the largest female-led RIA in the nation, allWEALTH remains the driving force behind a holistic, nationwide client wealth experience built on trust and personalized service," Beacon Pointe said. 

Beacon Pointe describes Hemington as "the $1.2 billion AUM fiduciary firm" that "specializes in supporting women through significant life transitions, backed by deep expertise and trusted credentials."

"Hemington's Women of Wealth studies explore the distinct financial experiences and priorities of women, setting the firm apart through extensive, meaningful data and understanding that redefines how the industry serves female clients. Their commitment to elevating women's financial confidence and purposes complements Beacon Pointe's Women's Advisory Institute, connecting two teams that guide women with empathy, foresight, and professionalism through each chapter of their financial journey," Beacon Pointe said.

"We have built a firm committed to changing the outcomes of our client's lives and are excited to expand our capabilities and reach with the backing of Beacon Pointe," Partner and Managing Director, Eileen O'Connor, said. I am thrilled about what this partnership means for the future of our team and how it will elevate our ability to continue to deliver an outstanding client experience."

"From our earliest conversations, it was clear that Beacon Pointe shares our passion for empowering women and delivering thoughtful, values-driven advice. Their culture and people feel like a natural fit....," said Partner and Managing Director, Jen Dawson.

“Our collaboration with Hemington celebrates the continued rise of women shaping the future of wealth management,” adds Beacon Pointe President Matt Cooper. “Eileen, Jen, and their team embody our vision of client care and thoughtful guidance, and together, we’re expanding opportunities for women to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in our industry.”

Fairfax County Announces Expanded Adult and Community Ed. Scholarship Opportunities; Applications Deadline: Dec. 31

The Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education program (FCPS ACE) dedicated to "empower[ing] individuals to build brighter futures with accessible and affordable workforce development and training programs," announced good news Nov. 5 for those in the county seeking scholarships in Adult Ed. and Community Education.

The Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation’s scholarship for current and prospective FCPS ACE Apprenticeship students is now open for application, with "increased opportunities to award more scholarships this spring," the agency said.

“We are pleased to announce that, with the support of the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation, we are entering a new application period during which we can offer increased opportunities to Apprenticeship students,” said Bob Sargent, career and outreach specialist for Adult and Community Education. “There is substantial potential in our region and beyond for individuals who become licensed Apprentices, whether they pursue careers as building inspectors, contribute to major infrastructure projects, or even aspire to entrepreneurship or owning a plumbing business. By removing financial obstacles and empowering students to embark on and continue their educational journeys, we significantly accelerate their progress towards ... meaningful careers.”

"This fall, the Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program at FCPS ACE awarded nearly $35,000 in scholarships to Apprenticeship students," FCPS ACE said in a press release.

"With the support of the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation and an increased number of scholarship recipients, the FCPS ACE Apprenticeship program reached full enrollment for their Level 1 Fall classes," the agency said. "Consequently, additional class sections were opened to accommodate student demand. Building upon this success, FCPS ACE is positioned to award up to $40,000 in scholarships for the upcoming spring term."

"The Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program aims to assist low-income adults residing or employed in Fairfax County who are pursuing careers in the trades. This scholarship is available to both current and prospective FCPS ACE Apprenticeship students and is awarded twice annually," the agency said.

"The current application cycle offers a $1,000 scholarship, which, if granted, will be applied toward tuition for a spring 2026 Apprenticeship course — such as Electrical Level 2 or 4, or Plumbing Level 2 or 4. The deadline for submitting applications for the spring 2026 Adult and Community Education Scholarship is December 31, 2025."

Current and prospective Apprenticeship students interested in applying for the spring 2026 Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program may apply here, until midnight on Dec. 31, 2025. Students who have previously received a scholarship may apply again for spring 2026.

For questions or more information about the application process, contact: educationalcounseling@fcps.edu.

By Christopher Jones