Virginia Minchew and the staff at Sterling’s Park View High School serve the most diverse population in the county and the campus is always abuzz with activity.

The flag foyer is filled with flags representing all of the students’ nationalities. And on any given school day, students arrive early and stay late to get extra time in the library or in computer labs. Parents and volunteers are in and out of the building working on a variety of projects ranging from in-class help to organizing the all-night graduation party.

Park View, built in 1976, has its mascot, a red, white and blue Patriot, painted along the wall of the gym, which also boasts three retired jerseys from school athletes that went on to professional sports careers. In football: Allen Pinkett, University of Notre Dame and Houston Oilers, running back; and Jeff Lageman, University of Virginia and NY Jets, defensive end; and Billy King in basketball, Duke University and is now president of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Park View has a variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that are open to all students. All sports are sanctioned under the Virginia High School League. In the 2006-07 season, girls track won the state championship. School clubs offer more than 50 organizations and groups that cover a variety of interests, such as art, drama, a step team, forensics, multicultural club, an academic team, Key club and yearbook.

“We have an active PTA that supports school-wide activities. We also have our Patriot Club that supports both athletic and other VHSL activities. Our Hispanic Parent’s group and PEP program continue to grow annually,” Minchew said.

She said the community gets excited about the annual homecoming and Junior-Senior Prom. Park View celebrates Bermuda Day as a school-wide event. The school’s annual fundraiser for the United Way promotes giving back to the community.

“I continue to be proud of the many accomplishments of our students and staff. These accomplishments encompass both the academic and athletic,” she said. “We continue to meet the criteria established by No Child Left Behind.”

“It is my goal and the goal of our school that every student will graduate with a high school diploma,” Minchew said.