Fairfax County Public Schools seniors Zoe Ligairi of Annandale High School and Lizzie Sun of Chantilly High School have been recognized for their contributions to student journalism and leadership, according to a May 28 announcement. Both students spent their high school years listening to others’ stories and using writing as a tool to inform and strengthen their communities.
Ligairi served as co-editor-in-chief of The A-Blast at Annandale High School, where she covered topics such as school budget challenges, student life, and food insecurity. One significant story followed the death of sophomore Annie Vu in a car crash on I-495. Ligairi interviewed family members to share the impact of the loss on the school community. Her reporting earned her the Virginia High School League Student Journalist of the Year title and the Col. Charles E. Savedge Scholarship.
Beyond journalism, Ligairi founded Annandale’s Pacific Heritage Club, held leadership roles in multiple honor societies, tutored at the Atoms Writing Center, competed in varsity volleyball and softball, and pursued an International Baccalaureate diploma. Under her guidance, The A-Blast expanded its digital presence and continued national recognition. Her adviser, Alan Weintraut, said she is “always in motion, full of passion and professionalism” and “the best teaching editor in my career.” Ligairi plans to attend the University of Virginia majoring in Public Policy and Leadership.
At Chantilly High School, Sun led The Purple Tide as editor-in-chief while exploring issues from student culture to artificial intelligence through her writing. She was named Virginia Student Journalist of the Year; under her tenure The Purple Tide received its twelfth consecutive First Amendment Press Freedom Award for supporting student-run media where students make final content decisions.
Sun is also a published children’s book author whose work supports charitable causes through proceeds from Milo’s Secret & the Helper Animals. Kris Brown, English and Journalism teacher at Chantilly, said: “Lizzie is a wonderful writer and student leader…I will miss her but I know that she will do amazing things for her community.” Sun has also participated in advocacy work with organizations such as New Voices legislation efforts with the Virginia Legislature.
Both seniors are active beyond journalism—participating in athletics, mentoring peers at their schools’ writing centers—and plan to continue their education this fall: Ligairi at University of Virginia; Sun at University of Toronto.