Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) marked its 40th anniversary with a weekend of events that brought together alumni, former staff, and current students. The celebration began on October 24 with a football game honoring alumni and former staff, including two previous principals, Geoff Jones and Elizabeth Lodal. During halftime, the TJ Partnership Fund introduced the first members of its 1985 Club, which will support future donations to the school.
On Saturday, hundreds of past students and staff attended an open house at the campus. The event featured tours led by student ambassadors, live demonstrations in research labs, and a networking session that included more than 30 alumni and 250 current students. Nearly 50 current and former faculty members also participated. Lunch was provided by the TJHSST Parent Teacher Student Association.
Guests had the opportunity to view new digital displays in TJHSST’s Alumni Hall and Gallery of Achievement. These displays contain digitized yearbooks, newspapers, publications, graduation ceremonies, and homecoming materials from four decades of school history. The project took three-and-a-half years to complete.
The anniversary weekend concluded with a banquet at Hilton Tysons Corner attended by over 500 people. Speakers included Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid; Chief of Schools Dr. Geovanny Ponce; Hilary Gustave, Chair of the TJ Partnership Fund; and Principal Michael Mukai.
“What an incredible weekend it was to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology,” said Principal Mukai. “Sharing in the remarkable achievements of TJHSST, and, more importantly, seeing the global impact our alumni continue to make, was truly inspiring.”
“The powerful support shown by our division leadership, school board, and community reaffirms our mission as we work to support the future generations of the TJHSST family,” Mukai added.
Principal Mukai announced plans for a new Hall of Honor to recognize outstanding contributions from alumni and staff. Induction criteria will be shared at next month’s annual Alumni Weekend hosted by the TJ Partnership Fund; inaugural inductees will be honored in November 2026.
Community members are invited to contribute materials to TJHSST’s digital archive by contacting Director of Communications Mike Roth via email.
