Columnists

Columnists In Our Backyard Opinion 

The Rise and Demise of the W&OD Railroad

LoudounNow 5 Comments

During the mid-19th century, travel through Loudoun County was difficult since many roads were muddy during wet seasons, and using horses to ride or pull wagons was slow. The C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad in Maryland both offered  travel/shipping options to those near the Potomac River who could cross it when river conditions permitted.  But the canal was prone to shutting down during droughts and freezes, and crossing the river with cargo was risky and cumbersome.

Read more
Columnists Parenting with Purpose - Neil McNerney 

McNerney: Multiple Paths to a College Degree

LoudounNow 1 Comment

This is the time of year when high school seniors begin making their decisions on where they will be going to college next year. It is a time filled with anxiety and worry about whether they will get into their dream school. In my work with students and their families, I have learned that there are multiple paths toward a degree. I would like to share with you a menu of options that might be a better path for your student. 

Read more
Ben Lenhart Columnists Opinion 

The Peoples’ Constitution: Russian Invasion of Ukraine 

LoudounNow 1 Comment

It is often easier to understand the American Constitution by comparing it to current events in other nations. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a case in point. In broad terms, our Constitution has two main purposes: first, it sets the “rules of the road” for how our governments—state and federal—operate, and, second, it identifies certain fundamental rights held by all Americans, guaranteeing those rights against government intrusion. This article looks at how these issues are being handled in Russia today and compares that to our Constitutional tradition. 

Read more
Parenting with Purpose - Neil McNerney 

McNerney: Elite Athletes and College Scholarships

LoudounNow 2 Comments

When my children were in middle school, I was told by their coaches that they were very good at their respective sports. I should begin giving them the advanced training so that they would be in the running for college scholarships. They were each 12 years old when these comments began. I was, of course, very excited to hear this. I was very proud of my kids and a bit relieved to think that I no longer had to worry about how we were going to pay for college.

Read more
Columnists Education Opinion 

Elementary Kids in a Program Called PROPEL Can Teach Us a Lot About Teamwork

LoudounNow 2 Comments

It was long after the dismissal bell had blared, but these students were happy to stay after school. Nine- and 10-year-olds stood proudly next to STEM projects they had spent weeks fine-tuning. This was the moment they’d been waiting for. Parents, teachers, business leaders—even the superintendent—had been invited to come and see just what they’ve been up to for the past 10 weeks.

Read more