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  • Here's a dose of smile-worthy content to brighten your week
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Here's a dose of smile-worthy content to brighten your week

From students showing teachers their appreciation to residents adopting more pets than ever, here’s how local residents stayed positive this week in Northern Virginia.

By Jess Feldman May 6, 2020 at 2:24 pm

As the coronavirus continues to spread and shocking statistics remain at the top of newspapers, it can be challenging to stay positive during this unprecedented time. Yet, for every painful story stemming from the pandemic, a heartwarming one comes with it. 

Here, we share a week’s worth of good, courtesy of local residents’ Twitter pages.

This evening we were honored to be part of the First Responder Salute to Healthcare Heroes at Inova Loudoun Hospital. #heroesthankingheroes@InovaHealth Loudoun, @LoudounFire, @LoudounSheriff, @PurcellvillePD, @GeorgeMasonU PD, @VSPPIO pic.twitter.com/KqFs29Ga5c

— Leesburg Police, VA (@LeesburgPolice) May 2, 2020

Ahead of Firefighter Appreciation day, which took place on May 5, first responders joined together to cheer on health care workers of INOVA heading into work.

Congratulations to the great group of dogs who were adopted and went to their forever homes between March 26 and March 30: Carla, Cassie, Chip, Lawyer, Leo, Oreo, and Wesley.

Please consider supporting us here – https://t.co/IJ7SuGwSlc pic.twitter.com/H6a4ovRvGN

— FOHA (@foha_va) May 4, 2020

In April, over 50 dogs and seven cats were adopted from NoVA’s Friends of Homeless Animals, doubling the average adoption rate. Each week, the organization is taking time to give recently adopted pets a shoutout.

🥍 With her lacrosse season suspended, Morgan Rynn has used the extra time to give back to her community!

Rynn, a Honors senior, has spent her time at Mason as a student athlete while completing a major in Civil Engineering! However, she still finds time for civic engagement. pic.twitter.com/IKxecH6CCf

— George Mason U Honors College (@HonorsMason) April 30, 2020

When her lacrosse season at George Mason University was cut short, Morgan Rynn made use of her extra time by sewing face masks for the local community. The soon-to-graduate senior has made nearly 500 masks thus far.

🍎’CHALK YOUR WALK’ – students showed their appreciation for our wonderful teachers! @MantuaEs @fcpsnews @FCPSSupt @FCPSR5 @fcpsaap #teacherappreciationweek #teacherappreciation #weloveourteachers #love #smiles #thankyouteachers #thankyou pic.twitter.com/Zz9o1k1ha5

— Mantua ES (@MantuaEs) May 5, 2020

Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek! Students across @ArlingtonVA teamed up with @ChefDavidGuas of @BayouBakery & decorated these #HappyBags with messages to our incredible educators. Check out these artistic bags from @BarrettAPS + @APSVirginia students! Stay tuned for more 😊 pic.twitter.com/B0aMCaVT9v

— Bayou Bakery (@BayouBakery) May 4, 2020

Teacher Appreciation Week began May 4, and the entire region has taken part in the celebration by hosting drive-by parades in front of the homes of teachers, drawing letters with chalk on local streets and creating videos of encouragement for educators at home. Bayou Bakery joined in as well by partnering with Arlington County to get hand-drawn Happy Bags filled with delicious goods to the doors of local educators.

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CHEER! 🎁🎄🎅He’s making a list, and checking it twice! We know it’s only May – but Santa is stopping by FOX 5 DC to spread some holiday cheer! Does your child have a question for Santa!? Let us know and we might ask him on air! WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/zB4iFxU9Qq pic.twitter.com/BlH9s7c2Bz

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) May 1, 2020

FOX DC 5 is spreading holiday cheer a bit early this year, with help from Santa Claus. Local children of the DMV had the chance to ask Santa their most pressing questions, all on live TV.

The #BlueAngels flying over Glebe Rd and Route 50 today in support of healthcare workers and first responders. #StrongerTogether #AmericaStrong #ApplaudOurHeroes #ThanksHealthHeroes pic.twitter.com/IF8OQsKsyr

— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) May 2, 2020

On May 2, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew across the sky in support of health care workers of the region. The planes flew above DC, Baltimore and Atlanta as a collaborative salute to those risking their lives each day to fight COVID-19. Livestreams and photos appeared on social media almost instantly, garnering attention of thousands of individuals.

For more stories from Northern Virginia Magazine, subscribe to our weekly newsletters.

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