Alexius Simms "always knew she wanted to go to college," and with the help of Thomas Garnett, Windy Hill's Family Programs Coordinator, she not only received straight A's on her final Loudoun Valley High report card, she will be a Freshman at Norfolk State College this Autumn.

Actually, Alexius will leave Middleburg July 6th for 30-day Freshman Orientation at Norfolk State that will introduce her to college life and give her a head start on the many challenges that college students face. She won a Windy Hill Scholarship to help her with college expenses and the organization provided the funding she needed to participate in the 30-day Freshman Orientation.

The daughter of Marvin and April Simms is very excited to be on her way to college.

"I could not be more proud of her," Marvin Simms, Middleburg's Supervisor of Maintenance and Alexius' Dad emphasized. "She and her sister, Aliyah are the lights of my life," he continued. "It's a wonderful moment for our family."

"I want to go to college too," Aliyah added. Aliyah will attend Loudoun Valley High this year.

Both of these beautiful girls are setting standards for young Windy Hill residents and making important contributions to the Middleburg Community.

"Alexius and Aliyah both spend many hours volunteering in various community events and activities," explained Cynthia Flynn, Chair, Windy Hill Family Development Committee. "They are exceptional citizens and make many important contributions to our quality of life in the Village."

"It's been thrilling to help Alexius," Garnett said. "She is dedicated and a very hard worker. She exemplifies how successful a young person can be if he or she is really determined to succeed."

Windy Hill had three high school graduates this year: Two from the Llewelyn residences and one from the Virginia Lane residences.

"We are so proud of them all," said Windy Hill Executive Director Kim Hart. "And we are especially proud of the work Thomas Garnett is doing with our students' program. We needed a strong role model here to lift our student's goals and expectations and to support them as they worked to achieve great things. Thomas is a great coach and mentor and an exceptional addition to our team. Alexius' success is a hallmark of his commitment to our students."

Mayor Betsy Davis agreed that Alexius college plans are wonderful news.

"If she is anything like Marvin, her father, she will go far in life. He takes great pride in his work and in our town. His work ethic and honesty are outstanding and we all depend on him for so many things. Whether or not it's in his job description, Marvin will get it done. I'm certain Alexius will do well in life with Marvin as a role model."

Martha Semmes, Middleburg's Town Manager agreed:

"Marvin's pride in his work is only eclipsed by his pride in his daughters," Semmes explained. "We are so grateful to him for ensuring that our Village is safe and beautiful, and we are so happy for Marvin and Alexius."

AJ Panebianco, Middleburg's Chief of Police described Marvin Simms as a "great guy whose name is synonymous with Middleburg and the vibe that makes it special. Alexius has obviously inherited his work ethic! We are very proud of her, but not nearly as proud as I'm certain Marvin is."