Every spring, many small businesses in Alexandria get, shall we call it, a gift. This gift is called the externship program at Episcopal High School. Seniors are placed in different businesses across the DMV, and my stores, and many others, like Ivy Lane, were lucky enough to take part in the program. We had two amazing students this year, Will and Gabby.

Last month they helped us with social media (which they obviously know how to navigate more than us), take inventory, help customers, execute photoshoots, and so much more. They are kind, responsible, smart, and always willing to help. We are so grateful for the month we were able to host them. We wish them both the best of luck!

Hi, my name is Gabby Notzon, and I am from San Antonio, Texas. My family and I found Episcopal High School through my extended family, who formerly lived in Bethesda, Maryland. My two older brothers graduated from Episcopal, so growing up, I was able to visit over long weekends and come to events like the Woodberry versus Episcopal football game. I remember going to my first bonfire, a huge tradition before the game, and thinking, as bizarre as it sounds, that one day I wanted to be dressed up and running around the bonfire screaming EHS chants. Luckily enough, five years later, I put on my face paint and costume and did exactly that. Aside from the traditions, one of my favorite aspects of EHS is dorm life. While living away from home can be hard, having your friends by your side makes it so special. I feel grateful for the countless memories I have made with my roommates, hallmates, and faculty who live in the dorm. There is nothing better than staying up late at night with your friends, having a pancake night, or just talking to the faculty member who is on duty for the night. 

Spending time with friends in the DMV is another essential part of the Episcopal culture. Being only minutes from the nation’s capital, I have loved being able to take advantage of what it has to offer. While I like to think I am not much of a tourist anymore, my favorite spot in Washington, D.C. is watching the sunset at the Lincoln Memorial. Personally, my favorite view is actually behind the memorial facing the Potomac and the skyline of Arlington. Watching the sunset at the National Mall has been a must for me this semester since I will be graduating soon. Before or after watching the sunset, one of my favorite restaurants to go to is Il Canale. They have the best Neapolitan pizza, and I still cannot get over the lobster ravioli. Graduating high school is a bittersweet milestone, yet I am ecstatic to go back to my roots and attend Texas A&M in the fall.

As graduation nears, the question that seems to fill people’s minds is, “what should I get them for a graduation gift?” Since I have been interning at the Shoe Hive for the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to gather up some of my favorite gift ideas from local boutiques and businesses in Old Town.

The Shoe Hive: Sporty Spice Tote by Annabel Ingall

This purse is a personal favorite of mine. The bag has many different compartments, so it stays well organized, and it’s extremely versatile as you could take it to work, use it as an everyday bag, or even as a carry-on. Along with that, it comes in eight different colors.

Penny Post: Stationary

Stationary is the perfect graduation gift. I always find myself needing it the most when I don’t have it! Penny Post has a variety of cute and different designs to choose from for stationary, organizers, and journals. 

Boxwood: Throw Pillows

Boxwood has unique and chic home decor perfect for dorm life or your first apartment out of college. Being able to personalize your room with throw pillows adds the perfect accent. They even have a “For the Graduate” tab on their website to make shopping easier for you!

Mystique Jewelers: Earrings

You can never go wrong with jewelry for a grad gift! Mystique has the most gorgeous, elegant pieces that anyone would love.

Salon Meraki: Gift Card

After a long year of classes and hard work, it is finally time for the graduates to relax. Get a gift card to Salon Meraki for a manicure/pedicure or facial for them to relax - they deserve it!

My name is Will Halloran, and I live just off King Street here in Alexandria. I’ve lived in Alexandria for all 17 years of my life and wouldn’t have wanted to spend those years anywhere else. For the last four years, I’ve attended Episcopal High School, a 100 percent boarding school, and have learned countless life lessons throughout my time there. I am grateful for being able to spend every night with my friends at school while still maintaining a close relationship with my family, who live five minutes away. This year has been particularly special for me, not only because it is my senior year but because my little sister Maisie now also attends Episcopal. There is no better feeling than seeing my little sister making friends and crushing it academically. Next year I will be going to the University of South Carolina, and I couldn’t be more excited to start school in Columbia in the fall. 

One of the reasons I love Alexandria is the bountiful number of local shops and businesses throughout the city and the traditions built with my family with these businesses. For example, almost every Friday, my family orders Taqueria Poblano, and on the weekends, we usually get subs from Market 2 Market. Recently, my friends and I have been going into Foxtrot before work for coffee or delicious avocado toast. These places are important to me not only because of the delicious food but also because of the memories I’ve made with friends and family while going. 

One of the things I love most about interning at the Yellow Jacket is being four blocks away from my mom, who works at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Being able to meet her for lunch in Market Square or having her come into the Yellow Jacket to test my gift-wrapping skills always makes my day. 

Alexandria is a special place, and I know I will miss it when I go to college. From working in the heart of Old Town to playing basketball at the Potomac Yards courts to long days outside at Episcopal, Alexandria has shaped me into the person I am today.

Yellow Jacket: Bubble Sport Stretch Belt by w.kleinburg

In my opinion, belts should be both eye-catching and comfortable; this w.kleinberg belt is the epitome of both.

Stomping Ground: Gift Card

Stomping Ground in Del Ray has the best fried chicken biscuit in this area, and I will die on this hill.

Yellow Jacket: Kennedy Polarized Sunglasses by Shwood

These sunglasses will keep out the sun effectively, in the coolest hue of orange.

Pacers: Nike Air Pegasus Running Shoes

These shoes are extremely comfortable and have a great color combination.

Lululemon: Pace Breaker 7’ short

These are the most comfortable, utilitarian shorts on the market. Their length is perfect for any activity.

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Will, Gabby, and Lucy!