There are 87 backpacks and 128 pair of shoes in the basement of Leah Muskin-Pierret's house in Silver Spring. She's hoping to double the donations by the end

Eight years ago, Cynthia Mandjila got off an airplane in Washington. Her family, refugees from war-torn Congo, in Central Africa, sought asylum in America. A French speaker who didn't

by Sandy Moore

by Sandy Moore

by Sandy Moore "Oh my GAAAAWWWWWWDDDD," said a young girl in the crowd when middle schoolers Ben Miller, Ian Askew, Michael Untereiner, and Zeke Wapner -- members of the

by Sandy Moore It seems out of place, set less than a city block from a high rise apartment building and new civic center. A solid acre of green.

It's not your mother's yoga class. Think Bourne Ultimatum. by Sandy Moore photos by Mark Felsenthal Post it on Facebook, and they will come. Ask

by Sandy Moore Former Takoma Park native and Lumina stage fighter Julianna Allen graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Psychology and Drama, along with some bruises earned

by Sandy Moore Fred Bowen, Washington Post columnist and author, has learned what really hooks a young reader. "If it's a book about baseball, they'll read it," he says

by Sandy Moore If you saw Rebecca Novello's photo on Facebook, you might think "dancer" or "runner."  She's long and lean. But when describing her interests and activities, Blair High

Miriam Stevens' parents have a picture of her as a toddler, sitting in a high chair. She's not eating—she's drawing. "I loved to draw from an early age, and I

"We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic." -- President Jimmy Carter "I made a tile for the mosaic with the word, 'balo bashi,' which means 'be

Mosaic mural crafted by East Silver Spring Elementary School 3rd graders in honor of Earth Day.

photos by Julie Wiatt

KIDS'  VOICE — Author Mary Amato contributes this recipe (also available on her website, maryamato.com), inspired by her new book,"Invisible Lines." The main character, Trevor, becomes a

by Sandy Moore

How do

by Sandra Moore From left to right:  Sandy Moore (Lumina Board), Isaura Ovalle, Marcia Rex (Assistant Principal, Oakview Elementary School), Taylor Young, Madison Waechter, and Levis Mendoza.

What happens to a head of state who has grown to love his power, who is insatiably ambitious, who subverts the law to achieve his aims, and whose