Fairfax County has a proud history of recognizing students who demonstrate the exemplary qualities of a peacemaker, granting them an award known as the Student Peace Award. This year, for the 2025 Student Peace Award, senior Sage Nagle has been selected as the recipient for Annandale High School, one of 28 recipients across the county.
“I’m very proud and happy to have earned the award,” Nagle said. “I take a lot of pride in my work, and I’m glad others got to learn about it.”
The Student Peace Award of Fairfax County originated at a single school, Herndon High School, in 2006, gradually expanding to other schools and, ultimately, across the entire county. This award recognizes the youth of Fairfax County who work as peacemakers and encourages students to recognize the value and importance of peace.
As for Nagle, she has done countless things to advocate for peace across the county, holding many positions in various clubs, programs, and organizations. Some of these groups include the Student Equity Ambassador Leaders at Annandale High School, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council of FCPS, Annandale’s Leadership Committee, and their Special Olympics program.
“Sage advocates for peace in many different ways….. [bringing] equality to those around her and [preventing] disparities based on race, gender, or ability,” said College & Career Specialist Viri Acosta.
Nagle began her journey with the intent of getting more involved in her community and decided she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself once she reached high school. As time went on, Nagle found that she was able to help more than she originally thought, happily serving the community and its people. With her heavy involvement, time management has been a challenge, but working through it has proven to be more than worth it.
“My family is very happy with my work,” Nagle said. “Community service is important to my family, so they are happy to see me continuing to do it.”
As an active member of both the Student Equity Ambassador Leaders and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Nagle often collaborates with students, teachers, and regional superintendents across the county—not just within her school—to support students of all backgrounds. In both organizations, they meet every month to address goals and projects, creating and executing plans accordingly.
In addition to her membership in these groups, Nagle is also heavily involved in Annandale’s school community, driving change as the president of the Special Olympics program and co-president of the Leadership Committee.
The Special Olympics program provides students with the opportunity to play sports alongside students with intellectual and physical disabilities. Nagle has been committed to this program for the past four years, encouraging inclusion within the school through her many efforts. She plays a big role in building interest from other students in the program, but mainly focuses on organizing and managing it—one example being organizing the program’s events.

“Most of our events are tournaments or meets over weekends that we practice for,” Nagle said. “Our most exciting one is Fanquest, which is our in-school basketball game where we play other schools.
Similarly, she also promotes peace and inclusion as the co-president of the Leadership Committee, offering insight about the Special Olympics program to the leadership team. She acts as the bridge between the two groups, especially when planning for Fanquest.
“Having a leadership position in both allows me to communicate and plan in the most effective way possible,” Nagle said.
Moving forward, Nagle is excited to continue her efforts as a peacemaker and leader. Though she is unsure of what her future holds, she is extremely proud of what she has accomplished and the impact it has had on the people around her.
“I’m super excited to receive the award,” Nagle said. “And I’m excited to keep doing more!”
Applications to be a student representative to FCPS’s school board, the same position that Nagle currently holds, are being accepted. Any student currently in grades 9, 10, or 11 is eligible for the position. The student should represent the interests of FCPS students and may apply through the FCPS website.