Whose Idea Was This, Anyway?

The Reston Letter has survived for over two full years under passionate leadership.

By Holly Weatherwax, Staff Writer

Dawn Crosson, owner, and her team consisting mostly of volunteers, have kept monthly newspapers in the hands of Restonians for over two full years in an age when many claim print media is dead. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro.

For two years, The Reston Letter has provided local residents with information about high school and youth sports teams, community organizations, events, businesses, and the amazing people who make up our town. Since its first issue in January 2023, the paper has grown from a monthly distribution of 17,000 copies to 22,500. This growth has been made possible through community support, the efforts of volunteers and staff, and–above all–the sheer will and determination of its founder and editor, Dawn Crosson.

As the paper enters its third year, it’s only fitting that the community gets to know Dawn and the story behind her ambitious project.

Originally from Idaho, Dawn grew up in a rural community where her family tended large gardens and raised sheep, goats, and chickens at various times. She spent much of her childhood riding her bicycle, reading, and writing.

When it was time for college, she chose Northwest Nazarene University, a small liberal arts school in Idaho, where she majored in English Education and minored in Professional Writing. During her time there, she worked on the school newspaper and spent a semester as an intern at a daily newspaper. She also had an interest in softball, but the school didn’t have a team. Determined to change that, Dawn gathered signatures and petitioned the athletic director. Her efforts paid off—the school started a club team, which, by the time she graduated, had become an NCAA Division II team.

“I didn’t know Dawn when I first accepted the position to coach at NNU, but I had heard of a student who consistently and fearlessly pushed to get a softball program started,” recalled Duane Miller, her former coach. “Her relentless desire and quiet leadership enabled hundreds of student-athletes to compete in a sport they loved.”

After college, Dawn was eager for new experiences outside Idaho. A friend working for an Idaho senator encouraged her to come to Washington, D.C., so Dawn bought a one-way ticket and made the move. By the time her flight landed, she had secured a job as a middle school English teacher in Alexandria.

Today, Dawn teaches high school English while also owning and managing The Reston Letter. She is a married Reston mother of three boys. When her children were younger, she was fortunate to stay home for eight years—something for which she remains grateful. Now, she spends much of her time shuttling between practices and games. Her two oldest boys play ice hockey, while her youngest dabbles in band, baseball, wrestling, and basketball.

So, what prompted Dawn to start The Reston Letter? While teaching at Herndon High School, she noticed that the journalism program had dwindled. Determined to revive it, she took charge, and within four years, the program grew from six students to more than 30. She saw firsthand how the newspaper strengthened relationships between students and staff, and she learned the ins and outs of publishing—from meeting deadlines to distributing copies.

“Both at HHS and The Reston Letter, once Dawn gets an idea in her head, she sees it through—no matter what challenges arise,” said Dylan Murphy, a former student who worked on the Herndon High newspaper for four years under Dawn’s guidance and now writes for The Reston Letter. “She’s great at balancing a vision with incorporating other people’s ideas. Her greatest strengths are her honesty and collaboration skills, both of which make her a great communicator.”

During this time, Dawn realized that Reston lacked a dedicated publication highlighting the positive news and impactful work happening in the community. With her journalism experience and long-standing local connections, she decided to fill that gap. Leveraging her relationships as a nearly 20-year Reston resident, she found advertisers and content contributors willing to support her vision. She even called on former journalism students, both professionals and college students, to help launch the paper.

Now that The Reston Letter is more established, Dawn hopes to expand its reach to every home in Reston. Once that goal is met, she has plans for distribution in Herndon as well.

Long-term, Dawn aspires to share her experiences with other communities interested in starting a local newspaper. She also would love the opportunity to make her role as editor a full-time job.

The journey of publishing The Reston Letter has been a learning experience. Dawn had to navigate the complexities of publishing and advertising, often facing challenges along the way. Yet, she persevered. The paper’s success is a testament to her resilience and determination—qualities she has demonstrated throughout her life.

If you are a local business interested in advertising with The Reston Letter, there are various opportunities available. If you are a local resident with skills to contribute, there are volunteer roles that may be a great fit for you. If you have a story or information to share with the community, we would love to hear from you.

The best way to reach Dawn is via email at info@therestonletter.com.