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By Hannah Moore, Herndon Cheer HHS Cheer competed well at Districts. Photo by HHS Athletics The Herndon Cheer squad wrapped up an exceptional season highlighted by standout performances and milestone achievements. The Hornets started their season with a first-place finish at the Park View Invitational, their first championship title in 13 years. They went on to earn three second-place awards, including an impressive showing at the District Championship, where they delivered two phenomenal zero-deduction routines. The team concluded their postseason with a sixth-place finish at the Regional Competition, capping off one of the program’s most successful seasons since 2012.

by Jason Polaha, HHS Cross Country Herndon High's cross country boys finished 3rd and girls finished 6th at the Liberty District Championships. Photo contributed by HHS Cross Country The Herndon High School boys and girls cross country team completed a successful season with the boys finishing 3rd and the girls finishing 6th at the Liberty District Championships. The boys team qualified for Regional Championships and Shire Bieber qualified individually for the Herndon Hornets girls team with a 15th place finish in 19:47.50. Rounding out the top 7 finishers were Isabelle Davies 19th 19:53.6, Claire Blevins 42nd in 21:14.60, Grace Przybysz 49th 21:22.00, Molly Clist 53rd 22:34.70, Stella Albers 59th 24:51.50, Claire O'Connor 66th 24:51.50. The boys finished 3rd overall as a team with Baden Geary runner -up in 2nd place with a time of 15:49.90, Jensen Hoffman 8th 16:29.60, Thomas Dilli 11th 16:37.10, Ismail Ahmed 40th 17:43.20, Jamal Eyow 46th 17:57.40, Colin Bieber 48th 18:00.60 and Aaron Turgeon 52nd 18:11.40 rounding out the top 7. The Herndon Hornet cross country boys qualified and competed at the Regional Championships with Baden Geary finishing 3rd place overall at the Northern Regional Cross Country Championships, and teammates Thomas Dilli 18th , Jensen Hoffman 32nd , Jamal Eyow 49th , Ismail Ahmed 51st , Colin Bieber 57th and Aaron Turgeon 61st. Shire Bieber finished 37th place for the Hornet girls at regionals. Baden Geary’s 3rd place finish qualified him for the VHSL Group 6 State Championships to be held November 8th at Oatlands Plantations.

by Matt Reider, Staff Writer South Lakes and Herndon High's girls fall football teams play each other. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro As autumn turns to winter, South Lakes High School teams are reflecting on their fall seasons, with some gearing up for playoff action. The Seahawk Girls Field Hockey team had a solid season, finishing third in the Concorde Division and ending above .500 with an 11-10 overall record. Senior Anna Harris led the team with four goals and eight total points. Juniors Kendall Settar and Kassidy Arnold also contributed, with two goals and four points, and one goal and two points, respectively. The season concluded the last week of October with a 7-3 playoff loss at James Madison, the number two seed. The SLHS Girls Volleyball team also had a strong year, finishing with a 78% winning percentage and a 14-4 record overall. Coach Sam Farrar’s team placed second in the Concorde Region with a 7-4 record, winning eight of nine home games. The team opened the season with an impressive 12-game winning streak before falling to James Madison, 3-1. Seniors Jessica Hancher, Laila Park, Sane Elston, Sydney Morris, Keira McManus, and Ella Wang led the team. Ella Wang posted a .241 hitting percentage, averaging 1.6 kills per set, while junior Eva Colingham led the team with 3.4 kills per set. Sane Elston averaged 2.8 kills per set and a .187 hitting percentage, ranking third on the team with 2.9 digs per set. In blocks, Sydney Morris led with 43, just ahead of Ella Wang’s 42. Colingham also led in aces with 60 and an average of one ace per set. The team’s regional season ended on Oct. 29 with a 3-2 loss to Westfields. They advance to districts in November. In only its second year, the SLHS Boys Volleyball team improved on last season, finishing 16-6 overall and 8-3 in the Concorde Region. The season began strong at the pre-season Titan Clash of 2025, hosted by the Alexandria City Titans—the first boys pre-season tournament in over 20 years. Coach Jake Kaplan, assisted by Gel Nichols, led seniors Shaheer Salarzai, Andrei Saycon, and Micah Capati. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro All-district honors included Andrei Saycon and junior Xander Holmes on 2nd Team, and Younus Quraishi, Gautham Anand, and Micah Capati on 1st Team, with Patrick Turner receiving honorable mention. Gautham Anand was also named 2025-2026 Libero of the Year. The team had two five-game win streaks and defeated Chantilly 3-1 in the regional semifinals, continuing play into November. The SLHS Varsity Football team started strong with a 5-2 record but dropped the last two games to finish 5-4. Most contests were close, including wins over Yorktown (29-28), Oakton (24-21), and Chantilly (33-28). The final home game is on Nov. 7 against Westfields. Senior running back Dalton Blakeney leads the offense with 78 yards per game and 11 touchdowns, while junior Nick Picarelli averages 83.4 receiving yards per game. The defense is anchored by Cameron Soto with seven tackles per game, Sebastian Valencia with three sacks, and senior Labeed Zaib with two interceptions. Junior quarterback Christian Wyatt posts a .71 completion percentage and a 109.6 QB rating. The JV Football team finished 4-3 overall and were undefeated on the road, winning 3-0 away matches, including close victories over West Potomac (17-14) and Oakton (14-13), and a 38-18 win at Chantilly. One game remains at Westfields on Nov. 6. This fall also saw the debut of a girls flag football team, sponsored by the Washington Commanders NFL franchise. Led by Coach Spencer Alston, the team played its first games on Oct. 14. South Lakes defeated Herndon in the first match, but fell 18-17 to Chantilly in the second. With a late start to the season, the girls flag football team will continue into November.

by Erin Gibbens, Staff Writer Photo by SL Chorus Inspiring FCPS leaders joined in the joy of music as the South Lakes Chorus hosted Fall Cabaret, a lively celebration of song and community spirit, on Oct. 27 at Red’s Table. South Lakes Principal Carlos Seward and Melanie Meren, FCPS School Board Representative for Hunter Mill, joined chorus teacher Emily Moser and families to cheer on the students.Seward and Meren enthusiastically competed in a lip-sync battle, connecting with students in a way that reminded everyone what authentic leadership looks like. As the final notes echoed through the packed room, smiles and applause filled the space. The encouragement and warmth shared by all created an atmosphere that made the young singers feel truly seen and valued. It was a moment that perfectly captured what makes our community so special: leaders who show up not only to guide, but to celebrate alongside the students they serve. It also was a reminder that when we lead with heart and genuine connection, our entire community grows stronger.

by Mark Hazlin, Guest Writer Photo contributed by SLHS Marching Band The South Lakes High School Spirit of Reston marching band capped an undefeated 2025 competition run with top honors at its state assessment in October, and is now preparing to represent Virginia at the national Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on Dec. 7 in Hawaii. The band placed first in three contests in the Virginia Marching Band Coalition (VMBC) circuit this fall: Best Music, Best Visual Effect, Best General Effect, and Best Percussion categories at both the Sept. 27 Herndon Showcase and the Oct. 4 Rock Ridge Show on Oct. 4. The band also swept all music, visual, percussion, and guard categories for the 4a division at the Oct. 18 Oakton Classic. Their season reached a new height when the group earned a “Superior” rating—the highest possible distinction—at the statewide Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) assessment on Oct. 25, ranking their music and marching skills among the best in the state. “Every award is the result of hours of rehearsal, teamwork, and persistence,” Band Director Grayson Fore said. “This year’s theme, ‘Sirens Fury,’ challenged the band musically and theatrically, and they rose to meet that challenge with passion.” The 2025 show, “Sirens Fury,” is a dramatic, story-driven program that weaves together pieces like “Cape Fear Main Title,” “Medea’s Dance of Vengeance,” and selections from Shostakovich and Alan Silvestri, telling the tale of a band of sailors who steal the magic harp that gives the aquatic sirens their haunting voices. The program is anchored by Drum Majors Jaayla Davidson and Brooke Flora, along with students from each ensemble including Drumline Captain Matthew Hazlin, Front Ensemble Captains Sophia Picco and Eric Loizeaux, Guard Captain Natalie Taranova, and Horn Line Captains Ben Villarrubia and Charlotte Hamilton. The band’s accomplishments stretch beyond competitions. Excitement is building for December’s Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu. South Lakes will join the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Band and other ensembles from around the country, offering students a rare chance to perform on a national stage while taking part in a historic event. Known as “The Best Band in the Land,” South Lakes will once again herald Santa Claus’ arrival at the annual 2025 Reston Town Center Holiday Parade the day after Thanksgiving. Throughout the year, they also support football games, school spirit events, and signature community gatherings in Reston. The SLHS concert season opens at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in the school’s auditorium; the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will be featured.

Contributed by SLHS STEAM Team SLHS's STEAM Team is selling calendars by a Reston photographer to raise funds for its next project. Photo by Mary Prochnow from the calendar. The South Lakes High School STEAM Team invites the community to celebrate Reston’s natural beauty and support local youth through its 2026 calendar—just released to fund the team’s upcoming public art installation at the Lake Thoreau spillway. Showcasing breathtaking seasonal photography by Reston artist Mary Prochnow, the calendar captures the area’s wildlife and landscapes, bringing a touch of nature into homes year-round. All sales help the STEAM Team design and build a new sculpture that will enrich Reston’s public art scene while highlighting the students’ interdisciplinary creativity in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Led by local artist Marco Rando, the STEAM Team has become a hub of innovation, creating installations that inspire, engage, and connect the community. The 2026 calendar is available online at https://bit.ly/STEAMTeamcalendar2026/ and in person at the Reston Museum at Lake Anne Plaza. A digital preview is also available at https://bit.ly/4oaCZbY/

by Sarah Golden, Staff Writer Two high schoolers have created a space for the homeless to take classes from community volunteers. Photo contributed by Remakery The origins of The Remakery are nearly as inspiring as the impact it has already made on the community since its launch earlier this year. Sonja and Shanne, two local teenagers, recognized a gap in services available to Reston’s unhoused population. While evening programs existed, few options were available during the day. To meet that need, the two teens pooled their resources, rallied their community, and used their creativity to establish The Remakery, a safe space where unhoused individuals can rest and recharge during the day. What sets The Remakery apart is that it’s much more than a place to sit and share a meal. The center offers a variety of classes designed to support relaxation and well-being. Through a partnership with Beloved Yoga of Reston, visitors can participate in free stretching and yoga sessions. The same welcoming space also provides room to nap and rest, an invaluable resource for those who struggle to find safe sleep at night. Volunteers frequently offer additional activities, such as art and craft workshops, adding creativity and connection to the mix. The Remakery also helps visitors take meaningful steps toward greater stability. Volunteers assist with résumé updates, interview preparation, and access to clean clothing or professional attire. The results speak for themselves: since opening its doors less than a year ago, three regular visitors have found jobs, and one has secured a new apartment. To continue its success, The Remakery relies on the generosity of the Reston community. There are many ways to get involved. Donations of supplies—from office materials to art and craft items—are always welcome. Volunteers can also lend a hand preparing meals; The Remakery serves three meals each weekday and two on weekends. Local artists, crafters, and professionals are encouraged to share their skills by teaching classes. Financial support is equally vital to help cover rent, utilities, staffing, and supplies. Contributions can be made at www.restonremakery.org/donate, either as a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation. To learn more about The Remakery’s story and volunteer opportunities, visit www.restonremakery.org/

Submitted by Sunset Hills Montessori School Photo contributed by Sunset Hills Montessori School On a windy but beautiful morning along Lake Thoreau, members of Sunset Hills Montessori School (SHMS) gathered with Joe Minarik, husband of the late founder Eileen Minarik, to dedicate a new bench in her honor through the Friends of Reston Adopt-A-Bench program. Surrounded by longtime SHMS teachers, staff, and Friends of Reston board member Juan Salazar, the small gathering marked the second anniversary of Eileen's passing and reflected on the lasting impact of her work in Montessori education and the Reston community. Eileen and Joe moved to Reston in 1974, quickly becoming part of the town’s early, close-knit community. In 1994, Eileen founded SHMS, which continues to thrive today. Her bench now rests on Bob’s Point, overlooking the lake and within view of the school she founded. It is a peaceful spot, inviting residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and take in the same beauty that inspired her life's work. The bench offers a place of quiet reflection and connection for all who stop to rest, think, or simply watch the light dance across the lake—much as Eileen did for decades.

by Chuck Cascio, Author and Former South Lakes Teacher Stephanie Dhue is making an impact A career that led Stephanie Dhue (née Wood) to be an Emmy Award-winning Senior Producer at CNBC began with a surprise to the 1985 graduate of South Lakes High School. “I signed up for a Media Communications class at South Lakes, and on the first day, I found that it meant writing for the school newspaper, The Sentinel," she recalls. “I didn’t know the first thing about newspaper writing, but I had a nice camera and was also taking a photography elective, so my journalism teacher kindly let me stay on the staff and take pictures, which taught me the basics of news coverage." The result was a realization for Stephanie: “I graduated from South Lakes knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in journalism!" Since then, she has embraced the challenges of the profession: “I am motivated by a desire to give people access to objective news and information so they are empowered to make decisions." That commitment grew steadily from high school to George Mason University, where she wrote for the school's Broadside newspaper (now called The Fourth Estate), worked on a sports news program, and “pushed for student-led TV news" while engaging in several internships, including one with WUSA’s Capital Edition, a Washington, D.C., program modeled after CBS’ Sunday Morning. At GMU, another decision significantly impacted her future: "For job security, my dad thought I should major in accounting. I had no interest--or aptitude--for accounting, but I found from covering business news that the work people do, how they make money, and how they save and invest their earnings are interesting, meaningful topics." Her business and journalism experience led Stephanie to work on The Insiders with Jack Anderson, a televised investigative news magazine on the Financial News Network. From there, her career and commitment soared with roles at PBS Nightly Business Report, Fox Business Network, and since 2011, at CNBC. Stephanie has covered many significant business-related stories such as “the policy changes ushered in by the Telecom Act of 1996; the World Wide Web; the e-commerce and dot-com boom, and the bust that followed. In early 2000, I was assigned a story about how Enron was entering the 'broadband market’ and how that would revolutionize the business." Stephanie correctly grew increasingly skeptical that Enron’s impact would be positive: “A year later, the company failed spectacularly in one of history’s largest accounting scandals, which I also covered along with the subsequent policy debate and legal changes aimed at providing investors greater protection and bringing more accountability to financial reports." The Emmy Award was achieved in 2005 when Stephanie helped cover the economic emergence of China, which included China's National Offshore Oil Corporation effort to buy UNOCAL, a U.S. domestic energy company, “an effort that was thwarted after political backlash and concerns over national security," Stephanie says. Stephanie continues to dig deeply into a range of business-related stories, including “the explaining of interest-only mortgages, subprime loans, and credit-default swaps...the very things that fueled the 2008 financial crisis.” Add to the list a range of topics “from the real estate recovery to politics and trade and, currently, personal finance." From her SLHS days, Stephanie recalls a particularly influential story she covered for The Sentinel. She took photos and wrote about the SLHS narcotics officer because “it allowed me to 'show and tell' students, faculty, and community why this role had come to South Lakes. I realized the importance of bringing accountability to the community because we had a right to know who this person was at our school and what authority he had." For Stephanie, whose family moved in 1981 from Gaithersburg, Md., to Harbor Court on Lake Thoreau, Reston memories such as stocking shelves at People’s Drug Store (now CVS) and swimming and ice-skating on the lake remain significant. Perhaps they even influence how she wants to continue to make an impact: “I would like to create a community around trusted news so people can have a safe place to discuss important topics. I get great satisfaction when I can help people understand how personal and policy choices can impact their lives.”

by Lincoln Patience, Staff Writer Testing the catapult. Photo by Lincoln Patience It’s catapult day at Ideaventions Academy, and everal seventh- and eighth-graders in hard hats gather around three wooden catapults. Two boys set the pumpkin-shaped dodgeball inside the net and prepare to launch it. Off to the side, a girl holds a lighter and some rope. Safety is a high priority at Ideaventions, but just behind it is the philosophy to let kids try things. The boys launch the dodgeball, but it releases too early and bounces off to the side. “I’m a firm believer that you learn faster from failure than from success,” math and engineering teacher Alex Spangler encourages the students. They try again, and the dodgeball flies straight up in the air. Forward progress only technically, but progress nonetheless. Ideaventions is one of Virginia’s top private schools, with a mean SAT score of 1532. This year, 74 students are enrolled, including a graduating class of two. Ideaventions is one of the only schools in the state to receive a School of Distinction award from Cognia Accreditation (2023). Its elite robotics program, Team Daedalus, won the national Advanced Vertical Robotics competition each of the past two years, and was the runner-up in 2022. And two teams made aquatic drones for the SeaPerch International competition, where both made it to the top 1% of international finalists. Ideavention Academy's awards. Photo by Lincoln Patience “Our goal’s not to win, win, win,” said Crowder. “Our goal is to learn, learn, learn.” In the engineering workroom, Crowder’s own Lego creation sits on a workbench, along with a box of the soon-to-be-catapulted pumpkins. “We start teaching power tools in fourth grade,” he says. By seventh grade, the kids are making their own electric guitars and amps. Some of the guitars hang on the wall next to model airplanes and rockets. One year, the middle schoolers made a knee wall, complete with drywall, insulation, and electricity. “The pièce de résistance was that they plugged in a lamp and it worked,” Crowder said. The kids start their day with a 30-minute walk through the nearby woods. Occasionally, they find things; animal vertebrae lined the far wall of the first- and second-grade classroom, along with a microscope and slides. For extracurriculars, Ideaventions offers 79 clubs, everything from dance, acting, and prop making to Battlebots, rocketry, and Model UN. Biology professor Sarah Ciupek, who teaches neuroscience to the more advanced seniors, gives knitting lessons on the side. “We don’t want it to feel like a rat race,” says Crowder. “We want it to feel like the right fit for them.” Junior Thomas Halliday has certainly found the right place. This past year, he and his professor traveled to Normandy as one of 15 teams selected for a George Washington University program. Halliday researched the family history of a local soldier buried at the American cemetery there, reading diary entries from the war and discussing them with classmates. He also looked up information on JSTOR and Ancestry and contacted the soldier’s living relatives. “It didn’t really feel like work to me,” said Halliday, the wonder of the trip still evident in his voice. At the National Archives, “I got to hold actual documents,” including the soldier’s after-action report. Halliday also delivered a eulogy at the soldier’s Normandy grave, and is preparing to give his historical presentation in front of a local retirement home on Veteran’s Day. “Every time I study WWII, I gain more respect and understanding for what happened,” Halliday said. He is thinking about studying International Relations in college. Tuition is steep—$31,000 a year for high school students, and the school’s admissions rate is less than 35% (attendees must have an IQ of 130 or higher). And the school lacks personnel to help with learning disabilities. But graduates of the academy earn nearly $400,000 in National Merit Scholarships, on average. And students have gone on to attend schools such as Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and Amherst. One student majored in computer science at the University of Washington. “It’s invigorating as a teacher to watch them learn,” Crowder said. “We inspire each other.” Elizabeth Crowder shows off a model plane the students made. One student's rocket reached a height of 840 feet. "I do think we have to notify the FAA," Crowder said. Photo credit: Lincoln Patience

Contributed by Reston Association Reston Association announces the return of its beloved holiday tradition, Winterfest, now in its third year. This festive, three-night celebration will take place Thursday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m., at Brown’s Chapel Park. Winterfest 2025 promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before. Winterfest 2025 promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before. Guests will be welcomed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring a walk-through trail illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, the ever-popular Enchanted Forest with fully decorated trees sponsored by community groups, businesses, and families, and festive holiday carols. Visitors can enjoy fire pits with marshmallows, mulled wine, food trucks, browse the Vendor Village for holiday shopping, and take a free photo with Santa Claus. Families also will love the whimsical Grinch’s Village—and exciting new surprises are still being planned. “Winterfest has become a cherished tradition for our community,” said Laura Kowalski, Director of Recreation Services. “Each year we aim to bring more lights, more joy, and more opportunities for neighbors to come together and celebrate the season.” Winterfest also offers a chance to give back. Through the Enchanted Forest, decorated trees will be donated to families in need across Reston at the conclusion of the event, ensuring the spirit of the holidays reaches every corner of the community. Winterfest tickets are available now at www.reston.org/winterfest. Admission is free for Reston Association members; non-members may purchase tickets:$20 for adults (18+), $10 for ages 3-17; free for ages 0-2. For more information, visit www.reston.org/Winterfest.

by Ellyn Wexler, Staff Writer River-Sea offers custom bar-making workshops. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro Just when you thought Reston had all the charms it needed, along comes River-Sea Chocolates to raise the bar—literally. This homegrown bean-to-bar chocolatier has officially anchored one of its major operations in our midst, bringing its artisanal magic and sustainability mission right to our doorstep. A Bit of Backstory River-Sea Chocolates started as a labor of love. In 2017, founders Krissee and Mariano D’Aguiar visited family in northern Brazil and were struck by the idea that chocolate could bridge their worlds—connecting the lush cacao lands of the Amazon with life in the D.C. area. Krissee, trained in chocolate arts, and Mariano, with a knack for fermentation and logistics, set out to build something both beautiful and responsible. That commitment shows in everything they do, from ingredient sourcing and packaging to the way they bring cacao across the seas. The name “River-Sea” evokes the place where fresh water flows into salt, where two worlds mingle. That’s also how cacao farms near coasts behave, the founders note; it’s both a poetic metaphor and a scientific nod. Why Reston? Reston is more than just convenient geography. It’s personal. Krissee grew up here, and when the chance came to bring factory operations to her hometown—closer to the Metro and more accessible for visitors—the couple jumped at it. In 2025, the new location at 11495 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 110, became the company’s major production hub. It’s about 3,000 square feet of factory, shop, and viewing windows where visitors can watch chocolate being made from bean to bar. At this Reston facility, everything happens under one roof: cacao roasting, stone grinding, molding, and packaging. Their capacity is impressive—up to 20,000 bars per day—ensuring local shelves stay well-stocked with single-origin darks, creative flavor blends, and allergy-friendly varieties. What Makes Their Chocolate Sing River-Sea offers more than your typical store shelves full of sweets. Think truffles, sea salt brittles paired with dark chocolate, seasonal fruit infusions, and imaginative new pairings that celebrate local ingredients. The company’s dedication to organic sourcing and transparency sets it apart. One especially striking initiative is its use of sail-powered cargo ships to import cacao. By moving beans across the Atlantic via wind power, River-Sea drastically reduces its carbon footprint, reviving an old-world transport method for a new-age cause. Their environmental work doesn’t end there. The company supports cleanup projects in the Amazon Delta, including stand-up paddleboard litter collection programs and education for children in cacao-growing regions. For River-Sea, sustainability isn’t a marketing term; it’s the heart of their business. Experiencing the Magic When you walk into the Reston shop, you’ll spot large viewing windows into the production space, with friendly staff ready to explain every step of the process. The shop also offers custom chocolate gift boxes, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or an indulgent treat. The company’s original Chantilly location still operates, offering Craft Chocolate Tasting Flights and custom bar-making workshops. A tasting room may be added at the Reston factory in the future, giving locals another reason to stop by and savor. River-Sea’s reach extends beyond its own shops. Chocolate made in Reston supplies partners like the Organic Butcher of McLean, Weird Brothers Coffee Shops, the U.S. Botanical Garden in D.C., and even airport lounges nationwide. A Local Business with Global Heart River-Sea Chocolates is more than a business; it’s a bridge between communities and continents. Every bar tells a story of farmers, families, and fair winds that carry cacao across oceans to Reston’s heart. Whether you’re a dedicated chocoholic or just someone looking for a thoughtful gift or sweet pick-me-up, River-Sea Chocolates delivers. Each visit offers more than flavor: it’s an experience rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and connection. In a community that values creativity and conscience, River-Sea Chocolates feels right at home. When we feature businesses in The Reston Letter, we are not endorsing them as a company or speaking to their credibility. We are telling their stories according to them. We want to give exposure to a lot of businesses, but that does not necessarily mean that we have firsthand experience with them as clients. Hopefully you will always have great experiences with them, but our job stops once we've told their story. We cannot vouch for them beyond that.