Christina Rinker’s Manassas Park journey began in kindergarten and never really ended. A 2013 graduate of MPHS, she’s one of the few students who attended Manassas Park City Schools from start to finish—and then returned to teach the next generation. “I loved Manassas Park and am one of the few who attended MPCS from kindergarten all the way to graduation!” she shared. What she loves most about the city is its blend of small-town community feeling and rich diversity. “The small-town community vibes and the diversity,” she said. One of her proudest moments was being named Cougar Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2023–2024, an honor that meant even more because it came from the same community that raised her. Outside the classroom, Christina enjoys spending time with her kids, painting banners, and taking trips. Asked to describe Manassas Park in three words, she chose Community, Diversity, and Family—adding, “When other places might try to push out diversity, MP fully embraces it.”
