STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Crittenden Middle School 8th Grader Tyson Solomona
Leads by example to lift up fellow students
Posted: April 29, 2026
Tyson Solomona can be found studying, practicing both sports and music, or working on projects at any time of the day at Crittenden Middle School.
Solomona, an eighth grader, returned to Newport News Public Schools after two years of homeschooling this year and is taking advantage of every interaction with students and staff.
"I like the social life of school, talking to people, meeting other people," Solomona said. "And not just the students, but also the teachers. I enjoy talking to a lot of people."
Solomona enrolled at Crittenden for its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Magnet program because he's very interested in that subject. He became captain and was a first team all-city selection his first year on the volleyball team, and also played football and trombone in the band.
Crittenden teachers and coaches noted his ability to balance sports academic rigor. Outside of school, he plays sports and performs on trombone with the Soundscapes Peninsula Youth Jazz Band and Peninsula Youth Orchestra.
Known for taking the lead on group projects, looking out for others and being very involved in class discussions, Solomona wants to lift up classmates and teammates while leading by example, he said.
"You don't want anyone to be left out," he said. "Obviously, everyone likes to look at themselves, look at all of their achievements. But it's also good to look outside of yourself and focus on others; not just what you have achieved, but what others have achieved.
"That's why I really enjoy group projects, because it's not just you doing all the work. It's everyone; so everyone feels included."
An example is his participation in the NNPS Engineering Design Challenge for middle and high schools on March 26, during which teams had to design and build a filtration system that improved wastewater quality.
"It's very good for students because not only does it help with science, but also helps with problem-solving," Solomona said. "And it really makes your mind think a lot. So it helps you not just be a free thinker; it puts your mind to the test."
He recommends that students apply themselves consistently to do well on their classwork.
"Just don't get off track," Solomona said. "If you need to keep focused, find something you can do. Try not to go off task. Or try to sit next to someone who won't put you off task."
School's ability to help ensure a successful career in the future is the top reason to stay engaged with it, he said. He also has a favorite subject that is not STEM.
"I definitely like English because it lets me write," Solomona said. "And it lets me put out some of my emotions on paper and not just through speech."
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