The D.C. Mystery was the brainchild of a small group of teachers during Mountain Vista Governor's School's inaugural year (2006). One of those teachers, Lindsay Hayes, had her life cut short by cancer and passed away on November 16, 2015. The D.C. Mystery would not have been possible without her. Ms. Hayes possessed a uniquely brilliant mind. Her ability to be both wildly creative in original thought and grounded in analytical reasoning has rarely been matched. Each of the passkey riddles found in all versions of the D.C. Mystery are still the original riddles composed by Ms. Hayes--they are true masterpieces. Many cipher and walkabout clues that were penned by Ms. Hayes continue to be used from time to time as well. Her memory lives on both through this activity, and more so through the many lives of young people she touched during her career and service work. She is greatly missed. For all that Ms. Hayes did for the creation of this activity as well as the integral role she played in the establishment and growth of Mountain Vista Governor's School, this D.C. Mystery has been dedicated in her memory.