Highlights from the Second Annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week

The second annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week was a huge success. The highlight of the week-long celebration came on Tues., March 14, 2023, with a special event at Patrick Henry K-8 School (Patrick Henry). Division and city leadership, including Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, City Council Vice Mayor Amy B. Jackson, Chief of School and Community Relations Julia Burgos, Chief of Facilities and Operations Dr. Alicia Hart and Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC) President Missy Estabrook, joined Patrick Henry Principal Dr. Ingrid Bynum, students and staff in saying thank you to our teachers, healthcare professionals, firefighters, police officers, bus drivers, custodians, building engineers and other professionals who give their all in supporting the community.

“All of our essential workers play vital roles that enable ACPS to deliver quality and equity-focused education for all of our students,” said ACPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “Our essential workers are truly extraordinary and serve as an inspiration to all of our students.”

A banner signed by Patrick Henry students was on display in a show of appreciation for all essential workers. Student ambassadors and safety patrols greeted guests at the school with a string quartet playing in the main lobby. Joining in the festivities, kindergarten students dressed with special vests representing a variety of essential workers in honor of some of our many neighborhood essential workers and performed a song especially for them. Students presented a dance tribute and made thank-you cards that were shared with the guests of honor. A luncheon generously sponsored by Kevin Turpin, president and founder of our community partner, Life Enrichment Center, was served as part of the program honoring essential workers who attended and participated in the event.

Please enjoy highlights from the event in our short and fun video. Check out #ThxACPSEssentialWorkers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see how our community honored just a few of our fantastic essential workers throughout the week.