January 2024 Student and Staff Recognitions
With a new year underway, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is proud to begin 2024 with more recognitions for its students and staff.
Hammond Middle School Students Chosen for Senate of Virginia Page Program
Two Francis C. Hammond Middle School (Hammond) students have been selected to participate in the Senate of Virginia Page Program. The achievements of grade eight students Jada Ashun and Sydney Robasson received high praise from school division staff.
Hammond Eighth Grade Academic Principal Tenicka Strown Frye proudly stated, “Jada and Sydney have both maintained a grade point average of 4.0 over the past two years.”
Ashun sees her selection into the Senate Page Program as an opportunity for her to step out of her comfort zone. “I took this as an opportunity to see how the government is making the laws that affect me today and my future. This came at the perfect time before college, plus it paves the way for my future,” she said. Ashun added that she wanted to make her mother, who is a single parent, proud.
Robasson shared, “I was inspired to join the Senate Page Program due to my love of history and my area. I have always been fascinated with movements such as the civil rights movement or women's suffrage. To see so many people work towards the same goal is so moving to me. So, to be a part of the Virginia Senate, especially as the U.S. political landscape changes with the 2024 election around the corner, is surreal.”
Ashun has big dreams for the future. “I always dreamed of being a doctor, but after my experiences of being the lieutenant governor's personal page, I realized I might want to become lieutenant governor and be a neurologist or cardiologist as a side venture,” she said.
Robasson wants to pursue a career that can help her community, such as becoming a criminal justice lawyer. “While a lawyer's duties are strenuous, I look forward to the look on someone's face when they have just won a case,” she said. “Additionally, being able to argue for my position and being analytical is something I enjoy.”
Ashun and Robasson’s participation in the Senate Page Program began Jan. 7, 2024, and runs through March 8, 2024. This program is an engaging educational experience that preserves the tradition of service to the legislature as Senate Pages have served the upper chamber of the legislature since at least 1850. The experience provides a foundation of knowledge for the next generation of civic leaders, administrators and elected officials. This program is an opportunity for talented 13- and 14-year old Virginians to learn about public service and state policymaking.
The school division is grateful that Virginia Senator Adam Ebbin shared the application process with School Board Member Jacinta Greene, leading to this outstanding educational opportunity for two Hammond students.
Long-time ACHS Employee Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Del Ray
Photo courtesy of Lucelle O'Flaherty, community liaison for The Zebra Press
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Alexandria City High School’s (ACHS) Patty Moran by the Del Ray Business Association last month during its annual Star Awards. Moran serves Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) as administrative assistant to the executive principal at ACHS.
"Patty Moran is a gem in ACPS. She's a hard-worker and gives her all to the high school and City of Alexandria,” ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III said. “She's a generous and giving person; a compassionate and altruistic staff member; and a service-oriented member of the team that always goes above and beyond for the good of the school and community. Patty Moran is a living legend and we are honored she works at ACHS each day!”
Moran has been a dedicated volunteer since she moved into Alexandria’s Del Ray community in 1976 and humbly said that the lifetime achievement recognition was “a complete surprise.”
Moran is an adviser to the ACHS Key Club which serves to bring together students to volunteer for school and community events. She has also served as president of the Parent Teacher Student Association and on the Athletic Boosters Committee and The Scholarship Fund, among others.
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- Student and Staff Recognitions