June 2025 Student and Staff Recognitions

AVID Senior Class of 2025 Excels

 

New records were set by the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Class of 2025 regarding senior class enrollment, scholarships and funding received. The school division honored 58 seniors, marking 16 years of AVID programming in ACPS during an event last month at the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Minnie Howard Campus. The Class of 2025 is the twelfth AVID cohort graduating from Alexandria City High School (ACHS).

“The ACHS AVID Class of 2025 certainly didn't disappoint,” said AVID Division Director Jodie Peters. “Not only does this group mark the largest cohort of AVID seniors ever in ACPS, but these 58 seniors collected a record-high amount of scholarship offerings and excel in many ways. They are artists, actors, musicians, School Board student reps, peer tutors, varsity athletes, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) leaders and club organizers, just to name a few. We are so proud of this phenomenal group of young people setting out to change the world positively and passionately. They will forever be a part of the AVID family and AVID alumni who have left their footprints for future students."

Collectively, over $6.39 million dollars in scholarships was awarded to the ACHS AVID Class of 2025. From the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA), 38 out of 58 students received SFA scholarships with a total SFA award value of more than $576,000 over four years. More than 80% of the AVID seniors earned at least one scholarship. The class includes recipients of prestigious national scholarships, achieving the "triple crown" with students named as Dell, Posse and QuestBridge Scholars.

These students' post graduation plans include attendance at various higher education institutions, including Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke University, James Madison University, Adelphi University, Howard University, Northern Virginia Community College, The George Washington University, Virginia State University and George Mason University. Career pathways include the military, culinary and cosmetology schools.

Brent Place Link Club Students Are Top Spellers at Community Spelling Bee 

Time dedicated to spelling during the Brent Place Link Club Power Hour and at home helped students excel at the Fourth Annual Alexandria Community Spelling Bee. The students who took top honors include:

• Natamen Alem (fifth grade) – First place winner
• Brook Alem (first grade) – Third place winner
• Kidus Akalu and Mena Akalu – Runner-Up awards

“This experience was not only a great confidence builder but also provided wonderful exposure to a citywide academic event. I am extremely proud of these scholars' hard work and perseverance, especially with just two weeks of preparation,” said Site Coordinator for the ACPS LINK Club at Brent Place apartments, Dawud Rawlings.

The annual spelling bee was hosted by Pathways for Progressive Scholars, WIN and Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman.

 

Jefferson-Houston Students’ Essays Highlight Women’s Contributions to GPS

A visit by 61 Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School (Jefferson-Houston) third graders to an exhibit at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard inspired an essay and drawing contest. The students learned about Dr. Gladys West who, along with other women, did computing for the U.S. military during the early days of the Cold War, including work for the Department of Defense that eventually became the basis for the Global Positioning System, known as GPS.

Three Jefferson-Houston students received gift certificates from The National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) for their outstanding essays and artwork.

• Yohanna Bekele - First place $25 award
• Eliana Bekele - Second place $15 award
• Husna Khaliqy - Third place $10 award

NCWI showcases the forgotten achievements of all women innovators through high-tech educational platforms and programs to inspire and teach girls to use their technical and innovative skills to solve world challenges and fill workforce demand.

Various Scholarships Attained by Alexandria City High School Students

• Congratulations to Alexandria City High School’s (ACHS) Evan Ameer Khanna, who was awarded the Gerry Bertier Scholarship by the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to an Alexandria student or resident with a disability seeking postsecondary education. The Bertier scholarship is named in honor of the former ACHS football player who went on to become a Paralympian after a car accident. An award presentation is set for Wed., June 25, 2025, during a reception at the American Physical Therapy Association.

• Among the college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship recipients this year is ACHS’ Genevieve A. Watkins, who will attend Macalester College, a highly selective liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Each sponsor college selected its scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually, for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.

• Two ACHS graduating seniors were among the scholarship recipients honored this year at the annual Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, Administrators and Coaches Association (NVADACA) breakfast banquet. Josephine Damico-Lassman received the Herbert Lain Holt Scholarship in honor of the former ACHS athletic director. Kalina Janevski was awarded the Del Willson Memorial Scholarship. (Willson served as president of the Alexandria Retired Teachers Association and was an active member of the Optimists Club, providing support, recognition and scholarships for students.) NVADACA has been awarding college grants to graduating high school seniors since 1980. 

ACHS Athletes Among the Honorees at Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Awards Ceremony

Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Athletics was well-represented at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club 68th Annual Awards Ceremony and Banquet in May 2025. Among the 17 ACHS honorees were Sophie Anderson, Amelia Bawcombe, Desmond Damico-Lassman, Tobias Damico-Lassman, Allison Goetz, Luke Hales, Liam Jones, Julia Kelly, Thatcher Kotuby,

Dillon Logan, Macon Malone, Arianna Martinez-Solano, Patrick McNally, Naria Medrano Quintanilla, Ella Stohs, Braelynn Tomanio and Seamus White who were awarded special “Athlete of the Year” plaques. In addition, Tomanio was named Athlete of the Year in girls soccer and received a scholarship that she will use to attend Vassar College.

 

STEM in the Schoolyard Celebrated at Francis C. Hammond Middle School

A Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the Schoolyard experience at Francis C. Hammond Middle School (Hammond) on June 5, 2025, served as the type of hands-on learning that inspires curiosity, builds confidence and shows students the power of discovery. Enterprise Mobility and American Water volunteers joined Hammond students in this STEM experience, which helps to close opportunity gaps and create a more equitable future. Sponsored by a generous grant from American Water, the event featured interactive stations designed to spark curiosity and creativity, culminating in a live science show featuring vortex fog rings, bubbling reactions and ground-level clouds.

Hammond students also benefit as Enterprise Mobility delivered and distributed 500 backpacks filled with essential school and hygiene supplies. The event is all a part of the United Way of the National Capital Area’s (NCA) Community Schools initiative, a partnership that’s benefited Hammond students academically, socially and emotionally since 2017. Hammond is one of seven United Way NCA Community Schools in the region focused on helping students succeed in and out of the classroom, preparing students for high school and beyond.

At Hammond, in support of the event, were United Way NCA President and CEO Rosie Allen-Herring, Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria City Mayor Alyia Gaskins, District Chief of Staff Noah Simon for the Office of Congressman Don Beyer,, Hammond Academic Principal at the International Academy Timothy Brannon and representatives from Enterprise Mobility and American Water.

ACPS’ Champions of Children Celebrated

Five Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) staff members were among the honorees

at the 5th Annual Children, Youth and Families Collaborative Commission Champions of Children Awards. Each award was presented by a young scholar impacted by the recipient’s work during the reception held on June 11, 2025, at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center.

• ACPS’ division-wide Bilingual Family Liaison Tesfaye Amberber was among the Champions of Children honorees. Amberber played a key role in developing the Amharic-language Welcome to ACPS Family Toolkit, which provides essential information to help newly arrived Amharic-speaking families to successfully navigate the school system. This toolkit is a vital resource in ensuring equitable access to information and a welcoming experience for multilingual families. In addition, Amberber co-leads a special education parent group designed specifically to support Amharic-speaking families in understanding services and advocating for their children. He also contributed to community focus groups that gathered critical family input as part of after-school program research efforts in Alexandria City.

• Lisa Falleroni is a dedicated school counselor at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School whose work is rooted in a powerful belief: that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and capable of reaching their full potential. Through her trauma-informed approach, she gently supports students who face adversity, helping them build resilience, confidence and hope for the future. She has also created school-wide programs that nurture kindness, inclusion and emotional well-being. Her efforts have reduced disciplinary issues and sparked meaningful growth in students and families alike. Whether mentoring a child, leading family wellness workshops, or building peer support programs, her warmth and dedication shine through. Falleroni is an unwavering advocate whose heart-centered leadership has touched countless lives. 

• As a Family and Engagement Social Worker at Alexandria City High School, Ana Bonilla-Galdamez serves as a tireless advocate for teens and their families. Passionate about closing the graduation gap for students with the greatest need, she goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels supported. Bonilla-Galdamez created and leads Youth in Progress (YIP), a volunteer-driven group that empowers students through mentorship, healthy relationship workshops and community connections. She partners with school staff and local organizations to reduce barriers that impact student success, always making herself available to meet the needs of her teens and their families. Her unwavering commitment helps students build confidence, resilience and a path toward graduation and beyond. In recognition of her outstanding service, she was named the 2025 Social Worker of the Year. Her work is a powerful example of how compassion, dedication and community collaboration can change lives and build brighter futures. 

• Rodney Hughey (Coach Hughey) is a dedicated teacher and head football coach at Alexandria City High School, where he inspires students in the classroom and on the field. As a fitness teacher, he meets students where they are, offering support and guidance, especially during challenging times like the post-pandemic rise in absenteeism. Coach Hughey takes the time to connect with students, encouraging accountability, showing them the importance of showing up and broadening their opportunities to succeed. As head coach, his leadership extends far beyond football. Hughey and his coaching staff support players year-round—through strength training, after-school study halls and early-morning workouts like the “Dawn Patrol.” He keeps families informed, checks in on players during the off-season and builds a culture of responsibility, care and teamwork. In 2024, he was honored as a Washington Commanders Coach of the Week. His ultimate goal is to prepare his players to succeed in life beyond high school. 

• Amanda Kropp is a passionate U.S. Government and Advanced Placement (AP) Government teacher at Alexandria City High School where she also serves as the Business and Government Academy Lead and Social Studies Department Co-Chair. Kropp is a true changemaker—deeply committed to empowering students to become active, informed and engaged citizens. Through her visionary leadership and tireless collaboration with the City of Alexandria, she has connected classroom learning with real-world civic action. Since 2019, she has integrated local government initiatives into her curriculum, helping over a thousand students contribute directly to the Children and Youth Community Plan and the Youth Needs Assessment. Her classroom has become a powerful space where students engage with policymakers, explore public policy and raise their voices to influence lasting change. Her work has redefined civic education in Alexandria. Her unwavering belief in her students’ potential continues to inspire future leaders and strengthen our community. 

Congratulations to our Champions of Children!

ACPS Honorees Among Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Recipients

Included among the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honorees in 2025 are Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Director of Instructional Technology Dr. Emily Dillard and Alexandria City High School teacher and Titans Varsity Volleyball Coach Danielle Thorne. Each of this year’s honorees is celebrated for their impact on the Alexandria community. While they come from various industries, all the honorees share the common characteristic of using their creativity, knowledge and kindness to help others.

Driving innovation in education, Dr. Dillard is an accomplished PreK–12 technology leader with over nine years of administrative experience. As ACPS instructional technology director, she leads major initiatives such as the artificial intelligence (AI) integration strategy and Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) adoption. Dr. Dillard serves on the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) AI Committee and the City of Alexandria’s Commission on Information Technology. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The George Washington University and teaches in its Educational Leadership program. Her work centers on engagement and transformative digital learning.

Born and raised in Alexandria, Danielle Thorne was a three-sport Titan athlete, playing volleyball, basketball and soccer. She attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and played varsity volleyball. She later earned a 

Master of Education in Education Technology Leadership from The George Washington University. Thorne is a math teacher at Alexandria City High School and the head varsity volleyball coach. In her first year as head coach, she led her team to a state championship, making her the first female head coach in school history to win a state championship. In 2024, she was inducted into the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will host the 40 Under 40 Awards celebration on July 17, 2025, sponsored by the United States Senate Federal Credit Union.

Celebrating School Board Member Christopher Harris: Honored in Inaugural 40 Over 40 by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) proudly celebrates School Board Member Christopher Harris for being named one of the inaugural honorees of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Over 40 list. This new recognition honors seasoned professionals who are making meaningful contributions to their industries and communities through exceptional leadership, innovation and impact.

A lifelong Alexandrian and proud graduate of ACPS schools, Mr. Harris is currently serving his second term representing District C on the Alexandria City School Board. He is also a Board Certified Safety Professional, leading Environment, Health and Safety efforts at DPR Construction, with a strong focus on infrastructure safety and sustainable urban development.

His deep commitment to public service is evident through his leadership roles in the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, the Alexandria Human Rights Commission, and his long-standing support of Alexandria City High School as a football coach and substitute teacher. He credits his ACPS education for laying the groundwork for his career and community advocacy—and remains dedicated to ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Harris on this well-deserved recognition as a trailblazer and champion for Alexandria’s future. We are grateful for his service, his passion and the example he continues to set for our students and families.

Early Childhood Center Principal Among VDOE’s Principals of Distinction

 

Alexandria City Public School’s (ACPS) Early Childhood Center (ECC) Principal Heidi Haggerty Wagner is among the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Principals of Distinction. This new VDOE program highlights the contributions of these principals to education while also providing the opportunity to gain valuable experiences for professional growth.

The VDOE program partners with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP). It serves to inspire others within the educational community as it celebrates the achievements of these Principals of Distinction. 

Principals awarded this high honor display strong leadership in the areas of improved student achievement, effective instructional leadership and developing a school environment that fosters the removal of nonacademic barriers.