Student and Staff Recognitions
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) recognizes the accomplishments and activities that put the focus on our students, staff and community organizations each month. Here are some of the latest achievements.
ACHS Social Worker - National Award Recipient
Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Family Engagement Social Worker Ana Bonilla-Galdamez has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 National School Social Worker of the Year Award by the School Social Work Association of America.
“ACHS is delighted that Ms. Bonilla has been selected for this recognition. She is an amazing colleague and committed professional that always prioritizes her students and their needs,” said ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III. “ACHS is made better because of her and we sincerely appreciate all she does!"
This prestigious honor is presented to a school social worker who exemplifies a steadfast commitment to the profession and demonstrates a profound impact on students, families, staff, and communities. Bonilla’s award will be formally presented to her during the School Social Work Association of America’s 28th Spring Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in April 2025.
Polk Elementary Teacher Receives Presidential Award for Excellence
James K. Polk Elementary School (Polk) fifth grade teacher Marie Peaches is among the more than 300 teachers nationwide to be selected as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This prestigious award honors the vital role that the nation’s teachers serve in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators.
"This achievement highlights the significant contributions Ms. Peaches has made to the teaching profession, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments. Her dedication to her students is evident every day in the way she teaches and inspires the next generation of learners," said Instructional Coach Erin Joy Davidson at Polk.
Peaches has been an educator for more than 20 years. She has written and recorded several educational songs that help students retain, recall and remember difficult science and mathematics concepts. Walking past her classroom, you can often hear students singing about moon phases, plate tectonics or the ocean.
PAEMST, established in 1983, is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate their knowledge of content and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom as well as their dedication to improving STEM education. Each award recipient receives a certificate signed by the President and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
Hammond Middle School Choir Recognized for Excellence
The Francis C. Hammond Middle School Choir Program Recognitions of Excellence celebrated the school’s choral students outstanding start to the 2024-25 school year. “One of the most important parts of being in a performance class is developing the ability to independently implement those advanced performance skills during auditions and multiple performances. The goal is for students to go beyond the classroom to secure performance opportunities and participate in multiple musical experiences,” Hammond Director of Choirs Shawn C. Thorpe said.
Hammond students have auditioned for shows and secured roles in major productions and several have been honored with various awards:
- Powerful Aguilar II, Tenor I, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Mianna Anderson, Alto, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Briana Brown, Soprano I, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Adrielle Cephas, Alto, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Peyton Griffin, Soprano II, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Tania Gutierrez, Soprano II, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Leah Ladaga-Falcon, Soprano I, District X Honors Choir Vocal Audition
- Leah Ladaga-Falcon, Soprano I, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Gaby Martinez, Soprano I, District X Honors Choir Vocal Audition
- Gaby Martinez, Soprano/Alto, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
- Caleb Tshivuadi, Tenor, Choir Academic Award of Excellence
A list of student performance opportunities and achievements can be accessed here.
Hammond families and community support for the choral program at such a high level helps the students excel in each performance.
Athletic Hall of Fame Honors Steve Kenney’s Contributions to 2008 Championship Team
A special presentation was made as part of the 2024 ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame recognition during the Jan. 17, 2025, Alexandria City High School (ACHS) boys basketball game against Robinson Secondary School. Retired Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) statistician and equipment manager, Steve Kenney, was honored as a Hall of Fame recipient for his service as part of the 2008 boys state championship basketball team at T.C. Williams High School (now ACHS).
"Steve Kenney is a legend in Alexandria,” said Kamilah Lawson, the new Chair of the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame. “I'm glad we are celebrating our hometown hero in this way. Not only did I know him as an authority figure in junior high and high school, he became my trusted colleague at T.C. Williams." Lawson said she was pleased to present Kenney with flowers during the presentation as a token of appreciation for all he has done over the years as a part of the ACPS coaching staff.
In paying tribute to Kenney, retired Principal Carolyn Lewis called him, "Dependable, outstanding work ethic, mild-mannered, good friend, devoted to family, a gentle giant." Basketball Manager Damien Williams said, “He was a great person to work with during basketball season when I was the T.C. boys basketball manager." Retired teacher Zac McBride said he considered Kenney as one of his mentors, “Steve could always keep you calm through tough situations.”
*Nominations for the Class of 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame are currently being accepted in four categories, including individual athletes, teams, coaches and administrators and community contributors and must be submitted before the Jan. 31, 2025 deadline.
- 2024-25