Women's History Month: Honoring the Legacy of Educators and Leaders

Women's History Month shines a light on the remarkable accomplishments of women from all walks of life. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as Women's History Month. The 2025 theme, selected by the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” 

Every year a presidential proclamation is issued, celebrating the contributions of women as well as recognizing specific achievements women have made in a variety of fields over the course of American history. Women’s History Month honors the contributions of women to history, culture and society. As educators, women have played a vital role in shaping the minds of future generations.

As we observe Women’s History Month, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) celebrates the achievements of women within the school division, as many of them helped to create the educational opportunities our students now experience. Several ACPS schools bear the name of women who have made a difference in the Alexandria community.

When the Parker-Gray School opened in 1920, it was named in part to honor African American educator Sarah Gray. Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy is named in part after teacher Jane Solomon Crouch. Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology is named after educator Cora Kelly, the daughter of former Alexandria Police Chief James Webster. The Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus bears the name of Minnie Stansbury Howard. While she was not a teacher, she devoted much of her life to the welfare of children. Naomi Lewis Brooks served as an educator and non-profit leader and is the namesake of Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School.

As part of this month’s celebration of women in history, on March 8 we also observe International Women’s Day, a global day that honors the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day dates back to the early 1900s and has been sponsored by the United Nations since 1975.