Sgt. Cassandra Branch and Master Deputy Wakeatin Carter of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office March 13 at Mount Vernon Community School.
Janet Barnett   

Alexandria City Public Schools and community leaders gathered March 13 at Mount Vernon Community School for the Third Annual Alexandria City Essential Workers Appreciation Week celebration.

The event paid tribute to all essential workers from healthcare staff — including school nurses — to law enforcement officers, firefighters, bus drivers, snowplow drivers, nutrition staff, building engineers, custodians, security personnel, teachers, instructional assistants, counselors and support staff.

“Essential workers in our school division are vital because they make it possible for ACPS to deliver a quality education that is equity-focused for all of our students and allow us to have learning environments that help our students grow and thrive,” said ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt.

Essential workers from the City of Alexandria and ACPS shared why they love their jobs.

“It’s entertaining to visit the schools once a week,” said Master Deputy Wakeatin Carter of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office on his role as a middle school liaison. “We greet them during arrival and dismissal, eat lunch with them. I enjoy the community outreach.”

MVCS students staged a special presentation in honor of all essential workers.

“You are essential and extraordinary and an indispensable asset to our schools and community each day!,” added MVCS Principal Jennifer Hamilton in her welcome address.

The week included a social media campaign (#ThxACPSEssentialWorkers) that encouraged community members to participate in honoring essential workers in Alexandria.