One of the Arlington Public Schools’ Strategic Plan goals is to “build effective relationships with parents and the community so that they know about and actively support the education of our students.” APS is fortunate that many citizens support this important goal, and each year hundreds of Arlingtonians donate their time to help our students receive the best education possible. These dedicated volunteers contribute in many capacities throughout our schools, from serving as a member or officer in the PTA, to participating on a citizen advisory group, to volunteering to read to our students. Many volunteers return year after year and their contributions are greatly appreciated.

In 1975, the Arlington School Board established the Honored Citizen award to recognize those community members who have made extraordinary contributions to the schools on a voluntary basis. Honored Citizens have demonstrated a sustained commitment of at least five years to Arlington Public Schools. These dedicated individuals have committed significant time and energy to a broad range of volunteer activities throughout the school community. Each year the School Board celebrates these outstanding community members with a reception and a recognition ceremony. 

2017 Honored Citizens:

Nancy Birnbaum – Barrett Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School, Yorktown High School

Jim Coates – Yorktown High School

Nancy Davis – Carlin Springs Elementary School

Lee Dioso – Ashlawn Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School, Washington‐Lee High School

Susan DuBois – Barcroft Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, Wakefield High School

Kia Haynes – Drew Model School

Chips and Priscilla Johnson – Yorktown High School

MacKenzie Kearney – Claremont Elementary School, Williamsburg Middle School, Yorktown High School

Kelly Maguire ‐ Patrick Henry and Carlin Springs Elementary Schools, Jefferson Middle School

Mary Smaragdis – Long Branch Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School,Washington‐Lee and Wakefield High Schools

James Smith – Hoffman‐Boston Elementary School, Elimination of the Achievement Gap Committee, Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee

See the Honored Citizen Historical List -1975 to 2016