At APS we are fortunate that many community members support the school system by donating their time to help our students receive the best education possible. Dedicated volunteers contribute in many capacities throughout our schools, from serving as a member or officer in a PTA, to participating on an advisory group, to reading to 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 volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to our schools. Honored Citizens have demonstrated a sustained commitment of at least five years to Arlington Public Schools. These dedicated individuals have donated significant time and energy to a broad range of volunteer activities throughout the school community. Click here to review a historical list of Honored Citizens from 1975 to 2018. 2019 Honored Citizens recipients pictured above.
For 2019, the School Board has named 12 outstanding volunteers as Honored Citizens. On May 30, 2019, the Board celebrated these individuals with a reception recognition ceremony at the beginning of the Board’s meeting.
This year’s Honored Citizens are:
John Adair – Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Community Garden
Gladys Buendia – Barret Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School
Melvi Gomez – Claremont Elementary School
Mercedes Juarez Chaclan – Campbell Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School
Rabia Oubenadi – Arlington Science Focus, Williamsburg Middle, Yorktown High School
Donna Owens – Yorktown High School, Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee, Dyslexia Taskforce
Tom Patchen – Oakridge Elementary, Gunston Middle School
Debra Pearson – Taylor Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, Dorothy Hamm Middle School
Karen Perrote – Ashlawn Elementary, Kenmore Middle, Washington-Lee High School
Meredith Purple – Nottingham Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, Yorktown High School, ACI
Melissa Schwaber Hawkins – Claremont Elementary, Henry Elementary, Gunston Middle School
Evan Thomas – Drew Model School
If you have any questions, please contact the School Board Office at school.board@apsva.us or 703-228-6015.
