Left to right: Saleh Hassen, 2017 SFA Award Winner. Jody Peters, ACPS AVID District Director. Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria Schools Superintendent; Jacinta Green, Alexandria Board of Education; Michael Porterfield, former SFA Chair, TCW Class of 1985; Katie Weinick, past president of the Del Rey Civic Association; Michael Diggins, 1990 SFA Award Winner, ACPS Director of Student Services. Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr., former ACPS Superintendent and 1995 SFA Award Winner; Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman. Photo: John Canary/Zebra Press
ALEXANDRIA, VA – On a rainy morning in mid-September, about 100 supporters of a famous foundation gathered for coffee and conversation at The Garden, a rustic, industrial-chic venue on Eisenhower Street.
In a post-event Zoom call, SFA Executive Director Jasmine Milone said of the event: From left to right: Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman; James Moran, former U.S. Representative, 8th District. Photo: John Canary/Zebra Press
“It’s an opportunity to thank the people who support us. And it’s not just people who donate money. It’s a combination of volunteering, financial donations, advocacy and partnership. It’s just a thank you. It’s a way of communicating.”
Guests were treated to a healthy and appealing breakfast that was a departure from the typical scrambled eggs and potatoes. Lox canapés, avocado bagel sandwiches, deviled eggs, chocolate croissants, and summer fruit were arranged on a long wooden table.
“SFA’s success depends on champions like you, and this community has never let us down. This spring, with your help, we will award $500,000 in scholarships to 213 graduates. ,” SFA President Kevin Jahns announced. “Our success depends on your support, and we appreciate it. This morning, we ask no questions, only say thank you.” Left: Kevin Jahns, SFA Director Long. Erin White, Mindy’s Catering. Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press Left to right: David Pritzker; John Porter, former principal of TC Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School), 2010 Living Legend Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press Left to right: Erin White, Breakfast Catering, Mindy’s Catering; Albie Dixon, SFA Relationship Manager. Photo: John Canary/Zebra Press
Later that morning, Alexandria Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt reflected on the dedicated supporters who had gathered for an early breakfast. “First of all, I think of this as a partnership,” Kay-Wyatt said. “We are so grateful to have such a generous and caring community that truly understands the value of investing in our students.”
Kay Wyatt continued: “This scholarship is more than just a scholarship. It’s a path to the future, and that future will soon be connected to this community.”
When the Alexandria Scholarship Fund began in 1986, it awarded just over $7,000 in scholarships to eight students. In the 39 years since then, the fund has grown. SFA has awarded nearly $20 million in scholarships and helped more than 5,700 Alexandria students attend college.
Mr. Milone outlined this year’s new fund initiatives. The board recently approved an increase of $3,000 to $5,000 for up to 25 General Fund scholarships.
“That’s important! The last time there was an increase was 10 years ago, and even then it was a modest increase. But unfortunately, college tuition continues to rise. Many of our students are struggling with financial need. There are a lot of students who go to a university that fully meets their requirements, but still have to work long hours or take out more loans than I would like.It can be a real ball and chain. From left to right: Saleh Hassen, Alexandria City Councilman Canek Aguirre. Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press An unusual and eye-pleasing breakfast spread. Photo: John Canary/Zebra Press
Milone emphasized that the Alexandria Scholarship Fund is set apart from similar programs across the country because it is embedded in a high school. SFA can provide practical support and work closely with students on site.
The U.S. Department of Education recently selected SFA as one of six community-based organizations in the country to be the first beta test site for the new FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) application. Alexandria was the only Virginian selected. From left to right: Alexandria City Councilwoman Aliyah Gaskins; Mehta Veers, National Association of Secondary School Principals Program Manager. Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press Left to right: Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt; former ACPS Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr.; Jacinta Green, Alexandria Board of Education; Photo: John Canery/Zebra Press SFA Executive Director Jasmine Milone thanks supporters and presents the “State of the SFA” breakfast report. Photo: John Canary/Zebra Press
“Last year’s application had a number of software issues and calculation errors that were a hindrance, so we are proud to have been able to award this many scholarships. We are committed to addressing these issues. I worked particularly hard with the students.”
SFA’s Black Tie Gala 2025 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26th at the Hilton Mark Center. It’s called “Alexandria’s Adult Prom,” and it’s an authentic portrait of elected officials and community leaders.
ICYMI: New Alexandria Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony September 30th
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