ACPS presented VIP Awards in the category of Licensed Specialists in our school division this month. Four employees who exhibit “Vision, Integrity and Passion” have been selected from the nominations submitted in this category.
The award recipients include:
- Chanel Alford-Campbell, technology integration specialist at Francis C. Hammond Middle School (presented virtually)
- Andrea Heckel, literacy instructional coach at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School
- Maureen Selgas, school counselor at the Minnie Howard (MH) Campus of Alexandria City High School (ACHS)
- Christina Trozzi, school counselor at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
Christina Trozzi has been at Cora Kelly Elementary School for eight years. “She worked tirelessly to help us become RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) certified—making us the only RAMP-certified elementary school in ACPS, ” said Leigh LaPaglia, school social worker, who was among those nominating Trozzi. Teacher Ashley Sandoval adds, “Ms. Trozzi is a pillar in Cora Kelly. The building would fall down without her!”
School counselor at the ACHS-MH Campus, Maureen Selgas was singled out for providing encouragement and practical assistance for students who struggle with social problems and significant emotional trauma. “She’s a listening ear and a ‘soft place to land’ for students in crisis,” is how Parent Liaison Ana Bonilla put it in nominating Ms. Selgas, who is known for bringing innovative ideas to address areas of concern. At Minnie Howard, Selgas co-founded the Lunch & Learn soccer club whose goal is to help develop leadership skills, strong work ethics and healthy sportsmanship.
Andrea Heckel, a literacy instructional coach at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School, is considered a VIP for teaching its staff so much about best practices in literacy while demonstrating how to strive for excellence in times of never-ending change. “She creatively thought of ways to instruct our students during the pandemic and continues to tirelessly advocate for best practices in reading,” added Cristin Reeder, English as a second language teacher, in nominating Ms. Heckel.
The award recipient from Francis C. Hammond Middle School is Chanel Alford-Campbell who, as a technology integration specialist, served as a recent presenter on women in educational technology roles at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education. Hammond’s Grade Six Academic Principal Paul George, along with the school’s administrative team, agree, “She is invested in our success.” Among their accolades were Mrs. Alford-Campbell’s reputation of being very passionate about the effective implementation of technology instruction as well as the social, emotional, and academic success of Hammond’s students and teachers.
The next VIP Award category is Support Staff. This includes Central Office support, as well as building-level support staff, including administrative assistants, instructional assistants, ACPS monitors, and school security officers. Nominations are due by Feb. 15, 2022. Download and post the VIP Award Flier (PDF) at your school or worksite and encourage staff to nominate their colleagues! Award recipients will receive an ACPS gift bag and certificate as a token of appreciation for a job well done.