Sure, it was hot and humid, and then rainy. But nothing could dampen the excitement of DCPS Night at Nationals Park. DCPS students and staff came out in full force on Wednesday, June 4 to watch the Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies, but also to celebrate the DCPS spirit. Chancellor Kaya Henderson kicked off the game with a killer first pitch. She had practiced earlier that week at the new Nationals Youth Baseball Academy near Sousa Middle School.
“Pitching is like teaching—it’s not easy,” said Chancellor Henderson.
Prior to the pitch, the evening began with a celebration of DCPS high school “All Stars” who were nominated by their schools for not only excelling in the classroom but also for their outstanding leadership on campus and in their community.
Jamal Taylor, a senior from Ballou STAY High School, was honored for his exceptional commitment to academics, making honor roll while also volunteering to tutor classmates, reading to elementary students, and always being the first to support his school. Jamal said, “I felt very blessed that they would think of me to represent my school.”
Johan Perez, a senior from Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School, was noted for serving as a student ambassador who also volunteers with the Field of Dreams Baseball Camp. He also tutors math to middle school students.
Johan said, “I was very excited when the principal told me that we could come down here. In fact, I got a little nervous. I am very humbled by the opportunity. ”
Kendall Claxton represented Duke Ellington School of Arts. She was chosen for her dedication to academic and artistic success, which led her to not only complete an exceptional amount of community service, but also to the top of her senior class. Kendall said, “I felt excited and honored to be chosen. It’s a privilege to be here.”
Lamar Davis, a senior from McKinley Technology High School, was chosen for his academic growth, and for earning a top award in Biotechnology. Lamar is also an active member of multiple organizations focused on developing young African American men. Said Lamar, “I was honored, delighted, and humbled to be selected.”
Abdullah Zaki, principal of Kelly Miller Middle School and DCPS’ 2013 Principal of the Year, delivered the Lineup Card.
DCPS was also represented by the “Starting Nine”-- athletes from DCPS’ top softball teams for the 2013-2014 school year. They took to the field just before the Nationals did, and even got to talk to a few of the players. The “Starting Nine” included softball players from Banneker High School, Cardozo Education Campus, Columbia Heights Education Campus, Dunbar High School, H.D. Woodson High School, McKinley Technology High School, School Without Walls, and Wilson High School.
