A8 The Afro-American April 4, 2026 - April 10, 2026
Shown here, from left to right: Denise Roden; Dr. Elizabeth Primus; Darrin L. Glymph, Esq.; Donald L. Hense; Dr. Deborah M. McGriff; Carol Thompson Cole and Victor E. Long, Esq.
Friendship Public Charter School hosts annual Teacher of the Year Gala By Patricia McDougall On March 28 Friendship Public Charter School hosted its 18th annual Teacher of the Year Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The event pulled together nearly 1,000 educators, civic leaders, elected officials and philanthropic
partners for one of the city’s premier education events. Hosted by veteran journalist and commentator Roland S. Martin, the evening reflected both the splendor of the occasion and the seriousness of the work honoring the educators who are shaping the future of Washington, D.C. At the center of the celebration was the announcement of this
Nijah Brown, a teacher of Friendship Blow Pierce Campus, is named 2026 Friendship Public Charter School Teacher of the Year.
Wayne Marshall (left) and Cami Mazard pause for a moment with First Lady Candice Burns and Pastor Engel Burns, of Rising Sun First Baptist Church.
year’s Teacher of the Year, Nijah Brown of Friendship Blow Pierce Elementary and Middle in Ward 7. Brown earned the recognition after her fourth-grade English Language Arts students delivered the highest-performing results across the Friendship network. All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Each year the Friendship Public Charter Teacher Of The Year Gala recognizes excellence in education. This year, the event was held at the National Building Museum in D.C.
Above: Vielka Scott-Marcus (left), chief academic officer for Friendship Public Charter School, enjoys the gala alongside Jacque Patterson (second from left), president of the D.C. State Board of Education, and Betty and Sam Gough (far right).
Right: D.C. Councilmember at Large Robert White greets Ayinde Spradley, principal of Friendship Woodridge International Elementary and Middle School, as John Snowdy (center), principal of Friendship Ideal Elementary and Middle School, and Kun Ye Booth, principal of Friendship Technology Preparatory High School (far right) look on.
Sonja Shelton and Jim Shelton, CEO of Blue Meridian Partners, enjoy the evening in some of their best threads.
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D.C.- Ward 4) (left) fellowships with Friendship Founder Donald L. Hense and Friendship CEO Patricia A. Brantley.
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