A10 The Afro-American July 11, 2026 - July 17, 2026
Friendship Public Charter School leaders unite for 2026 Summer Leadership Institute By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO On July 1, leaders of the Friendship Public Charter School community convened hundreds of educators and school administrators across its 15 campuses for the 2026 Summer Leadership Institute. The event was held at Lansdowne in Leesburg, Va. Led by Friendship Public Charter School CEO Patricia A. Brantley, the three-day retreat centered on strengthening leadership, advancing student achievement and preparing for the 2026–27
school year under the theme, “The Journey Prepared Us. Our Mission Leads Us Forward.” The gathering followed another year of outstanding results, with Friendship ranking first and second in the District for middle schools, while continuing its tradition of 100 percent graduation rates at its high schools. Together, leaders explored the strategies and shared commitment that continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for students and families. All AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Shown here, Candice Burns, leading a session for educators. The three-day event took place in Leesburg, Va.
Shown here, Tasia Bhegani (left), Friendship Public Charter School’s director of early childhood education; Damien Harris, Friendship Armstrong academy director and Dr. Amber Mukasa, deputy director of CapX at Friendship Public Charter School.
Patricia Brantley, CEO of Friendship Public Charter School, addresses participants of the 2026 Summer Leadership Institute.
Dr. Mary Torian-Dunnock (left), deputy chief academic officer for Friendship Public Charter School, shares a moment with Dr. Raymond Ivy (right), the institution’s director of educator pathways.
Steven Foster, Friendship Ideal Academy director, gives feedback at the retreat.
LaTanya Manning, director of ELA (K-8), shares her experience with attendees. Jennifer Carter, Friendship Woodridge Resident academy director, listens intently during the meeting.
Angela Das (left), hybrid K-8 program manager, connects with John Snowdy (right), principal of Friendship Ideal.
Candice Burns, senior advisor to the Friendship Public Charter School CEO, addresses the crowd.
Erica Stevens serves as director of multi-tiered system of support.
Ashley Royal, Friendship Woodridge principal, takes part in the discussion.
Shown here, Vielk ScottMarcus, Friendship Public Charter School’s chief academic officer.