Foundations Give Back to DC Schools

By: Maria Salciccioli, Senior Policy Analyst

LaSalle-Backus Education Campus was the recipient of a generous library transformation grant from the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, Heart of America, and the Dale Jr. Foundation. The school, located in Ward 4, won the award because its students showed a consistent commitment to literacy through the Redskins Read Program. On Friday, April 20, Ward 4 Representative Dr. Lannette Woodruff and I went to the grand opening of the beautiful new library. The three foundations donated $100,000 to the project, and in addition to a complete redesign, the library also gained 350 books, 20 iPads, 20 laptops, 20 sets of headphones, new furniture, and a Smartboard.

When we arrived, we saw Redskins players painting an inspirational message on the wall outside of the library, and they were happy to interact with students, staff, and other attendees. Dr. Woodruff also had the opportunity to meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The school had prepared a short ceremony, complete with a ribbon cutting, and they had chosen a group of 2nd and 8th grade students to watch the ribbon cutting. Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans spoke, as did the school’s principal, Justin Ralston, and its Assistant Principal who oversees literacy, Shelly Gray. Heart of America’s President and CEO, Jill Heath, spoke directly to students and asked them to commit to reading more and taking advantage of their new space.

The event was fun for everyone involved, and we were excited to see the beautiful new space for LaSalle-Backus’ students. We hope it inspires even more students to become lifelong readers!