Graduation ceremonies were held at Mt. Vernon Community School on April 15, for 19 students who successfully completed the Alexandria Digital Divide Bridge after-school program.
Children were complimented on their achievements and were told how they could benefit from their new knowledge of computer technology and who they could help their adult family members increase their earning power.
Principal Lilia Lopez, welcomed the attendees and recognized the graduating class.
The chairman of the Community Foundation, Ralph Thompson, said the Foundation was encouraged by reports from the school that the technology training was increasing student self-confidence and that with increased self-confidence the students were earning better grades in other classes.
The Foundation has now completed four classes at Mt. Vernon and is seeking to move to other schools as well. Thompson said he was pleased Mt. Vernon would continue the classes at their own expense.
Mayor William Euille was a guest speaker during the ceremony. he said that originally he did not accept the need for new technology, but that today, he has learned to accept it and even carries a cell phone with him at all times.
THE MAYOR cited as another example of technology in today's world, Alexandria Police Department's recent national award for its ability to communicate quickly nationwide.
City Councilman Rob Krupicka stressed the need for technology skills in the workforce and noted that he had to learn it after he joined the workforce. "Today's children have the opportunity to learn it in school," said Krupicka.
Iburia Hall-Haynes, Curriculum Specialist for Technology, representing the Central Administration of Alexandria City Public Schools, was also in attendance. Sally Jaggar of The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, presented their training program as it related to computer literacy.