Each year, we honor the life and legacy of Gordon Wallace, Jr.—a founding board member whose vision, generosity, and steadfast belief in our mission helped shape Anna Julia Cooper School from the very beginning. Since his passing in May 2021, this day has become a tradition of giving back to our community in ways that reflect Gordon’s spirit, and an opportunity to grow support for our Endowment Fund, created in his honor.
In the afternoon, our middle school students jumped right in to several service projects:
- 5th graders made cat scratch boards at the SPCA
- 6th graders prepared 75 meals for CARITAS (lasagna, salad, rolls, and dessert)
- 7th graders organized a neighborhood cleanup and crafted notes of encouragement to incoming students
- 8th graders delivered flower pots, Spring Bash invitations, and smiles to our neighbors
The day concluded with a special Chapel service to honor Gordon and his family, led by Rev. Becky McDaniel, featuring a moving performance of Way Maker by 3rd graders Kennedy Cobb and Marchae Washington, a heartfelt message by Katye Snipes, and reflections inspired by Gordon’s Prayer from students Zy’Quis, Zyanae, A’Aniyree, and Kyrei. Thank you to those who contributed to our Gordon Wallace Endowment Fund, together we raised over $100,000 to support our mission for years to come.
Gordon’s Prayer & Student Reflections
Lord, make us thankful for these and all our many blessings:
Thank you for LOVE, that we can accept each other;
Thank you for love that we can accept each other; staying safe and believing in ourselves, treating others how we want to be treated. -Zy’Quis W.
Thank you for SRENGTH, that we can help each other;
Thank you for strength, that we can help each other when times are hard. Thank you for lifting me up to do my work even though it is hard. -Zyanae B.
Thank you for WISDOM, that we can understand each other;
Thank you for wisdom, as it helps us see where people are coming from. Thank you for wisdom as it brings questions to the table. – ZyQuis W.
Thank you for FAITH, that we can hang in there until things get better.
Thank you for faith, and the encouragement to go through our day. Thank you for faith and the hope we have gotten to follow our dreams. – Kyrei W.
Amen.
