As a member of AJC’s very first class, Darrell Atkins is part of the foundation of Anna Julia Cooper School. He says he still shares AJC’s story wherever he goes, telling everyone about the love and special people here. Darrell recently stopped by while working in the neighborhood, and couldn’t help but grin ear-to-ear as he spotted his 8th grade photo on our wall. His warmth and bright smile haven’t changed a bit. He looked around at a school now serving hundreds and couldn’t quite believe how much it has grown since 2009. After high school Darrell explored work as an electrician and landscaper before finding his calling with Groundwork RVA, a local nonprofit. Going on five years now, he has helped expand Richmond’s tree canopy — planting trees and bringing shade and relief from the heat, especially at bus stops and throughout nearby neighborhoods that need it most. Having grown up with his “hands

Anthony Bullock, AJC Class of 2019 and UPRVA student, discovered theatre during his high school years at St. Christopher’s School, where he performed in plays and announced for the football team Now pursuing a Bachelor Fine Arts in Theatre at VCU, Anthony reached out to Head of School Mike Maruca with the idea of bringing a theatre elective to AJC. The result? His class performed The Grinch during our Christmas program, sparking confidence among a handful of budding actors. Seventh grader Ne’Veah, who played the Grinch, shared, “I just really like expressing myself — this was a new way to do that, so I wanted to try it.” She appreciated Anthony’s willingness to model projection and movement in each class. “He didn’t just tell us what to do, he showed us,” she said. Anthony hopes to offer the elective again next year, giving more students the chance to find their

The Scholastic Writing Awards for the Richmond region were recently announced, and our students showed up in a big way. Even though the competition is open to students ages 13–19 — and our writers are among the youngest — they made a strong impression. Honorable Mention awards were given to five middle school students, while 8th grader Zy’Quis W. won the Promising Artist Award for his poem “A Squid Dresses Up for Halloween,” and 7th grader Caiden L. earned a Silver Award for his poem “Never Knowing.” A huge congratulations to 9th grader Aniylah C. (AJC ’25), who received a GOLD Award for her poem “The First Night,” written at AJC last year. Even more exciting — Aniylah was selected as one of just five students across all writing categories for an American Voices nomination. Aniylah will be honored at a ceremony at Dogwood Middle School next month, and her poem will move on to the national competition. We are incredibly proud of all of these talented poets and the powerful voices they are