At Anna Julia Cooper School, we are blessed by the generous hearts of those who volunteer to walk beside us in our work. One such soul is Lee Hatcher, one of this year’s Gabriel Award recipients, who has been a cherished volunteer in Mrs. Fritz’s second‑grade classroom since 2022.

Mr. Lee shows up—faithfully and warmly—every Wednesday to be part of the work of learning, discovery, and sometimes the chaos that comes with a room full of second graders. Lee’s service extends beyond the classroom too. For five years, he has served as a Lunch Buddy in our Lower School, spreading joy and making calm, steady friendships with students and staff alike. The minute he steps through the door, faces light up. Thanks for sharing your time with us, Mr. Lee!

“If you’re wondering how well-liked Mr. Lee is by our students, you’d only need to be out on the playground when he arrives on Wednesday afternoons to find out–you’d hear shouts from current and past students saying hi, giving hugs, and updating him on their lives.”

-Second Grade Teacher, Mrs. Fritz