MARTINSBURG — Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter (EPAC) recognized Dr. Jessica Alfonso, assistant superintendent of the Department of Equity and Inclusion, as its educator of the year alongside several students and community members during its annual Jazz Brunch and Silent Auction event on April 12.
Alfonso shared that this award meant a lot to her following the events happening throughout the country and state and the removal of the DEI department. Alfonso will continue as the executive director of Organization Development and Student Learning Experience; however, her role at Berkeley County Schools is changing. She was struggling with her own sense of belonging. However, when Alfonso walked up to receive this award, she realized she was surrounded by people who experienced similar situations.
“I started out my speech saying that this was a full circle moment for me because a lot of my most cherished church family members are in this room,” Alfonso said. “These people were there in my formative years and I’m being recognized for something that I did on a senior leadership role in Berkeley County.”
Alfonso grew up in Berkeley County, graduating from Martinsburg High School. She was one of those students who was “falling through the cracks,” describing herself as apathetic. On a whim, she decided to attend Shepherd University where her mindset began to change. Since then, she’s realized how many students are like her and has strived to be the type of person she needed as a student by giving students a sense of belonging.
“I was one of those kids that wasn’t too much of a disruption and was just getting by,” Alfonso said. “And we have a lot of those kids in our district, and I think since I became assistant superintendent of Equity and Inclusion, it’s really important that both students and educators alike have a sense of belonging.”
She explained that since the pandemic, many people struggle with their purpose or psychological capacity. By validating them and letting people know they are there for them, Alfonso believes it helps give them the connection they need and helps them be more engaged.
She thanked EPAC for validating her work and shared that no matter what position she’s in, she will do her best for the students. She hopes to continue making sure all students have access to opportunities that will lead them to success. Alfonso joined several other educators, including Patrick Murphy and Rosa Clark, who received this award and inspired her personally to be a better educator.
EPAC also recognized scholarship recipients Sydney Bostic and Gabriela Rosario, EPAC Book Award recipients, Addison Payne, Daylin Hoyler, Josiah Meadows and Taryn Boyles, EPAC Service Award recipient Karen Newell, EPAC Service Award recipient Berkeley County Branch of the NAACP, Friends of EPAC Award recipients Doug and Judy Pittinger and Arts & Letters Award recipient Shepherdstown Book Festival. They were also recognized at the event for their impact on their community.