Paul Public Charter School has successfully hosted our first Paul International High School Homecoming since reopening our building and grounds to daily, in-person learning in the Fall of 2021. Homecoming is the festive tradition of welcoming back former students and members of the community to celebrate an organization’s existence. It is traditionally held in the autumn, or early winter on an annual basis in many high schools and colleges.

The morning of Homecoming began with Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, who presented a Certificate of Recognition to Paul PCS to uplift our 21 years of outstanding service to the Brightwood and larger District community. Paul PCS CEO, Dr. Tracy Wright received the resolution on behalf of the Paul family. Councilmember Lewis represents Ward 4, and was elected to the Council of the District of Columbia in 2020; she is a third-generation Washingtonian and native of our ward.

Homecoming and the 21st anniversary of Paul PCS were intentionally weaved directly into our #PAULPCS21: 21 Years of Legacy development campaign.
#PAULPCS21 includes the scaled launch of three programmatic elements:

  • Engaging community partners and stakeholders in the Paul experience
  • Celebrating the success of Paul students out loud and online
  • Providing a plan to continually stay in contact and direct support to Paul Alumni through mentorship and sustainable aid during their collegiate years

As the morning progressed, the newly elected Royal Court and Student Government Association members met Councilmember Lewis George in their uniforms and regalia; their sashes are sponsored by the Omicron Lambda Alpha – DC Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. who also manage the My Brother’s Keeper program at Paul. Councilwoman Lewis George also caught up with our College Placement manager, Ms. Lewis-Taylor. Ms. Lewis-Taylor taught Lewis George during her time as a classroom instructor in the DC Public School system.

The day culminated with a parade of athletic teams, clubs, and community-based organizations, Metro Police Department, and Virginia-based Veterans of Foreign Wars. Scholars also enjoyed the DJ stylings of Ms. Cameron, also known as Lady Si. After the parade, Ms. Jones, head of the Athletics department, transitioned the boys’ football team to Riggs Lasalle Recreation Center, where they faced Cesar Chavez Public Charter School. The Paul PCS Cheer Squad also performed at the football game in support of our Pirates.

PIHS Homecoming festivities continued into the next week with several Spirit Days. Themes included 90s Day, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Crocs Day. Scholars participated in Homecoming and Spirit Days to build friendship amongst each other, comradery with faculty, and overall Paul school spirit after a long hiatus of face-to-face team building. Homecoming and other scholar-first events are also a great reward for the student’s hard work preparing for their Advisory 1 Interim Exams.

Paul’s leadership is united in our commitment to building culture by requiring our most essential events to still progress while fresh air and social distancing are maximized. Special thanks to Dr. Clarkson, the 2021 Homecoming Chair, and the Paul PCS Operations Team.