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Dr. Jones Awarded by VEA as Distinguished Educational Leader
April 16, 2020-- Dr. Zella H. Jones, principal of Weems Elementary School, has been named the recipient of the Virginia Education Association’s Mary Hatwood Futrell Award for Distinguished Leadership in Education. The award, named for the former Virginia Education Association and National Education Association President, honors leadership in fostering equality in educational opportunity and promoting equity and excellence in public education in Virginia.
Dr. Jones has been with Manassas City Public Schools for 38 years. She continues to use her educational leadership skills, along with being an active member in her sorority and a ministry leader at her church, to design and create programs giving minority students more opportunities to succeed. Jones is co-chair of Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI) and a facilitator for African Sisters Proud, Intelligent, Respected, Excelling (ASPIRE). Both programs help mentor youth.
VEA awards winners were scheduled to receive their awards at the VEA convention in March, but will now be recognized with individual ceremonies later this year.