VOICES: Stories from Alexandria City Public Schools

Kathy remembers her first day in a U.S. school, she was just eight years old, had just arrived from Honduras, and spoke no English. Two years later, Kathy is now working on the same level as her English speaking peers, is a model student, and excels in math. English learning teacher Katie Knowles talks with Kathy about that scary first day of school, missing tamales and her dreams for the future.

Troy Isley was a student quick to tangle with others, but his principal, Dr. Patricia Zissios, saw him as a young man brimming with untapped potential. Years later the AIBA World Boxing Bronze Medalist and Olympic hopeful stopped by to visit with her.