Stories of success shared at farewell reception

Friday, February 3 marked the end of Michele Wickham’s tenure as executive director of the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation, and dozens of people gathered to say their farewells at a celebration held that afternoon. PWCS staff, including several School Board members and Education Foundation Board Members, offered stories, hugs, and gifts of appreciation throughout the reception.

Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Technology Services, Keith Imon, thanked Wickham for her years of service with the Education Foundation, and noted how much the School Division had gained from her work. He went on to tout Wickham’s accolades, listing some of her most notable achievements including the implementation of the EduLink parent communication system; the launch of the “Read to Achieve” program with KidBiz; the partnership with Exxon Mobil for the K-5 Math Specialist Program; contributions of more than $320,000 through the Innovative Grants program; and the continued growth of both the annual golf tournament and the spring gala. When speaking of the golf tournament, Imon asked the audience, “Who else but Michele could have hundreds of golf balls dropped from a helicopter?”

Superintendent of Schools Steve Walts also offered his thanks and congratulations, noting that the crowd alone who gathered for Wickham’s departure is a testament to her years of service.

Ben Swecker, Supervisor of Media Production Services, presented Wickham with a caricature created for her on behalf of the Media Productions and Community Relations offices. The piece, which brought chuckles of laughter from the audience, included a rendition of Wickham on a golf course cooking a superintendent’s breakfast with golf balls raining down from a helicopter.

Mark E. Laskowski, president of the Education Foundation, wrapped up the ceremony by speaking about the tremendous impact Wickham made during her tenure. He jokingly reminded her to “expect numerous phone calls” as her colleagues begin trying to fill in the pieces after her departure.

Wickham served as Director of the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation for seven years. She has left the foundation to join Springwell College Prep as their Director of Marketing, and will be focusing on franchising nationwide. She will also represent Springwell College Prep on the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation.

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