The Strawberry Mansion Alumni Association, in conjunction with Izzard Community Partners, held a teacher and staff appreciation luncheon at the high school on Wednesday, February 17th. The event was attended by several dozen teachers, staff, alumni and volunteers.

Andria Moore, a 1989 graduate and president of the alumni association, was one of the lead organizers of the luncheon.

“I want the staff at Strawberry Mansion to know that the alumni [are] here to support them, and that we are appreciative for all they do for our students,” Moore said in a press release.

Following Diane Sawyer’s 2013 visit to the school, which was broadcast on ABC’s flagship news program at the time, “World News with Diane Sawyer,” Moore and a group of 10 other alumni decided to act.

Their efforts have resulted in several projects aimed at helping students; from raising money for prom gowns to building up youth mentorship programs. “This is our way of giving back to the community,” Moore said of her involvement in the association.

In addition to sandwiches, chips, cake and beverages were also served at the luncheon which lasted for an hour and a half – giving teachers plenty of time to stop by when they could.

Culinary arts teacher, Stephen Corvett, has been teaching 10th – 12th grade students for the past three years at Strawberry Mansion and was thankful for the luncheon.

“It’s nice to know someone appreciates you,” Corvett said.

Jamar Izzard, another Strawberry Mansion alum, partnered with the alumni association to sponsor the food and beverages.

“The teachers are the front line,” Izzard said, “and we just wanted to show our appreciation in some way, and this is just the beginning stages.”