Celebrating DC Kids – All In For DC Youth Reception

Burrville Elementary Principal Dr. Chunita Pilgrim, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, and Adeola Lawal

What an amazing evening! A group of passionate and dedicated individuals came together to support DC students. The event recognized Dr. Chunita Pilgrim, Principal of Burrville Elementary School, who was awarded the Principal of the Year Award. Kim Lawal and Adeola Lawal accepted the Partner of the Year Award on behalf of the Children’s Gift Foundation.

Burrville Elementary School, also known as the Ville on the Hill, is located in Ward 7 and serves 278 students in grades PK3-5. According to the DCPS School Profiles Home website, the school’s PARCC Math Student Performance for the academic year 2022-23 is 22-23%.

CISNCAP has been in partnership with Burrville Elementary School since 2018. The relationship between CISNCAP and Burrville Elementary has been successful partly due to the close and trusting relationship that Principal Pilgrim created with her CISNCAP Site Coordinator, Asja Smith. Ms. Smith said, “Principal Pilgrim’s vision for Burrville is truly remarkable. She inspires and motivates everyone around her to become the best version of themselves. Under her leadership, the school has grown significantly each year, and it’s no surprise that the Ville on the Hill is on top. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for education are truly inspiring.”

The Children’s Gift Foundation was also honored at the event. The Foundation has partnered with CISNCAP since 2004 and provides resources such as clothing, shoes, canned food, and hygiene products to students enrolled in our ten partner schools.

The Children’s Gift Foundation’s mission is to provide underserved, at-risk, and homeless children with new educational supplies, apparel, and other resources, free of charge from infanthood to age eighteen.

“The Foundation provides CISNCAP with essential resources that help students overcome barriers that impede their focus and success,” said Dr. Lewis. 

The Honorable DC Councilman Chairman Phil Mendelson opened the reception by sharing his excitement and reassurance that he was familiar with the critical needs of DC students and clearly understood how the partnership between CISNCAP, Burrville Elementary School, and the Children’s Gift Foundation all work seamlessly together to create a community of support for DC Students.