You Deserve This: Rosa Landeros Named a Living Legend of Alexandria
Rosa Landeros has been bestowed a major honor — named as one of just a handful of outstanding citizens who become Living Legends of Alexandria each year.
Alexandria, VA – She’s been a much-loved and respected figure as the Parent Liaison at Mount Vernon Community School for the last twenty years and has touched the lives of thousands of children and their families in that time.
Now Rosa Landeros has been bestowed a major honor — named as one of just a handful of outstanding citizens who become Living Legends of Alexandria each year. Past honorees include Coach Herman Boone and Ferdinand T. Day.
She said, ”It is a true honor and I was speechless when I learned the news.”
“Humbly I will continue to give my best, as I am fortunate to love what I do. I truly believe that I was awarded this recognition due to the hard work of our wonderful Del Ray-Arlandria community for which I’ve been blessed to serve for so many years.”
The mission of Living Legends of Alexandria is to identify, honor and chronicle the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way.
In naming her a 2020 honoree, the non-profit which has been recognizing extraordinary individuals of our city for more than ten years, said, “As parent liaison at Mount Vernon Community School, Rosa Landeros has advocated for students, provided food and clothing for students in need and arranged gatherings to bring together families in the Spanish- and English-speaking communities of Del Ray and Chirilagua.”
Among many other good deeds, each year Mexican-born Landeros collects winter coats for students who may otherwise go without. Her door is always open to parents needing guidance and advice and she is a lifeline to our newly-arrived Hispanic families as they navigate an unfamiliar U.S. education system.
Recently, her work bringing the Hispanic and native English-speaking population together was featured in the Washington Post and in ACPS Express.
From Neighbors to Friends was born out of her determination to address the disconnect between the two parent groups who she recognized had the desire to become closer but were unsure how to bridge the gap.
Now, every Tuesday morning a group of thirty or so mothers of past and present students meet in the Mount Vernon Community School cafeteria.
Parents pair off with a partner of the other language and with the help of prompt cards and subject areas, conversations begin which often don’t end at the culmination of the gathering.
The group’s existence sends a message: everybody is equally welcome and valued at the school.
As part of the program, Landeros arranged for English classes once a week at Casa Chirilagua community center led by a parent at the school who volunteers her time to help the group of Hispanic women improve their language skills.
She described this endeavor as one of the highlights of her career.
Mount Vernon principal Liza Burrell-Aldana paid tribute to her staff member.
Ms. Landeros is an institution at MVCS. Her love for our families and kids are demonstrated through her dedication and passion for her work on a daily basis.”
“As an administrator I feel blessed to count on her wisdom, support, and knowledge of our community. She truly makes a difference in our lives.”
The 2020 Legends will be formally recognized and introduced to the public at the 13th annual Meet the Legends reception on March 19 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
For information, to volunteer, become a sponsor, or nominate a future Legend, visit the Living Legends of Alexandria website or contact [email protected].
ICYMI: How One ACPS School is Helping Two Communities Become One
