business leaders with awardsSPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), recently hosted the 2026 Business Partnerships of the Year Reception at the Hylton Performing Arts Center to celebrate the powerful connections between schools and the business community.

The evening highlighted the critical role school‑to‑business partnerships play in student success, from expanding real‑world learning opportunities to helping students envision and prepare for their futures. Inspiring remarks throughout the night encouraged both new and established partners to reflect on the impact of their involvement and explore additional ways they can support schools and make a lasting difference for students.

Dawn Davis, executive director of SPARK, opened the formal program by welcoming guests and setting the tone for an evening focused on gratitude, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

Melissa Boyle, president of SPARK, introduced Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, who delivered an appreciative and forward‑focused address. Dr. McDade emphasized the vital role community partners play in strengthening learning experiences and improving student outcomes, noting their contributions were instrumental to the success of the PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan. She highlighted how partnerships expand career exploration, mentorship, and real‑world learning opportunities while preparing students for an evolving, AI‑driven workforce. Looking ahead, Dr. McDade encouraged continued engagement through SPARK to support the PWCS Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan, reinforcing that sustained collaboration is essential to ensuring equitable access and long‑term success for all students.

Dr. Babur Lateef, School Board Chairman‑At‑Large, expressed his gratitude for the partnerships that play a critical role in supporting students and schools. He shared that strong community involvement is a cornerstone of student success and thanked partners for their unwavering dedication to PWCS.

The 2026 Business Partnerships of the Year Reception served as a celebration of collaboration, impact, and shared commitment—recognizing the partners who help make student success possible today and who will continue to shape thriving futures through Elevate 2030.

Following remarks from Saif Rahman of JR Real Estate Group, the event sponsor, representatives from each of the presentation sponsors announced this year’s Business Partnership award recipients:

  • ProVets Consulting and Gainesville Middle School: In 2024, Professional Vets Consulting Group, LLC (ProVets) and PWCS formalized a partnership aligned with the school division’s strategic plan and its commitment to ensuring all students have equitable access to opportunities and support systems that promote academic success, well-being, and college, career, and life readiness. ProVets donates 100% of the food distributed through Gainesville Middle’s weekend backpack program and provides a wide variety of thoughtfully selected food items every four weeks. The partnership addresses food insecurity while strengthening community engagement and shared responsibility for student success, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and physically.
  • Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue and Unity Reed High School, Career Technical Education: This partnership expands student opportunities and career skill development, while strengthening the local public safety workforce. Through the Public Safety Program, students graduate with industry-recognized certifications that prepare them for essential, high-demand careers. To date, eight program graduates are employed by Prince William County Fire and Rescue, with an additional 17 students currently applying for employment with the department, demonstrating the program’s strength and impact.
  • Prince William County Community Foundation, Inc. (PWCCF) and PWCS Student Health and Wellness Department: PWCCF leverages extensive community relationships to connect Student Health and Wellness with local organizations that provide school physicals and immunization clinics in accessible locations for students who need them. By helping families obtain school entrance physicals and immunizations, the partnership removes barriers to attendance, which directly supports consistent learning and student engagement. Since its inception, the partnership has positively impacted 4,833 students and is designed to be sustainable for future years.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Sharon Henry Community Partner in Education Award to Marit Majeske, education coordinator for the Hylton Performing Arts Center (HPAC).

Majeske leads HPAC’s education initiatives, providing diverse arts experiences at no cost to learners of all ages. She offers exceptional support to PWCS as a collaborative partner to the Visual and Performing Arts team and volunteers extensively at PWCS summer community events and school-based community pop-ups, helping ensure families have access to important resources and opportunities. She has also supports book distributions during Teacher Wellness Days, uplifting educators and reinforcing a culture of care.

A proud PWCS graduate, Majeske continues to make a lasting and meaningful impact across the school division. The award was presented by Allison Henry, the daughter of the award’s namesake.

SPARK extends special thanks to the event’s sponsor, JR Real Estate Group, and to the event’s presentation sponsors—Finley Asphalt and Concrete, IMEG Corporation, and Perkins Eastman – whose support helped make the evening a success.