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A paraprofessional in a Washington, D.C., school wins Never Quit Service Award

Saqiyna Gray (second from left), a D.C. educator, received the 2022 Never Quit Service Award. Photo: Terrell Halsey
A paraprofessional in a Washington, D.C., school wins Never Quit Service Award
By AFSCME Staff ·
Tags: Our Stories Convention Never Quit

They call her Ms. K.

Saqiyna Gray, known as “Ms. K” to students and their families at Stanton Elementary School in Washington, D.C., is a paraprofessional/small group reading specialist. But everyone around her, students and teachers alike, say she is so much more – she’s the heartbeat of the school.

Gray, a member of AFSCME Local 2921 (District Council 20), is the winner of the 2022 AFSCME Never Quit Service Award, which recognizes public service workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make their communities better.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders introduced a moving video of Gray. And one of Gray’s former students, Fatmata Jarr, introduced her beloved teacher to the 45th AFSCME International Convention on Wednesday.

“You probably remember a teacher like her. The one you knew you could go to with any problem. The one who always listened to what you had to say. The one who always had a kind word and amazing advice,” Jarr said. “Ms. K. helped me through some really tough times, and I’m so proud of what she has helped me accomplish.”

The award was a surprise to Gray.

“I just appreciate all the love,” Gray said. “I'm going to continue to show up for my students, continue to stand with them.”

To read more about Gray, go here.

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