“Young people deserve someone to acknowledge their hopes, dreams as aspirations

… be the foundation for them knowing their worth.” –Dawn Staley

ON FEBRUARY 22, 2026, FROM OUR COMMUNITY WE RECOGNIZE

                                               Gwendolyn A. Reynolds

This educator’s life work reflects a deep commitment to community, equity and empowerment. For more than thirty years Gwen has championed the power of relationships as the foundation for building strong connected communities. She has dedicated her career to uplifting students and ensuring they are seen, heard and valued.

As an educator in Albemarle County Schools, Gwen created the first African American Studies curriculum, paving the way for more inclusive and representative learning experiences. Her commitment to equity extended beyond the classroom through her leadership in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her excellence in mentoring both students and teachers earned her the prestigious Golden Apple Award.

Her influence also reached into student -led clubs and Step performance teams at Albemarle and Monticello high schools, as coach for over twenty years. These programs fostered cultural pride and academic achievement and artistic expression while supporting learning centers by strengthening school communities and traveling abroad to share the artform with diverse cultural groups.

Beyond education Gwen has been an active community member. Through her years of service on the board of Piedmont Housing Alliance, she worked to raise awareness about equitable housing practices and champion affordable housing initiatives.

A dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Delta Kappa Gamma chapter), she has served in multiple leadership roles, exemplifying scholarship, sisterhood, and service. She has also coached girls’ and junior varsity basketball and faithfully taught Sunday school, mentoring young people in every space she entered.

Gwen believes teaching is a way to honor her mother’s legacy: “Leave it better than you found it.” Through her unwavering dedication to students, schools, and community, she has done exactly that — leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire generations.