Congratulations to Sacred Heart Center and All Saints Catholic School, both of Richmond, on being selected for the 2022 Excellence in Virginia Government Awards! The ceremony, which will be held in person at the Downtown Richmond Marriott on Tuesday, April 26, recognizes Virginians who have made noteworthy contributions to the practice of government and the welfare of our communities and citizens.

Sacred Heart Center is the recipient of the Community Enhancement Award for its lifesaving efforts to educate and vaccinate the community against COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, it became apparent that the Latino community had low vaccination rates and higher hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19. Led by Executive Director Tanya Gonzalez, Sacred Heart Center worked with several foundations to educate and help vaccinate the local Latino community. The vaccination rate among Latinos is now above 80%, the highest in the Richmond area.

All Saints Catholic School is the recipient of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Award, named for the late Dr. Grace E. Harris, an African American woman whose vision and leadership had a significant impact at Virginia Commonwealth University and in the community. All Saints School is recognized for its work to prepare students for success in high school, college and beyond in its educational environment that promotes leadership skills, confidence and integrity among its nearly 200 pre-K to eighth grade students from diverse backgrounds. The school has a 100% high school graduation rate, and many alumni go on to attend college.

We are very proud of Sacred Heart Center and All Saints School for their outstanding work to improve the quality of life for residents of Virginia!