ALEXANDRIA, VA — Patricia Morgan has been around Alexandria City Public Schools for a long time, from being a graduate of what was then T.C. Williams High School to starting as a custodian in 1981. She’s still there after 42 years and played a key role in helping Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morgan started as a custodian in 1981 at then-T.C. Williams High School, now Alexandria City High School. She continued that work before relocating to William Ramsay Elementary School in 2007, then landed at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School in 2010.
The key to Morgan’s longevity with the school system has been giving back to the community and working with kids.
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“The kids give me energy and a purpose,” Morgan told Patch.
As one of the few essential workers allowed in the school building in the early pandemic, she was often stationed at the front door to assist families with needs, whether it be food or requests to fix technology.
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Morgan says it was lonely not seeing the faces of students and staff in the early pandemic. But once students began returning, custodians like her had a crucial part in keeping students and staff safe.
“We kept the building clean, and we disinfected all day,” she said.
Adaarema Kelly, the principal at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, credits “Ms. Pat” with going “above and beyond the job description every single day.” One example has been helping with the food pantry and picking up produce from farmers markets for it.
“She is the heart and soul of Samuel Tucker, and she’s just been a gift to us,” said Kelly. “She is the matriarch of our school.”
Another example was Morgan’s work during the pandemic. Along with helping families with requests at the school entrance, “Ms. Pat” packed over 700 bags with supplies for all the school’s students to ensure they had all of the supplies during remote learning.
Morgan is also a trusted adult who is there to greet students every morning.
“Students would sometimes rather go to her than classroom teachers when they are in need,” said Kelly.
Morgan has no plans to leave her job as long as she’s able.
“I’ll keep working here, God willing,” said Morgan. “The kids keep me going and knowing I can make a huge difference in these children’s lives.”
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