Alexandria Ayala, candidate for Palm Beach County School Board, District 2, recently created a virtual card, congratulating high school seniors on their accomplishments and wishing them luck moving forward after graduation.

The virtual card was sent to community members so all could sign and leave a short message for the graduates. Dozens responded, signing the virtual cards with words of wisdom and congratulatory messages. 

“No matter how this year ended, remember all you accomplished before that. You should be proud! This is a start to something new! Congratulations, Class of 2020!” wrote community member Valeri P. 

Teachers also signed the virtual card distributed by Alexandria. “So proud of all of you! So lucky I got to teach some of you! Now, use your education and go out into this world to make it better!” signed Jennifer H. 

Alexandria knows first hand how hard the seniors have worked to graduate and believes they deserved recognition for their work. A product of the Palm Beach County School District, Alexandria attended Palm Springs Elementary, Palm Springs Middle, and graduated from John I. Leonard High School. 

“While high school graduation is a cumulation of years of hard work, having the last year be interrupted has to be difficult,” offers Alexandria. “That’s why I decided to create a virtual card. The graduates have so much to be proud of, and I want to make sure they understand what a great accomplishment this is.”

As she runs for the Palm Beach County school board, Alexandria focuses on prioritizing students’ access to the opportunities they need to succeed. She plans to bring a fresh perspective to the board to ensure the Palm Beach County Schools and education system are working not only for students but supporting teachers, parents and employees.  

Alexandria credits the positive structure throughout school on her ability to work hard and help others in her professional and personal life. “I always worked hard, throughout my academic career, but I leaned on teachers, counselors, administrators, and principals to guide me to success.”

Throughout her career, Puerto Rican-born Alexandria has always shown pride in her Hispanic heritage and has continuously advocated for women and higher voter participation. If she wins the election she will be the first Hispanic woman to serve on the School Board, an opportunity she is excited for.

Alexandria graduated from the University of Central Florida, where she majored in journalism and political science. Then, she went on to be a Legislative Aide for the Palm Beach County Commission, where she strived daily to address community concerns, form successful partnerships, and encouraging policy initiatives to foster successful programs that strengthened the community and empowered residents. 

Alexandria is committed to making her community better through activism.  She is a member of several groups including the Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Advisory Commission on Women, Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County.  

Palm Beach County School District held virtual online High School graduations for seniors May 26 to June 5. 

To learn more about Alexandria Ayala, visit www.alexandriaforschoolboard.com.