During the first half of the 20th century, the District of Columbia initiated a major building campaign to ease overcrowding in the public schools. By the century’s end, these structures no longer met our student’s needs. In 2007 the District launched the Public Schools Modernization and Stabilization Project to fully modernize all 123 elementary, middle and high school buildings and related administrative and support facilities. This year’s chair’s award is presented to a government project that celebrates the cherished history of our schools and our commitment to the city’s youth.