Last year, Dr. Felecia Christian, one of Louisa County Public Schools (LCPS) assistant principals/special education team members at Louisa County High School (LCHS), passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

According to school officials, she was a bright light of love and kindness for the school division whose passing was tough for fellow staff members. She had a passion for all students and believed every student had a voice worth sharing.

On June 9 and June 10, LCPS held a dedication ceremony at all four elementary schools. Four communication boards, one at each school’s playground, were dedicated in Dr. Christian’s memory to keep her legacy alive for many years to come. The boards help students of all ages and abilities share their emotions and thoughts with each other.

The boards were installed through the generosity of a private donor who wished to support the children of Louisa County in Dr. Christian’s name.

Dr. Carla Alpern is the assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. She oversees the special education program and Dr. Christian was one of her special education coordinators, in addition to a close friend over the course of knowing her for nine years.

The playground communication boards have symbols on them; nonverbal students can point to things they want to do on the playground, and the boards have directions for teachers and parents to effectively use them.

“In her work in special education working with individuals who couldn’t use words to speak, we felt this was a good way to honor her legacy,” Dr. Alpern said. “Dr. Christian was amazing. She really cared that every individual had a voice and a choice in communicating with others. The boards allow everyone to have that opportunity…we wanted to make sure her decision to the community was noted. The boards each have a plaque to honor her with her name to let everyone know she has a lasting legacy in Louisa County for the time she was with us and the impact she made on students and families.”