Hello AATF Followers! As promised in the previous post, we are now introducing AATF’s five talented new fellows!

First up is Wes Bellamy, a Class of 2009 graduate from South Carolina State University with a degree in Business Management. In his brief two years as a post-graduate, Wes has done remarkable work for the Charlottesville-Albemarle community and has gained extensive experience working with young people.

Wes originally came to Charlottesville to pursue a career in politics with dreams of becoming a state senator. After interacting with people in the area, it became clear to Wes that he could have a highly positive impact on his community through dedicating himself to teaching. He rejected admission to four different law schools to devote himself to making a difference in Charlottesville-Albemarle public schools. Last spring he served as a  substitute teacher for Monticello High School and as a Teen Center Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of America. Wes’s ultimate goal is to become a high school principal.

In addition to teaching, Wes has played a significant role in coordinating several community projects to lend support to socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Along with many other projects, Wes has organized three “Spring Fling” block parties in low-income neighborhoods which provide free food, free haircuts, nutrition and health knowledge, and job training information. For Wes, what’s most important in coordinating these block parties is that “the patrons and children of these communities are shown that  someone cares about them.”

Albemarle High School is excited to welcome Wes on board as a full-time teacher in the fall! Click here to view Wes’s profile.