By Deja Jones
June 6, Hyattsville Elementary School hosted the first-ever Pride Festival in Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Hyattsville residents and PTA leaders Jamie McGonnigal and Amy Parker organized the event, alongside Aliya Yancey and Sara Bendoraitis. The festival aimed to celebrate identity and create an inclusive space for all families.
“Pride means never having to shrink to fit in someone else’s comfort zone,” McGonnigal said.
“It’s really important that kids know they have a safe space,” Parker added.
School board member Pamela Boozer-Strother praised the PTA on Facebook for promoting inclusion and supporting LGBTQIA+ students and families. “As an out and proud @pgcps Board Member” she wrote, “I continue my commitment to honor identity, promote inclusion & build community for all LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families.”
