Commanders donate money to D.C. school to fund football program

It’s been a difficult year for the Digital Pioneers Academy and the Commanders helped end the school year on a positive note.

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It was a trying school year for the Digital Pioneers Academy in Washington, D.C. The public charter school suffered three tragic losses, as two students were victims of gun violence, and teacher Keenan Anderson died in Los Angeles after he was tased by police while in town visiting family.

The two students were 14-year-old Antione Manning and 16-year-old Jakhi Snider.

On Wednesday, it was the last day of the school year at the Digital Pioneers Academy, and the Washington Commanders were present to surprise the school.

Team president Jason Wright, along with players Darrick Forrest, Kamren Curl, Saahdiq Charles, Jaret Patterson and director of alumni relations Tim Hightower, visited the school to announce a $75K donation to the Academy to fund its first-ever football program.

Mashea Ashton, the CEO and founder of the Digital Pioneers Academy, had the following response.

“Today, to be very honest, is so bittersweet because I can see Jakhi standing right here. I can see Antoine standing right here. I can see Mr. Anderson right here. And I think about them often,” Ashton said. “I think about how in this darkness, we’re going to turn this darkness to light.”

From now on, June 14 will be Washington Commanders Day.

“Your partnership, your presence, and your gift today is not just for our football players who are right here; it is for our whole community. June 14, 2023, and thereafter — mark it in your book — June 14 will always be the Washington Commanders Day,” Ashton said.

Kudos to the Commanders for making a difference in their community.