On April 7, the Wilson atrium was unrecognizable. The usual swarms of students were replaced by dinner tables, live music, and a catering company. This was the Wilson Gala, an annual event sponsored by the Wilson Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO). Parents and community members buy $75 tickets to attend, and proceeds go to the PTSO.

“The gala is part of our fundraising efforts for the school. We use funds raised via the Gala, or via any other fundraising efforts to support our community grant program.” said PTSO fundraising co-chair Jackie Bennett, who was one of the main organizers of the event. Bennett says that this is the third annual gala, and it has by far been the most popular.

“This year the gala was sold out,” she said, “and there was a lot more interest from people both inside and outside the Wilson community.

Both Mayor Bowser and Attorney General Karl Racine were present and gave speeches at this year’s Gala.

Part of the proceeds from the event, and a donation from the IMF will go towards the opening of a Print Shop at Wilson, which would provide with students access to writing volunteers, computers, and printers. Principal Martin stated in her newsletter that she hopes the opening of this will increase equity and improve writing for all students at Wilson.

The PTSO will sponsor the event again next year, and they hope for another great turnout.