Living Legends of Alexandria Induction Ceremony
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, twelve legendary residents celebrated at the Masonic Memorial for shaping the city’s past, present, and future through service, leadership, and heart. This year’s Legends include Mary Lee Anderson, Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, Gerald File, Charlotte Hall, Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Noah Lyles, David Mercer, Robyn Nichols, Patrick O’Brien, Kitty Porterfield, Adrienne Terrell Washington, and Gerald Wanzer. Dr. Hall-Haynes serves as a consultant and web administrator for the Vickie Belk Scholarship Foundation.
Alexandria, VA — The grand hall of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was filled with applause, laughter, and heartfelt moments on Wednesday evening as the city gathered to celebrate the Living Legends of Alexandria Class of 2025. The annual event, one of Alexandria’s most anticipated civic traditions, recognized twelve residents whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left an enduring mark on the community.
Judy Belk, Jasmine Haywood and Aprile Belk attended the ceremony hosted on November 12th. The reception brought together local leaders, family members, and residents to honor this year’s honorees — a diverse group spanning public service, education, athletics, and cultural preservation.
The evening was guided with warmth and wit by Mary Wadland, founder and publisher of The Zebra Press, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Known for her engaging style and deep connection to the Alexandria community, Wadland set a celebratory tone that carried through the entire evening.
Among those honored was Noah Lyles, the Olympic medalist and world champion sprinter who grew up in Alexandria. Lyles, the youngest Living Legend ever named, received a standing applause not only for his athletic achievements but also for his commitment to inspiring local youth. “I’ve always said Alexandria gave me my start,” Lyles told the crowd. “Being recognized by my hometown means more than any medal.” First-time attendee Jasmine Haywood stated, “It was such an inspiring evening. I learned so much from listening to the honorees’ life stories. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the people who paved the way for many benefits we enjoy in the city today.”
As the evening drew to a close, one theme stood out: the power of community. The 2025 Living Legends each represent different paths, yet all share a deep commitment to service and a belief that one person can make a difference. For residents in attendance, the ceremony was more than a recognition of individual achievement — it was a reminder that the city’s legacy continues to grow, one Legend at a time.
An additional ceremony to Celebrate some of “Our Own Living Legends was held on, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. Here is a summary link to the celebration.
Celebrating Our Own Living Legends of Alexandria
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Oakland Baptist Church (OBC) and EBH & T Associates hosted “Celebrating Our Own Living Legends of Alexandria” at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel. Dr. Iburia Hall-Haynes, Vickie Belk Scholarship Foundation Consultant, Web Administrator and OBC member, was honored with four other Living Legends of Alexandria, members of OBC and/or the historic community near OBC, Woods Place. In addition to Dr. Hall-Haynes, the honorees included Mrs. Lillian Patterson, Ms. Carolyn Lewis, Mrs. Frances Terrell and Mrs. Arminta Wood.
The celebration gathered in reverence and joy to honor some individuals whose lives have shaped our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Each living legend celebrated was a beacon of legacy, uplifting generations through service, advocacy, and grace. A summary of the event is shared by clicking on the link that follows. Celebrating Our Own Living Legends of Alexandria