Alexandria families showed up and showed out last weekend, rain and all, for the city’s annual Back 2 School Slam Jam — a community celebration dedicated to getting local students ready for the new school year. According to The Zebra, even wet weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of attendees who gathered to enjoy the festivities and take advantage of back-to-school resources.

The Slam Jam has become a beloved Alexandria tradition, bringing together residents, community organizations, and local supporters in a spirit of collective investment in the city’s young people. Events like this one reflect the deep community bonds that make Alexandria a special place to grow up and raise a family.

Also making waves in Alexandria this week is the recognition of a standout local business leader. Jen Walker has been named Chamber ALX’s 2026 Business Leader of the Year, according to both The Alexandria Brief and The Zebra. The honor, awarded by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, celebrates Walker’s contributions to the city’s business community and her impact on the broader Alexandria area.

The dual recognition — a community celebration for students and a professional honor for a local leader — paints a picture of a city that champions its residents at every stage of life. Whether cheering on the next generation at a school-supply event or lifting up an accomplished entrepreneur, Alexandria continues to find reasons to come together and celebrate what makes the community thrive.

As the new school year approaches, the energy from the Back 2 School Slam Jam serves as a reminder that Alexandria’s greatest strength is its people — neighbors who show up for one another, rain or shine.

Sources: thezebra.org, thezebra.org