Charter School Alum Spotlight: Alexys Hewlett

From Student to Educator: A Cesar Chavez Graduate Returns to Give Back

Alexys Hewlett's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of community. A proud graduate of Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy, Hewlett now stands in the same hallways that once shaped her, but this time as an educator.

A Foundation Built on Character and Community

Hewlett's time at Chavez helped her become a leader and understand the importance of service to others.

“Being a student there pushed me into community service, leadership, and understanding the importance of giving back,” said Hewlett. “I was constantly taught the value of stepping up, speaking out, and using my voice for something bigger than myself.”

Throughout her student years, Hewlett participated in transformative programs that opened doors she didn't know existed. As a Simon Scholar under the Simon Family Foundation, she gained access to college tours, mentorship, and eventually a scholarship that helped her pursue higher education. The Tiger Woods Learning Center sparked her interest in sciences through hands-on learning. Being selected as a Posse Nominee and an OSSE Scholar helped her see potential in herself that she hadn't fully recognized.

A Community That Never Let Go

What truly sets Chavez apart, according to Hewlett, is the support that extended far beyond graduation day.

"Even after graduation, I never lost that connection," she shares. "Former teachers checked on me, invited me back into the building, and reminded me that I was still part of a community that believed in me."

During her most challenging moments, when she felt like she had lost everything, Chavez became home once again. "They created space for me, nurtured me, and poured into me the same way they did when I was a little sixth grader trying to figure out who I was."

Hewlett gives special recognition to the educators who shaped her journey: Mrs. Partlow, the Ms. Millers (all three of them!), Mrs. Hurley, Ms. Posey, Mr. Talib, Mr. Ernesto, Mrs. Montgomery-Murry, and Mr. Toomer.

From Chavez to College and Back

Growing up in a single-parent household while navigating anxiety and depression, Hewlett persevered to earn her BFA in Studio Art as a printmaker and ceramicist from Virginia State University, where she proudly represents as a Trojan. She's currently pursuing a Master's degree in Special Education at VSU, working toward becoming a two-time HBCU alum.

Beyond the classroom, Hewlett has pursued her creative passions, building her own YouTube channel and creating LGBTQIA+ scripted drama series, including "She: The Series" and "[her]".

Coming Full Circle

Now teaching at Cesar Chavez, Hewlett has the honor of standing before her own students as an educator at the very school that raised her.

"To teach in the same hallways that shaped me. To give the next generation the same love, guidance, and push that Chavez gave me," she says. "I am who I am today because this community never let go of me, and I'm proud to pour that same energy back into the place that made me."

Why Charter Schools Matter

When asked why city leaders should support DC charter schools, Hewlett emphasizes their role as community anchors that provide more than just education.

"Charter schools help students build the confidence and skills needed to succeed beyond high school, whether they pursue college, careers, or creative fields," she explains. "They build strong relationships with students and families, offering mentorship, stability, and ongoing support that often continues long after graduation."

She adds, "Charter schools don't just educate students—they empower them to thrive, lead, and contribute to the city's future."

Alexys Hewlett is a testament to what's possible when a school community invests in a student not just for four years, but for a lifetime.