Two longtime theater department teachers at Alexandria City High School were honored Dec. 14 as they celebrated a 20-year partnership that will soon be coming to an end.

Hope Bachman and Leslie Jones have produced and directed dozens of theatrical performances in a co-teaching arrangement that will culminate in the 2024 spring musical production of Bring It On.

“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of being part of a theater department partnership is pretty special,” Jones said. “For me it is also celebrating 33 years of servicing students and 25 years at T.C.”

Bachman and Jones first joined forces shortly after Bachman began her teaching career at what was then T.C. Williams High School. Jones was in her eighth year of teaching at the school when Bachman approached her about forming the partnership.

“This is really all about the kids,” Bachman said. “I am proud of the partnership we have built but the kids are what makes it all worthwhile.”

Jones will be retiring at the end of the school year with the upcoming musical Bring It On being the last collaboration for the drama duo.

Said ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan, “We are so appreciative of the unwavering commitment that Leslie Jones and Hope Bachman have shown in their two decades of service to Alexandria City High School students and our school community.”

“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of being part of a theater department partnership is pretty special.”

— ACHS theater department teacher Leslie Jones