At Large County Councilmember Jolene Ivey Attends Fifth Annual All-County Awards Recognition Luncheon

At-Large Council Member Jolene Ivey has long understood that leadership is not simply measured in legislation, but in the lives uplifted along the way. That philosophy was on full display as she joined the Prince George’s County Girls Basketball Coaches Association (PGCGBCA) and Metropolitan Prep, Inc. to celebrate the Fifth Annual All-County Awards Recognition Luncheon—an event that has grown into a defining showcase of excellence for young women across the county.

Held at the Prince George’s County Ballroom in Landover, the invitation-only luncheon brought together more than 60 of the county’s top female high school basketball players, their coaches, families, and community leaders. For Ivey, the event represents far more than an awards ceremony—it is a reflection of her enduring commitment to youth development, education, and opportunity.

Since its inception, Ivey has been a visible and vocal supporter of the program, helping elevate what began as a grassroots initiative into one of Prince George’s County’s premier celebrations of student-athletic achievement. Over the years, the luncheon has honored more than 250 young women, recognizing not only their performance on the court but also their dedication in the classroom and their leadership in their communities.

“When Coach Hairston invited me to be part of this celebration, I was thrilled,” Ivey said. “Watching young women who excel and thrive in school and in sports is exciting. We have so many talented youth in our county—celebrating every single one of them is the best part of my job.”

That perspective is deeply rooted in Ivey’s public service career. Known for her advocacy in education, public safety, and family-centered policy, she has consistently emphasized the importance of investing in young people—not just through funding, but through recognition, mentorship, and access to opportunity. Her presence at the luncheon underscores a broader belief: that when communities celebrate their youth, they strengthen their future.

The awards themselves carry significant weight. Selected through a rigorous nomination and review process led by county coaches and the PGCGBCA selection committee, honorees are recognized across multiple tiers, including First Team, Second Team, Honorable Mention, and the prestigious Player of the Year distinction. These accolades serve as powerful affirmations of discipline, perseverance, and excellence.

For student-athletes, the impact is both immediate and long-term. Recognition at this level can open doors to college recruitment, scholarship opportunities, and broader exposure within competitive athletic networks. More importantly, it reinforces the value of balancing academics and athletics—an essential foundation for success beyond high school.

The benefits extend to schools as well. Programs represented at the luncheon gain visibility, credibility, and renewed motivation. Coaches, often working behind the scenes with limited resources, receive acknowledgment for their role in shaping not only athletes but well-rounded young leaders. This collective recognition helps foster a culture of excellence across Prince George’s County schools, encouraging continued investment in girls’ sports programs.

Moreover, the luncheon highlights the growing importance of equity in athletics. By centering female student-athletes, the event sends a clear message: their achievements matter, their stories deserve to be told, and their futures are worth investing in. In a region known for producing elite basketball talent, initiatives like this ensure that young women are equally celebrated and supported.

For Ivey, that mission aligns seamlessly with her broader vision for the county. By championing initiatives that merge education, athletics, and community engagement, she continues to position Prince George’s County as a place where young people—especially young women—can thrive.

As applause filled the ballroom and awards were presented, the significance of the moment was unmistakable. It was not just about honoring points scored or games won, but about recognizing resilience, ambition, and promise. And at the center of it all stood a councilmember who understands that true leadership is measured by how well a community nurtures its next generation.