A courtyard at Alexandria City Public Schools’ Early Childhood Center is now named in honor of the principal’s late son.
ACPS held a naming ceremony Tuesday (June 2) for the courtyard at the Early Childhood Center (5651 Rayburn Avenue). The name “Owen’s Place” references Owen Michael Wagner, the late teenage son of the center’s first principal, Heidi Haggerty-Wagner.
Haggerty-Wagner was in attendance at the name unveiling along with Alexandria City School Board members, ACPS leaders, students, staff, families, and community members.
According to ACPS, Wagner wanted to follow his mother’s example and become a teacher. He is remembered “for his kindness, gentle spirit and commitment to helping others” and also loved music and attending sporting events.
The new name is one of four new facility names the Alexandria City School Board approved in December 2025. The Kerry Donley Athletic Field Complex — the Fields at Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus — was named after former Mayor Kerry Donley, who died in 2022. Keith Burns Field at Parker-Gray Stadium, located at the high school’s King Street Campus, references the 1990 T.C. Williams High School graduate who went on to have a 13-season NFL career. Jean B. Reid Media Center at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School is a tribute to Jean Reid, who was a reading specialist, teacher and leader at various ACPS schools from 1971 to 2001.
