Georgetowners of the Year 2024
By • December 11, 2024 0 47
The naming of Georgetowners of the Year has been a tradition of The Georgetowner newspaper for decades. Devoted and influential members of the neighborhood have received this distinction, such as Billy Martin, Pamla Moore, Leslie Maysak, Leslie Buhler, Bob Woodward, Nancy Taylor Bubes, the Rev. Rick Curry and Connie Milstein — as well as Peacock Cafe, Cafe Milano, the Four Seasons Hotel, Mt. Zion Methodist Church, Dumbarton Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Church, the Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park and the Friends of Rose Park.
This year’s group — selected by the editorial board — includes a university president, a grocery store owner, a historic cemetery and a dynamic women’s store with dynamic co-owners.
Jack DeGioia of Georgetown University
Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia. Courtesy Georgetown University.
John Joseph DeGioia — the 48th president of Georgetown University, 2001 to 2024 — is now president emeritus and a member of the faculty. He resigned to focus on his health after suffering a stroke in June.
As the first lay president of the nation’s oldest Catholic institution of higher learning, DeGioia has stressed Georgetown’s Jesuit traditions, while expanding the university’s presence. Under his tenure, a new science building, the Thompson Intercollegiate Athletic Center, two new dormitories, a campus in Qatar and a maturing downtown D.C. campus with the McCourt School of Public Policy, as well as programs in London and Shanghai, came into being.
It is the charming, personable DeGioia who has learned to work with the historic neighborhood and its residents outside the main gates of the campus at 37th and O Streets NW. The campus plan is a model of mediation between town and gown. His work on reconciliation with the school’s slavery past and its descendants is also to be praised.
DeGioia, who holds a B.A. and a Ph.D. from Georgetown, clearly bleeds Hoya blue — and is beloved by many near and far, who pray for his full recovery.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Jack DeGioia of Georgetown University is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2024.
Oak Hill Cemetery
Celebrating its 175th birthday, Oak Hill Cemetery is a historic 22-acre cemetery on R Street and a crown jewel of Georgetown. Founded by William W. Corcoran, Oak Hill is the burial place for many famous Washingtonians, such as Katharine Graham, Ben Bradlee, Herman Hollerith — and Willie Lincoln (formerly interred), inspiration for “Lincoln in the Bardo.”
Historian Paul K. Williams arrived at Oak Hill Cemetery as its 13th Superintendent three years ago and lives in the gatehouse at 30th and R Streets with his husband, two cats and a bell tower. He oversees current site sales, about 100 funerals a year, 10 employees and numerous contractors, who are restoring the historic $5-million Bigelow fence and carrying out major roadwork and historic renovation projects.
The Victorian cemetery and very contemporary Williams — who is president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown — are also involved in the community.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Oak Hill Cemetery is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2024.
Daniel Hong of Scheele’s Market
Daniel Hong of Scheele’s Market. Georgetowner photo.
Operating a 128-year-old neighborhood market is no simple matter. Scheele’s Market has been a staple at 1331 29th St. NW for generations. Indeed, several years ago, neighbors contributed to a special fund to ensure that the building remains a market through an agreement with the property owner.
South Korea-born Daniel Hong of Fairfax, Virginia, took over the unique grocery store with its loyal customer base from Donguk Kim five years ago.
“I love my customers and our neighborhood,” the smiling Daniel says. He graciously looks after his customers, especially the older ones. His grill master B.B. whips up an excellent steak ’n’ cheese. The small space is packed with necessary groceries, which he is always happy to add to upon customer request. His college-age son helps from time to time. Daniel’s optimism and strong work ethic are an abiding asset to Georgetown.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Daniel Hong of Scheele’s is a Georgetowner of the Year for 2024.
Krista and Alexa Johnson of Ella-Rue
Alexa Johnson and Krista Johnson. Georgetowner photos.
For 14 years, Ella-Rue co-owners Krista and Alexa Johnson have operated a full-service consignment destination “that strives to conserve and pair past designer pieces with current fashion to curate the perfect wardrobe.”
Their lively and lovely boutique — named after two rescue dogs — at 3231 P St. NW has become the go-to spot not only to check out fashionable clothes but also to meet some very interesting people. The sisters have sought out emerging, unique ready-to-wear lines to add to Ella-Rue’s assortment. The designers? Chanel, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Stella McCartney … to name a few of more than a hundred.
Always a hit at the French Market and involved in other community events, Ella-Rue has its own private-label jewelry with merchandise branding coming for jean jackets and pajamas.
Coming from Virginia, the Johnson sisters have quite a following. They have made their little and beautiful slice of Georgetown — their “favorite place” — a welcoming space for visitors and neighbors.
For such accomplishments — above and beyond — Krista and Alexa Johnson of Ella-Rue are Georgetowners of the Year for 2024.
