Teachers from around the region were honored for their work during a brunch event held recently by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
On June 18, the chamber invited teachers and administrators to its Teacher Appreciation Breakfast held at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. According to Carley Swaim Walker, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Community Development, the event was conceived in order to recognize teachers for their dedication, innovation and impact.
Walker said that the chamber has held similar events for first responders and jumped at the chance to do something similar for teachers when approached by superintendents and school board members. In addition to Fredericksburg, public school teachers from Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties were all honored for their efforts.
Virginia Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Samantha Hollins was among those who honored the teachers. Hollins said that this event was in line with one of the department’s main missions: to elevate Virginia educators through the Elevate Virginia Educators initiative.
The chamber presented 27 awards in eight categories to teachers; the first accolade went to Fredericksburg teacher Tala Selah.
A first-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School for the past two years, Selah was described during the award presentation as a “nurturing, creative force in her first-grade classroom,” who “inspires students and families through compassionate, foundational teaching.”
“It feels wonderful,” she said of receiving the award. “This is what I’ve been dreaming of doing for over 10 years now. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was 14 and I’ve been working for it. It’s so awesome.”
Another notable award winner was Stafford County teacher Briana Bahr, who was the only recipient of the Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award. This award honors an educator who goes above and beyond to create a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
An English teacher at Mountain View High School, Bahr’s work in her classroom was described during the presentation as one that “celebrates diversity through inclusive texts, student choice, and culturally responsive instruction. Her student-first approach uplifts every learner and redefines success.”
Bahr said that part of her success came from integrating young adult contemporary novels into the classroom. This included books such as “All-American Boys” by Brenden Kiely and Jason Reynolds, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and a personal favorite of Bahr’s, “I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erica L. Sanchez.
“It’s a little surreal,” she said about receiving the award. “I wasn’t really expecting any of this.”
The final honor of the day, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Caroline County math teacher Beth Burnap. A teacher of over 30 years, Burnap’s contributions were said to have included inspiring “both students and colleagues through her passion, mentorship, and commitment to excellence.”
Burnap offered advice to future teachers: “Follow your passion, keep it up, stay with it, it’s so rewarding.”
Other award winners included Jeremy Thompson of Caroline Middle School, Aaron Boatwright of Edward E. Drew Middle School, Aiden Flynn of A.G. Wright Middle School and Christine Harper of Spotsylvania County Public Schools, all of whom received the Rising Star award along with Selah.
Corey Williams of Riverbend High School and Professor David Marsich of Germanna Community College both won the Innovative Classroom Award.
Wendy Bundy of Germanna Community College, Teysha Jerels of Park Ridge Elementary School, Angela Eppenstein of the Phoenix Center for Innovative Learning and Elexis Clemons of Lewis & Clark Elementary School were all awarded with the Student Advocate Award.
Kerrie Pierce and Katrina Wynes of King George Middle School, Shermeka Baker-Latney of Caroline Middle & High Schools and Amy Hamm of Stafford High School were all winners of the Community Impact Award.
Brian Raska of Hartwood Elementary School, Allen J. Hicks, Executive Director of Secondary Schools and Leadership for Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Daniella Smith, Principal of Cedar Forest Elementary School and Reitha Abed of the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center were all presented with the Excellence in Leadership Award.
Amanda Armentani of Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Amber Walde, King George High School, Dr. Eric Vanover of Germanna Community College, Rebecca Hillmann of Conway Elementary School, Anna Fox of Madison Elementary School and Kelly Scofield, The Oberle Academy were all given the Outstanding Educator Award.
