Stafford County schools recently hosted its annual Gold Star Gala, recognizing outstanding service and licensed staff whose daily work strengthens student achievement across the division.
“High-quality educators and support staff are the foundation of student success,” Superintendent Daniel Smith said in an announcement of the event. “From the classroom to the bus route, from the cafeteria to counseling offices, each role plays a critical part in creating safe, supportive and engaging learning environments where students can thrive. The individuals honored at this year’s gala reflect the division’s core values, putting students first, acting with integrity, showing respect, building community, expanding opportunity, and striving for excellence in all they do.”
The winners in each category were:
- Bus Drivers of the Year: Joyce Mann, Trent Sisson and Allen Walker
- Bus Attendant of the Year: Irish Tilles
- Nutrition Services Employees of the Year: Bunmom Chung, Colonial Forge High School; Marcelina Machado, Ferry Farm Elementary School; Cecilia Medrano, T. Benton Gayle Middle School
- School Resource Officers of the Year: Deputy Jordan Murch, Dixon-Smith Middle School
- Assistant Principal of the Year: Heather Wright, Hartwood Elementary School
- Principal of the Year: Susan Weiderhold, Hampton Oaks Elementary School
- Counselor of the Year: Nicole Spangler, Grafton Village Elementary School
- Student Support Employee of the Year: Lauren Spinelli, Colonial Forge High School
- Service Employees of the Year: Cesealia Anderson, H.H. Poole Middle School; Mari Waite, Department of Student Support Services
- First Class Teacher of the Year: Luisa Olivo, Stafford Middle School
- Teacher of the Year (tie): Joseph Eveler, Stafford High School; Carrie Hammons, Grafton Village Elementary School
In recognition of excellence across the Stafford schools, Apple Federal Credit Union sponsored a $500 award to each division-wide recipient honored this year. Their continued partnership and investment in public education help celebrate the outstanding contributions of educators and staff members who inspire students, strengthen school communities and advance the division’s mission to inspire and empower every student, the announcement said.
“Recognizing excellence is an important part of building and sustaining a strong school division,” Stafford School Board Chairwoman Elizabeth Warner said in a statement. “Celebrations like the Gold Star Gala provide an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, skill and care that staff bring to their work each day, while reinforcing a culture that values growth, achievement and continuous improvement.”
