The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding educators from across the region during the 2026 Educator Appreciation Brunch and Awards held June 23 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The annual event recognizes the teachers, educators, and administrators who are shaping the future through leadership, innovation and dedication to student success.
Educators representing Caroline County, King George County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, the City of Fredericksburg, Germanna Community College, and the University of Mary Washington were recognized for a commitment to excellence and a positive impact on students throughout the region, according to a news release.
Winners from Germanna Community College.
“The Fredericksburg region is fortunate to have educators who inspire, innovate, and invest in the success of every student,” stated Carley Walker, director of WorkForce NOW and executive vice president of Workforce and Community Development of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s honorees exemplify the dedication and leadership that help prepare our future workforce while strengthening our entire community.”
Awards were presented in several categories recognizing excellence in education:
Rising Star Award
- Joe Sotomayor- Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
- Dondre Harris- Battlefield Elementary School
- Samantha Sullivan- Thornburg Middle School
- Tiffany Josephs- Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
- Cameron Woodard- Lafayette Elementary School
- Mary Mulligan- Caroline Middle School
- Sarah Sulser- King George Elementary School
Winners from Caroline County Public Schools.
Innovative Learning Award
- Steve Pavey- Stafford County Public Schools
- Gabriel Cerrillo- Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
- Terri Rinko- King George High School
- Kristina Peck- University of Mary Washington
Student Advocate Award
- Lori Kizner- Thornburg Middle School
- Dr. Mari Dyer- Spotsylvania County Public Schools
- Dr. Melissa White- Lotus Academy
- Ta’layah Davis- Student, Stafford High School
Community Impact Award
- Rebecca Morris- Germanna Community College
- Danelle Livingston- Lafayette Elementary School
- Noah Hughes- Caroline High School
- Mari Waite- Parent Teacher Resource Center Stafford
Winners from King George County Public Schools.
Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award
- Christy McDonald- Post Oak Middle School
- Nicole Knight- Spotsylvania High School
- Karen Bingham- Falls Run Elementary School
Visionary Leadership Award
- Andrew Bathke- Stafford High School
- Heather Wright- Stafford County Public Schools
- Jacinta Calzada-Mayronne- Fredericksburg City Public Schools
- Dr. Rebecca Towery- University of Mary Washington
Outstanding Educator Award
- Joseph Eveler- Stafford High School
- Genevra Meyer- Lafayette Elementary School
- Ciera Jacobs- Lafayette Elementary School
- Sarah Vaughn- Caroline County Public Schools
- Tammi Minter- Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center
- Jessica Derrick- Heritage Christian Academy
Educator of the Year Award
- Lisa Lewis- Hugh Mercer Elementary School
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Richard Yost- Fredericksburg Christian School
