NNPS honors 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year
Published May 6, 2026
Newport News Public Schools celebrated all 42 of its 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year and three division-wide honorees were announced on May 5 at the Marriott at City Center.
Warwick High School math teacher John Lovett was chosen High School Teacher of the Year and Division-wide Teacher of the Year, with Richneck Elementary School fourth grade teacher Loni Kite recognized as Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Crittenden Middle School English teacher Tracey Sykes awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year.
"Each day you bring learning to life," said Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. "You create spaces where students feel seen, valued and inspired. You go beyond instruction because you build confidence, you ignite curiosity and you shape futures."
Jenkins Elementary School reading specialist Michelle Young, 2025-2026 NNPS Division-wide Teacher of the Year, was the keynote speaker. Young described the varied and creative efforts that teachers make in helping students succeed, and the rewarding feeling that comes with finding what works for each one.
"Because every small moment, every risk, every step forward -- it matters," Young said. "And when we keep showing up for our students, and for each other, that's how we grow."
Lovett has been teaching for 31 years, including teaching at Warwick since 2021 and at Heritage High School from 2003 through 2016. He also serves as an assistant coach for Warwick's track and field team.
Lovett teaches Algebra I, Algebra 2 and Honors Algebra 1 to ninth through twelfth graders. He is described as a mentor, role model, and supporter of students and staff.
Lovett thanked Warwick High School, Warwick Principal Tiffany Thompson and NNPS Instructional Supervisor for Secondary Mathematics Mary Parrish for their support.
"I really, truly am humbled by this and I want to thank you," Lovett said.
2026-2027 Teachers of the Year
Elementary Schools
- Audra York-Edwards -- An Achievable Dream Academy
- Gabrielle Patrick -- Carver Elementary School
- Ronnett Altmon -- Charles Elementary School
- Wendy Lilliston -- Deer Park Elementary School
- Nora MacDonald -- Denbigh Early Childhood Center
- Laura Schmitt -- Discovery STEM Academy
- Nathan Cabello -- Dutrow Elementary School
- Tommy Eby -- General Stanford Elementary School
- Leighann Duong -- Greenwood Elementary School
- Logan Ballard -- Hidenwood Elementary School
- Jessi Mallory -- Hilton Elementary School
- Madeleine Wellman -- Jenkins Elementary School
- Christine Steigleman -- Katherine Johnson Elementary School
- Kami Wagner -- Kiln Creek Elementary School
- Kiley Keck -- Knollwood Meadows Elementary School
- Michele Hamilton -- Marshall Early Learning Center
- Elizabeth August -- McIntosh Elementary School
- Ashley Gibson -- Newsome Park Elementary School
- Peter Kuhr -- Palmer Elementary School
- Loni Kite -- Richneck Elementary School
- Chloe Collins -- Riverside Elementary School
- Heather Ivey McSwine -- Sanford Elementary School
- Dionne Ellis, Ph.D. -- Saunders Elementary School
- Malcolm Carpenter -- Sedgefield Elementary School
- Amanda Hughey -- Stoney Run Elementary School
- Kristin Hayward -- Watkins Early Childhood Center
- Ann Bloom -- Yates Elementary School
Middle Schools
- Tracey Sykes -- Crittenden Middle School
- Angela Reed -- Ella Fitzgerald Middle School
- Virginia Palencia, Ph.D. -- Gildersleeve Middle School
- Delvin Mayfield -- Hines Middle School
- Annquinetta Moss -- Huntington Middle School
- Erica Lawton -- Passage Middle School
- Deborah Moore -- B.T. Washington Middle School
High Schools
- Carl Emblidge -- An Achievable Dream Middle & High
- April-Nicole Beach -- Denbigh High School
- Tiffany Walker -- Enterprise Academy
- Kim Smith -- Heritage High School
- Judi Overbey -- Menchville High School
- Hassan Dubose -- Point Option
- John Lovett -- Warwick High School
- Courtney Privette -- Woodside High School
