NNPS celebrates exemplary support staff employees
Published May 22, 2026
Newport News Public Schools employees whose contributions are key to student success received awards for their work’s positive influence on the school division each day.
An honoree from each school and one from each of eight administrative departments was recognized at the school division’s Exemplary Support Staff of the Year banquet on May 21 at the Marriott at City Center.
“This will be an evening of thanks and tribute to 50 exemplary employees who come to work each day with one goal in mind - to do all they can to ensure that our students graduate ready to contribute to their communities,” Newport News School Board Chair Dr. Terri Best said, as she welcomed attendees.
“Honorees, please know that what you do every day matters.”
Employees chosen for the award set themselves apart by extending outstanding service to students and families, taking ownership of their entire school and worksite communities, and serving as role models and mentors for students and colleagues.
“This has truly been a wonderful evening,” said Darrell Pankratz, executive director of Secondary Teaching & Learning and K-12 programs. “I have enjoyed celebrating this recognition with you, and I thank you for your dedicated service to our students, families, staff and the community.
“It is an honor to serve with you.”
2026-2027 Exemplary Support Staff of the Year
Elementary Schools
- Kimberly Mceachern, An Achievable Dream Academy, Master Bus Driver II
- Kelley Ingram, Carver Elementary, Records Secretary
- Allison Herber, Charles Elementary, Instructional Assistant (SWD)
- Anesa Morgan, Deer Park Elementary, Administrative Secretary
- Eric Ashton, Denbigh Early Childhood Center, Lead Custodian
- Roy Johnson, III, Discovery STEM Academy, School Security Officer
- Wendy Johnson, Dutrow Elementary, Instructional Assistant (SWD)
- Tyrone Eley, General Stanford Elementary, Custodian
- Gregory Heard, Greenwood Elementary, School Security Officer
- Shakera Jackson, Hidenwood Elementary, Instructional Assistant (SWD)
- Kelly Webster, Hilton Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Karen Vaught, Jenkins Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Derrick Ward, Katherine Johnson Elementary, Lead Custodian
- Karyn Wilson, Kiln Creek Elementary, Registrar/Records Secretary
- Julie McNally, Knollwood Meadows Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Lisa Winston, Marshall Early Learning Center, Instructional Assistant (SWD)
- Avé Scott, McIntosh Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Rachel Causey, Newsome Park Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Merril Spiller Kirsch, Palmer Elementary, Instructional Assistant
- Lindsay Sessions, Richneck Elementary, Registrar
- Laura Humphries, Riverside Elementary, Instructional Assistant IV (ESL)
- Tammy Williams, Sanford Elementary, FACE Specialist
- Ingrid Boyd, Saunders Elementary, Cafeteria Manager
- Shaina Jamison, Sedgefield Elementary, Instructional Assistant (SWD)
- Bianca Poma, Stoney Run Elementary, Library Media Assistant
- Kasey Gatling, Watkins Early Childhood Center, Instructional Assistant
- Erin Cross, Yates Elementary, School Nurse
Middle Schools
- Christina Fisher, Crittenden Middle School, Administrative Secretary
- Richard Frank, Ella Fitzgerald Middle School, School Security Officer
- Ranger Iradukunda, Gildersleeve Middle School, Technology Support Specialist
- Glenn Riter, Hines Middle School, Technology Support Specialist
- Zachary Chavers, Huntington Middle School, School Security Officer
- Avianna Campbell, Passage Middle School, Bookkeeper
- Christopher Daniel, B.T. Washington Middle School, Custodian
High Schools
- Michael Grounds, An Achievable Dream Middle & High, Cafeteria Manager II
- Abdoulaye Diagne, Denbigh High School, Custodian
- Bonnie Shields, Enterprise Academy, Administrative Secretary
- Jesse Lilliston, Heritage High School, Instructional Assistant
- Susan Burnette, Menchville High School, Administrative Secretary
- Gaye Sinclair, Point Option, Lead Custodian
- Darrnell Mackey, Warwick High School, Senior Custodian
- Chereese Rosado, Woodside High School, Administrative Secretary III
Administration & Central Offices
- Michell Buckley, Administration Building/Telecom, Executive Secretary
- Carmen Garcia, Adult Ed. and Workforce, ESL, GED, ESL Communications Liaison
- Joshua Westheimer, Child Nutrition/Warehouse, Courier
- Robert Washington, Gatewood/Campus for SS, School Security Officer
- Sara Cole, Human Resources/Payroll, Benefits Technician
- Rhyian Ellis, Plant Services, Carpentry Crew Leader
- Chris Reynolds, Technology, Online Learning Systems Specialist
- David Jarrett, Transportation, Area Key Driver
