News Release
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2025
Contact
Gina Patterson, Executive Director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Montgomery County, Pittsylvania County, Stafford County, and Wythe County School Board Members Honored with VSBA Quarter Century Award
Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication to Public Education
Charlottesville, VA – At today’s awards luncheon during the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Annual Convention, Penny Franklin of Montgomery County Public Schools, Don Moon of Pittsylvania County Public Schools, Patricia Healy of Stafford County Public Schools, and Chalmer Frye of Wythe County Public Schools, were honored with the prestigious VSBA Quarter Century Award. This award recognizes a remarkable 25 years of continuous service on their respective school boards. The recipients were further celebrated this afternoon during the Opening General Session, where attendees acknowledged their commitment to public education and community service. This year’s awards were graciously sponsored by Southland Industries.
Franklin offered words of wisdom for new board members and aspiring leaders: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make sure you have all the information you want and need to make decisions, and its ok to disagree.”
Reflecting on his service, Moon shared, “It’s rewarding to see the improvement in the students over the years I have been on the board.”
When asked if he had ever thought of stepping away from his board, Frye answered, “Occasionally stepping away was considered, but the desire to help kids was still the main source for wanting to serve.”
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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