Champions for Impact Submissions

News • VSBA President’s Initiative • Champions for Impact Submissions

All of the Champions for Impact submissions can be found below! If you/your school division are interested in submitting, you can do so via this online submission form:

Click here for the online submission form!

Central Region

Albemarle County Public Schools – Sarah Reyes, teacher at Albemarle High School and 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year

Charlottesville City Public Schools – Clara Bullard

“During the day, Clara Bullard teaches English Language Learners at Walker Upper Elementary School in Charlottesville. But her commitment to helping international students adjust to a new country, make friends, and build skills doesn’t stop there. After school, Bullard coaches two area soccer teams made up of many of the same international students and their families. Where others overlook or even look down on immigrants, Bullard has made it her life’s mission to welcome these children and their families into our community. She even knows some of the challenges of learning a new language since she herself has learned Spanish, Swahili, and even a little Pashto (three of the top languages spoken at home by families in Charlottesville Schools). As a teacher, a coach, an interpreter, an organizer, and a cheerleader, she is a tireless advocate for her students and a Champion for Impact. Learn more about her in this (Charlottesville) Daily Progress profile: https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/clara-bullard-is-building-international-relations-in-the-classroom-and-on-the-field/article_c5da9148-dcb2-11ef-b634-a72985a14f0d.html”

Culpeper County Public Schools – CCPS Firefighter Program

Louisa County Public Schools – The Tournament of Champions

Louisa County Public Schools – Kerry Wynn

Louisa County Public Schools – Mary Robinson & Priscilla Slaughter

Eastern Region

A compilation video from the Spring 2025 Northeastern Regional Meeting. This video includes:

Richmond County – Nate Johnson
Essex County – Jason Smith
Colonial Beach – John Heath
Caroline County – Jim Oliff & Tammy Anderson
Gloucester County – Gianna Lanciani
King George County – The Kindness Crew
King & Queen County – Nurse Shelley
Lancaster County – Sharon Clarke
King William County – Tony Stone
Middlesex County – Kiwanis of Middlesex
Northumberland County – Reedville Fishermen’s Museum

Colonial Beach Public Schools – School Board

“The Colonial Beach School Board continues to make a powerful impact on public education by leading with vision, dedication, hands-on involvement, and heart. Their commitment to providing quality learning experiences reaches beyond the classroom—championing athletics, student engagement, and community pride. Beyond policy and planning, they can often be found working the concession stand at athletic games, supporting student-athletes, and cheering on the Drifters. Their efforts to build strong business partnerships have created new opportunities and resources for students, while their active participation in PTA events strengthens connections between families, schools, and the community. Through their teamwork and commitment, the Board is helping shape a school division where every student can learn, compete, and thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.”

Gloucester County Public Schools – All Pro Dad’s Breakfast

Gloucester County Public Schools is honored to be part of the VSBA Champions for Impact program, which recognizes school divisions that go above and beyond to make a difference for students, families, and communities. Gloucester is proud to stand out as one of the few divisions in the nation where every school participates in the All Pro Dads program. In Gloucester, All Pro Dads is more than a name. It is a celebration of family and connection. Moms, caregivers, and all parent figures are welcomed and encouraged to join in. Each event is filled with hugs, smiles, laughter, and heartfelt moments that bring our schools to life. These gatherings remind us that the foundation of learning begins with relationships and love. This program continues to grow under the leadership of Mr. Edward Washington and Mr. Bob Tshirhart, with strong support from the Gloucester Educational Foundation and the Gloucester County School Board. Together, they have created something that reaches every student and family in our community. Through All Pro Dads, Gloucester County Public Schools is building a culture of care, unity, and pride that truly represents what it means to be a Champion for Impact.

Richmond County Public Schools – Christian Smith, Alumni

“Richmond County Public Schools is proud to recognize former student Christian Smith for his outstanding achievement and lasting contribution to the school community. Christian organized and led the construction of the Raider Pavilion on the Rappahannock High School campus as part of his Eagle Scout service project. For this remarkable effort, Christian was honored with the Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year award during the Heart of Virginia Council’s Annual Eagle Scout Class Commencement Ceremony, held at Randolph-Macon College. The Raider Pavilion has become a valuable addition to the school grounds, serving as an outdoor classroom, a gathering space for athletes during track meets, and a venue for team and community events. Thanks to Christian’s vision, leadership, and hard work, students at Richmond County Public Schools now have a dedicated outdoor space that supports learning, collaboration, and school spirit.”

West Point Public Schools – Donna Massok

Tidewater Region

Accomack County Public Schools – School Board

“The Accomack County School Board champions success every day by working collaboratively with the community to ensure the achievement and safety of all students and staff. Guided by the division’s motto, “We Are the Champions,” each board member remains dedicated to serving the families they represent and advancing the mission of excellence across our schools.”

Chesapeake City Public Schools – Dr. Jared Cotton, Superintendent

Hampton City Public Schools

Newport News City Public Schools – Jordan Moody, Newport News City Public Schools Graduate

Jordan Moody is the 2021 recipient of the Lett Scholarship. Moody was the student representative to the Newport News School Board. He was also Chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Group on Education and a member of the Mayor’s Youth Commission. At Woodside, Moody participated in many organizations, including the Student Athletic Leadership Team, serving as its president; Athletes in Action, serving as its president; and the Principal’s Advisory Committee. He was a Tri-City Youth Foundation Executive Board member and Scholastic Chair, plus a Newport News Young Adult Police Commission member. He was inducted into the National Honor Society of High Scholars in 2019…and he plays saxophone.

Jordan Moody is a senior at Norfolk State University and a proud Lett Scholar dedicated to shaping the future of education. Committed to becoming a teacher in Newport News Public Schools next year, he aspires to rise through the ranks and one day serve as Superintendent. Passionate and driven, Jordan embodies the spirit and promise of public education.

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

“During WJCC Schools’ Fourth Annual Give Back Week, school and division leaders served the community in multiple ways. They supported young readers at the Williamsburg Regional Library and James City County Library, assembled 360+ boxes of food at the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, organized donations at Habitat for Humanity ReStore and FISH, Inc. — a local organization providing food, clothing, and small housewares to those in need — prepared supplies for Here for the Girls, which supports individuals impacted by breast cancer, and cleaned up the first few miles of the 51.7-mile Virginia Capital Trail. This week of service highlighted WJCC leaders’ dedication to making a positive, meaningful impact in their community.”

Blue Ridge Region

Henry County Public Schools – Champ Hardie, School Board Member

Below is what Champ submitted regarding himself a Champion for Impact!

“I consider myself a Featured Champion of Education. Why? I have been associated with Henry County Public Schools for sixty-two years. Twelve years as a student (finishing third academically in my high school class of 1972); forty years as an Agricultural Education Teacher (our FFA Chapter at Drewry Mason Middle School was named the top chapter in the United States in 1997, honored as Virginia State and American Star Farmer award by the Virginia and National FFA Associations, named the middle School of the Year for Henry County in 2005); served six years as a substitute teacher for the Henry County Division (averaging 100 days yearly); four years as a School Board Member for the Ridgeway District (named Local and Regional School Board Member of the Year in 2024, awarded the Award of Distinction in 2024 and will so in 2025. I am very proud of our school system. We always put students first.”

Henry County Public Schools – School Board Members

“At Henry County Public Schools, our School Board embodies Champions for Impact through visibility, service, and community partnership. This year, the Board prioritized hosting meetings at every school to increase accessibility, celebrate staff and student achievements, and better understand facility needs. These on-site meetings allow each school to showcase outstanding programs and student-leaders while strengthening relationships with families. Our commitment to being present shows up in many ways—classroom visits, event attendance, and hands-on support when needed. Mr. Champ Hardie exemplified this spirit on the first day of school by directing traffic to ensure a safe, smooth arrival for students and families. The Board also demonstrated its commitment to inclusion by partnering with the Lions Club to fund and complete an inclusive playground for students with disabilities. Board Chair Mr. Teddy Martin was instrumental in bringing this project to life, serving as a liaison between the Lions Club and the school division to ensure its success. This playground stands as a symbol of our collective dedication to accessibility, inclusion, and community collaboration. Together, these efforts build trust, deepen community connections, and keep students at the center of every decision.”

Floyd County Public Schools – School Board

“The Floyd County School Board views its role as a collective “champion for impact,” meaning we actively work to ensure the Floyd School Division serves as an engine for positive community change. This commitment directly supports our vision to prepare future-ready citizens who will make a lasting impact on our community.

As a Board, we are dedicated to mobilizing resources by forging strong partnerships with county businesses and civic organizations, which aligns with our Community Engagement goal to strengthen support for student success. Furthermore, we consistently champion the division’s vision for high student achievement, communicating clearly why our policy decisions are critical for cultivating a future-ready local workforce, and addressing our goal of ensuring all students achieve academic success.”

Pulaski County Public Schools

Southwest Region

Dickenson County Public Schools – Dr. Lurton Lyle, former School Board Member

Russell County Public Schools

“At the November 6, 2025, Russell County School Board meeting, Russell County Public Schools participated in the Champions for Impact campaign sponsored by VSBA. The Board honored Tanner Hart and Hensen O’Quinn as Local Heroes, celebrating their courage and resilience as they bravely battle cancer. Across the division, students, staff, and community members have come together to raise funds and show unwavering support for Tanner and Hensen. Their collective efforts reflect the compassion, unity, and strength that define Russell County Public Schools—demonstrating that when faced with challenges, this community stands together to make a lasting difference.”

Smyth County Public Schools – Dr. Dennis Carter, former division Superintendent

Carroll County Public Schools – School Board

Northeastern Region

Arlington County Public Schools – School Board

“As a women-led School Board, we are proud to advocate for excellent education for every student in Arlington Public Schools. Our collective work is grounded in the APS Strategic Plan, which serves as a living document guiding every decision we make. By knowing our students by name, strength, and need, we strive to ensure that each learner is seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment to equity and impact is at the heart of our role as School Board members and in line with the VSBA Champions for Impact.”

Prince William County Public Schools – Project Search

Manassas City Public Schools – Dedicated Teachers and Staff of MCPS

Valley Region

Staunton City Public Schools – CJ Hill, teacher at Shelburne Middle Schools

Staunton City Public Schools – School Board

“The Staunton City School Board are champions for impact of kindness. We continue to support our school’s Kindness Matters initiative, which recognizes and promotes ambassadors of kindness in our schools and community.”

Lexington City Public Schools – School Board

“Members of the Lexington City School Board are “champions for impact”. Actively engaged in our schools and our community, Tammy Dunn, Katie Shester, LaTonya Douglas, Kasey Potter, and Katie Masey are advocates for students, staff, and families in their work as school board members for the Lexington City Schools. These board members eagerly celebrate successes and actively seek solutions for challenges within our school community. Partnering with our local government, our school board seeks to make an impact on the greater community and area.”

Southern Region

Lunenburg County Public Schools – School Board

The Lunenburg County School Board serves as a steadfast team of advocates dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Through visionary leadership, collaborative decision-making, and a commitment to equity and excellence, our board champions initiatives that strengthen instruction, support educators, and enhance student success. Their dedication and impact extend beyond policy—they inspire progress, promote community partnerships, and empower our schools to make a lasting difference in the lives of students across Lunenburg County.

Mecklenburg County Public Schools – School Board

“We believe in the impact that our educators, staff, and volunteers have on our students. To name or depict just one does not truly emphasize all of the many change agents and influencers that we have as a part of our organization.