001Well, thank you chair, Dr. Mason, Vice Chair Ms. Jackson Afanja, members of our school board, Superintendent Dr. Haynes, and members of our Hampton City Schools family. So, each year Hampton City Schools takes pride in honoring the individuals who play a vital role in the success of our division, our support staff. While they may not serve as classroom teachers or administrators, nearly 1/3 of our employees serve in non-exempt support roles, and their contributions are truly indispensable. Tonight we are proud to honor these unsung heroes who help keep our schools running smoothly. From ensuring classrooms are ready for learning to managing essential operations, providing nutritious meals, and safely transporting students each day, these individuals make it possible for teaching and learning to thrive across Hampton City Schools. Launched in 2020, our Support Employee of the Year Recognition
002Program shines a light on staff members who are exceptionally skilled, dedicated, and respected by their colleagues, students, and families alike. These individuals deliver outstanding customer service, demonstrate deep knowledge of their roles, and embody the core values of Hampton City Schools: integrity, responsibility, innovation, excellence, and professionalism. Each school and department selects one honoree to represent their site, and tonight we are proud to celebrate those who go above and beyond every day in support of our students, schools, and the community. So, to all of our support employees, thank you for your continued commitment, passion, and impact. We see you, we value you, and we appreciate everything you do. So, before we begin introducing our 2026 honorees, I like to ask Dr. Mason and Dr. Haynes to come forward to help recognize each individual as their name is
003called. And Ms. Gorol, Yes. I do want to take a moment to recognize Delegate Virtual Thornton who's with us also from the Virginia General Assembly. >> [applause] >> And And since Delegate Thornton is here with us and is a great supporter of Hampton City Schools, I will ask him to join us as well. Sure, absolutely. >> Come on down, Delegate Thornton. >> [applause] >> All right. So, now it's time to invite our honorees to follow Miss Ashley Hall out to the forum. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right. Stop there for me. Stop. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, to our honorees. >> [applause] >> When your name is announced, please make your way up the stairs so that you have the handrails, accept your recognition from Dr. Haynes, Delegate Thornton, and Dr. Mason, and then
004you're going to exit down the stairs. We have um some friendly helpers over here since we don't have handrails, and you're going to sit over in the reserved section. And then once we've recognized everyone, you're not done cuz we want to do a big group photo back up on stage. You got those directions? All right. Again, don't get too comfy cuz we're going to want you to come up. So, friends and family, feel free to come forward, take pictures as your honoree is recognized on stage. We do have a few honorees who were unable to join us this evening, but we will still recognize their achievements by reading their names aloud. So, here we go. Congratulations to our 2026 Hampton City Schools Support Employees of the Year. From Aberdeen Elementary School, Tanisha Tyler, Admin Secretary
0053. From the Adult and Alternative Learning Center at Bridgeport Academy, we have Darylin Fenner, our Restorative Counselor. >> [applause] >> From Andrews PreK through 8 School, we have Rasheeda Watkins, a Library Technician. >> [applause] >> From Armstrong School for the Arts, Susanna Whiteside, an Early Reading Intervention Assistant. >> [applause] >> From Asbury Elementary School, our honoree is Michelle Johnson. She is unable to be with us, but her daughter is here to accept her award. Ms. Johnson is a Day Custodian. >> [applause] >> From Barron Fundamental Elementary School, we have Rachel Leonardi, Office Assistant. >> [cheering] [applause] >> We've got some Barron pom-poms behind us. Very cool. From Bassett Elementary School, we have Jasmine Richardson, Office Assistant. >> [applause] >> From Bethel High School, Mr. Troy Thomas, our Food Services Manager. >> [cheering] [applause] >> From
006Brian Elementary School, Stacy Miller, Admin Secretary 3. >> [applause] >> From Burbank Elementary School, Stacy Henderson Gomes, Family Engagement Specialist. >> [applause] >> From Christian Elementary School, we have Laura Walker, Instructional Assistant. >> [applause and cheering] >> From Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology, we have Valencia Prescott, Early Reading Intervention Assistant. [applause] From the Department of Academic Advancement and Enrichment, Graceland Branch, Admin Assistant. >> [applause] >> From Eaton Fundamental Middle School, we have Naishina Dickens, Office Assistant. >> [applause] >> From our Food Nutrition Services Department, Jacqueline Foggy, an FNS Manager. >> [cheering] [applause] >> I love all the cheerleaders. From Forest Elementary School, we have Jaylen Friend, early reading intervention assistant. >> [applause] >> From Hampton High School, we have Cecilia Vendetti, a library technician. >> [applause] >> From Jackson Fundamental Elementary School, we have
007Tara Abaya, a school tech specialist. >> [applause] >> From Jones Magnet Middle School, Rachel Lin- Lin- Lin- Tuman? Lin- Tuman? Did I say that right? Lin- Tuman. School finance specialist. >> [applause] >> Lin- Tuman. From Kecoughtan High School, Deon Moore, security officer. >> [applause] >> From Kilgore Gifted Center, Kelvin Taylor, security officer. >> [applause] >> Kraft Elementary School, Piper White, kindergarten instructional assistant. >> [applause and cheering] >> From Langley Elementary School, Sashira Trinidad, instructional assistant. From Lindsey Middle School, Laquida Moore, lead custodian. >> [applause and cheering] >> From Machen Elementary School, Kelly Champion, admin secretary three. >> [applause and cheering] >> From Moton Early Childhood Center, Natasha Hatton, family service worker. >> [applause] >> From Patrick Elementary School, Kenyada C, family engagement specialist. >> [applause] >> From Peak Elementary School, Kimberly McNeely, instructional assistant. >>
008[cheering] [applause] >> From Phoenix PreK through eight school, Michael Warren, custodian. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> From Phillips Elementary School, Tim Venny, custodian. >> [applause] [cheering] >> From Phoebus High School, Zakia Watson, admin secretary three. >> [applause and cheering] >> So this individual probably get upset at me for saying this, but um I was the one that got to surprise her for SAC. And um so when I showed up, I got the door put shut in my face. >> [laughter] >> She was so surprised. So from the school administrative center, Christina Cobb, special education >> [cheering] >> administrative assistant. Congratulations. So you have a great cheering squad. That's what she was afraid of, not me. >> [snorts] >> From school operations and maintenance department, Herbert Dwayne Skinner, electrician. >> [cheering] [applause] >> From Smith Elementary
009School, Keisha Porter, instructional assistant. Our honorary from Sims Middle School is unable to attend this evening, but we would still like to recognize her. It is Celestine Mills, food nutrition service staff. >> [applause] >> From Tarrant Middle School, Yolanda Ashley, health clerk. >> [screaming] [applause] >> All right. And last but not least, from our transportation department, Mr. Michael Joiner, bus driver. >> [applause and cheering] [applause] >> All right. And before um we move on, we're going to actually get everyone to come back up on stage as a big happy family and take a group photo. And if the board would like to come around, they may. Or just leap out. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> How you doing? Won't you Won't you come over? >> [laughter] >> I can see everybody. Maurice, are we good? Everybody
010ready? Yes. All right. I'm going to say one, two, and I'm going to keep snapping for a second, okay? You know, one, two. All right, hold it one more time for me. One, two. And I'm good. >> [applause] [cheering] >> All right. As our honorees are returning to their seats, I know we have a lot of family members, we've got administrators, we've got colleagues, we've got special guests and friends that are here supporting these individuals this evening. Would you all please stand to be recognized? That's all of you all. >> [applause]