WJCC Schools’ Heroes of Hope help others reach their hopes by offering a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a little guidance. From small acts to grand gestures, these staff members make a difference in the lives of their students and colleagues.
These heroes do not look for applause or recognition. Their reward is in the student achieving a goal, completing a project, or making a colleague’s day a little easier. However, we think they deserve to be honored as the Heroes they are.
We celebrate Heroes of Hope each month during the school year— you can help us by sharing stories of the Heroes among us. To nominate a WJCC Schools employee as a Hero of Hope, complete the form below.
2023-24 Heroes of Hope
Heroes of Hope are recognized each month from among nominations by students, families, staff, and the larger community. Join our celebration on WJCC Schools’ social media channels and share your stories about the 2023-24 Heroes of Hope!
November 2023 Heroes of Hope
Rob Hill, Stonehouse Elementary School
“Mr. Hill is the School Security Officer at Stonehouse Elementary and he is amazing! He can be seen keeping students and the school safe throughout the day by monitoring the halls, supporting students, talking with students throughout the day, building trusting relationships and supporting various needs in challenging times. Mr. Hill shines by bringing a positive attitude to work and always putting students first. He is reliable, honest, positive, and an overall all fantastic role model for our students!”
Rayon Patrick, Norge Elementary School
“Rayvon is the Health and Physical Education teacher at Norge Elementary. I have gotten to know Rayvon because he has been a SHIP Challenge Club sponsor for the past couple of years. This year, Rayvon is sponsoring Bike Club. Bike Club focuses on safety and the learning of bike maneuvers, so students are expected to ride a bike prior to the start of the club. A student was selected for the bike club without having any prior bike riding experience. Our volunteers who instruct the club wanted the student to be switched to another club because of her inability to ride a bike. Rayvon took it upon himself to make sure the student stayed in the club. Rayvon’s email explaining his idea to me went as follows: ‘I have spoken with her teacher about the situation and have worked into my schedule for her to come to the gym before my first class in the morning and before her lunch time to come practice on her bike and become more comfortable while riding. She came this morning after she got off the bus and as she was riding alongside me, she had the biggest, most heart-warming smile on her face.’ Then, a week or so later Rayvon shared an actual video of the student successfully riding her bike with a huge smile on her face! Rayon is exactly what a teacher should be made of; he cares about each and every student to strive to be their best! Rayon’s message at the end of each email reads ‘BE GRATEFUL FOR THE MOMENT & WIN THE DAY!’”
Amanda Fay, Berkeley Middle School
“Amanda Fay is a core component of BMS and we would not run as well as we do without her. She holds multiple leadership roles in our building, including department lead and MTSS lead. She also serves as our SCA teacher sponsor and has strongly revived this club. She misses multiple lunches a week because she is meeting with the students of SCA to plan fun events for our school. She is one of the hardest workers in this building and cares so much for her students and colleagues. If anyone needs help, she is the first to step up. She truly is the backbone of BMS.”
October 2023 Heroes of Hope
Anna Taylor, James Blair Middle School
“Mrs. Taylor is warm, kind, approachable and invested in the students at James Blair. She knows them by name and reminds them that her door is always open to them. She excels at being the link between parents and students as she strives to do what’s best for the student. Her communications and insights are very much appreciated.”
Keith Wright, Lafayette High School
“Mr. Wright has gone above and beyond what we ever would have expected to help our daughter feel comfortable at school this year. For the past 2 years she has not been able to finish out the school year in person because of crippling anxiety. She was struggling with virtual versus in person entering the 9th grade and decided to give Lafayette a chance. His proactive approach with her in these first 3 weeks of school has made a world of difference! She’s gone from crying before and after every school day to wanting to now participate in after school clubs. Her confidence is in a much healthier place and she’s finding her ability to be happy again! Her therapist said it best last week when he remarked about how different she is now versus over the summer: ‘I wish all of my kids had a Mr. Wright in their life. He’s done more for her in 3 weeks than we accomplished in 3 months.’ Mr. Wright is a gift to every child (and family) he supports! He deserves every bit of recognition for what he does.”
2022-23 Heroes of Hope
Heroes of Hope are recognized each month from among nominations by students, families, staff, and the larger community. Join our celebration on WJCC Schools’ social media channels and share your stories about the 2022-23 Heroes of Hope!
May 2023 Heroes of Hope
Karen Little, Matoaka Elementary School
“We are so grateful to Karen Little for being an amazing teacher to our daughter. Mrs. Little is a great teacher, she made learning come alive for our daughter. My daughter would come home inspired and desperate to learn more, every single day. It’s remarkable to see how much our daughter has developed academically and socially this year. Your high expectations in the classroom have helped give her the ability to succeed to the next level and assess growth in her learning. Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”
Jennifer Miller, Laurel Lane Elementary School/Matthew Whaley Elementary School
“Jennifer created and runs “Josh’s Kindness Squad” at Laurel Lane. She created this amazing program to recognize the importance of fostering kindness in our students and to honor Josh, one of our 4th grade students who passed away this year. He had such a kind heart and our students, led by Jennifer, are honoring his legacy by signing up by class to complete an act of kindness that impacts our school community. Jennifer is providing all materials and is always available to help each class in any way. Jennifer always goes above and beyond and is a wonderful addition to our school community!”
Vega Brown, Matthew Whaley Elementary School
“Chef Brown is a WJCC Hero of Hope! She serves every student AND staff member the most amazing meals each day in the cafeteria. She is dedicated, talented, and selfless. We are so grateful to have her incredible cooking and loving smile every day! She is so loved and appreciated!”
April 2023 Heroes of Hope
Scottie Boyd, Warhill High School
“Ms. Boyd is one of my all-time favorite teachers. She supports her students in many ways. She supports her students by always being there for us. From my academics to adjusting to high school, she has always provided the support that her students need. In our class we present many projects, and Ms. Boyd gives the support and help her students need for success. She has led her students to massive improvement throughout the year. Her teaching and lessons lead students to success in their education. She teaches us to self-advocate for our needs in life. She makes her students excited for class and keeps them engaged for lessons. I am proud to have Ms. Boyd as a teacher.”
Trent Strong, Laurel Lane Elementary School
“If Mr. Strong had a personal mantra it would be “I’ll take care of it!” And he does! Any time I’ve ever asked Mr. Strong to help me with anything, that is always his response. Most recently, Mr. Strong truly went above and beyond when one of our Bright Beginnings parents got a flat tire in the parking lot. Without hesitation, Mr. Strong took care of it! Aside from his work ethic, Mr. Strong has a positive attitude every day at school, never complaining about what is asked of him. He sets such a positive example for our students about working hard and being a team player. Mr. Strong is so deserving to be recognized as a Hero of Hope!”
Roxanne Lovelace, Matoaka Elementary School
“Ms. Lovelace is beyond deserving of the title “Hero of Hope.” Her students are at the forefront of everything that she does, and she cares so deeply about their happiness and success. She works so diligently to make sure they are getting what they need. In addition to her role as a special education teacher, Ms. Lovelace is an integral part of the school community, and her positive demeanor is so inspiring. Everyone at Matoaka is so lucky to have her as colleague and a friend!”
March 2023 Heroes of Hope
Mary Jones-Vaughan, Transportation
Mary has been a WJCC bus driver for 37 years!!! She has driven my special needs students for several years and has always shown a caring, compassionate attitude towards the students. I recently learned that she drove one of my student’s dads when he was in elementary school, and now drives his son. My favorite quote from Mary is “I am just happy to be driving my bus. I love these children!” To be able to do any job for 37 years shows how dedicated Mary is to her job and to her students. CBB is thankful to have Mary as one of their three incredible special ed bus drivers!!
April Sheets, Warhill High School
April Sheets is a WJCC Hero of Hope. I believe Ms. Sheets is a hero of hope because of her incredible work ethic and putting her students first without a single complaint. She welcomed me into Warhill with open arms and has assisted me greatly (and still does) as a newer teacher. She makes her colleagues and students feel greatly appreciated and respected. Her professionalism is unmatched, and she brings a light to Warhill that we all need. Ms. Sheets is involved in numerous groups here such as MTSS and Family Life Curriculum Planning. Ms. Sheets organized an adapted physical education class at Warhill so that students with disabilities can still be active and learn similar PE concepts. She has also organized for JCC fire department/paramedics to come in for our students to teach them valuable hands-on training in Stop The Bleed for the past few years. This is where students get to practice how to stop major bleeding with tourniquets and gauze. I fully believe April Sheets is a hero of hope for WJCC and a necessity in ensuring success for our students. She deserves to be recognized as she is one of the humblest people I have ever met.
Ben Woodhouse, Toano Middle School
I want to do a shout out to Ben Woodhouse, the Toano Middle school resource officer! He always has such a positive attitude. Today it’s rainy cold and miserable and he had a friendly smile and positive attitude at drop off this morning without an umbrella! My son really respects him. He’s a great example for our community!
February 2023 Heroes of Hope
Amanda D’Attilio Gray and Grace Huneycutt, Matoaka Elementary School
Amanda and Grace are Matoaka’s unsung Heroes of Hope. They are remarkable with our students in the self-contained classrooms. Their students thrive emotionally and academically. It is evident that their efforts are making a difference. We see their quiet and determined service to what is best for their students. Many teachers seek Amanda and Grace’s guidance for intervention strategies in their own general education classroom. You can see the impact of their work in the verbiage used throughout the building when working with students who struggle. Their advice is appreciated and effective with all learners. Too often, our SPED teachers are overlooked when they are in the self-contained classroom. At Matoaka, Amanda and Grace are integral.
Katherine Wease, J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School
Mrs. Wease is the epitome of a team player – she’s always all in for her students & colleagues. She encourages her students’ love of music through her hands-on classroom activities, as well as her before school choir club. She also volunteers to serve on JBB’s MTSS team, is a SHIP club sponsor, and a Big Bee mentor at school. She is patient and compassionate with her students which gives them a safe space at school and a feeling of being valued. She is such a great addition to the JBB community.
Jake Paulson, Laurel Lane Elementary School
Mr. Paulson’s compassion, energy and enthusiasm make him an amazing teacher. His positive outlook and fun way of teaching keeps my child engaged and wanting to learn. I am so grateful that my son had the opportunity to be in his class this year.
January 2023 Heroes of Hope
Chris Eames, Jamestown High School
“Mr. Eames is a phenomenal math teacher! My daughter has been lucky enough to have him as her teacher for 3 years. She is taking AP Calc AB/BC this year not because she needs the class but solely because he is the teacher, and she knew she would be able to excel in it since he is so good. But even more than being a phenomenal teacher, Mr. Eames cares about these kids social/emotional well-being. He truly gets to know his students and their worries and their hopes. He has emailed me more than once this year to say he was concerned because my daughter seemed a little off and wanted to make sure I knew so I could follow up at home. He also knows the pressure cooker that is college application season and has a mantra for my daughter “Trust your preparation” and took the time to let me know about it so I help at home with it. Truly he goes above and beyond on a regular basis, and these students and their families are so lucky to have him!”
Valerie Smith, Lafayette High School
“When I was diagnosed with an illness earlier this school year and had to take a leave of absence from school, Valerie Smith stepped in to take over my classes. She is our reading intervention specialist, but willingly added to her workload to make sure my students were taken care of when I was out. She planned, graded, and checked in with me–taking a huge load off my plate. I didn’t have to worry about a thing and was able to rest and work on healing. She is beloved by students and puts in more time, effort, and care than any teacher I know! She cares about making Lafayette a better place and always comes to work ready to support and innovate.”
Ella Knight, Warhill High School
“There are times when stellar work should be recognized. This is one of those times. I am writing to share my family’s experience with Ella Knight, guidance counselor at Warhill High School. We started working with Ms. Knight approximately five (5) years ago, when our oldest son, Cary, came to Warhill (he is currently studying Civil Engineering at George Mason) and when our youngest son, Calvin, came to Warhill in 2021. Our sons have very different directions, Cary on a college track and Calvin on a trade school track. Ms. Knight has shown breadth in her competence to help both set academic plans that have served them exceedingly well. Ms. Knight has demonstrated knowledge of the post high school world, which has greatly aided us in preparing our boys for what comes next. She understands what colleges are looking for in the admissions process. She understands the New Horizons, Gov School, and Peninsula Community College pathways and how they relate to high school curriculum. Further, Ms. Knight has shown great dedication to her work, consistently, for all the years we have worked with her, providing accurate and timely responses to our questions. I recall sending her an email, during one of the class enrollment periods, at 9:30pm one evening, fully expecting she would see it when she got to work the next day. Within minutes, her reply popped into my inbox. I also recall one year in which the guidance counselors at Warhill had extra students when one of the guidance counselors had been called up from military reserves to active duty for the year, and the remaining counselors divided the extra load between themselves. When we have needed her, she has been there for us, and, I am sure, for many other families. Ms. Knight has performed her work with consistent excellence.”
December 2022 Heroes of Hope
Dr. Adam Brown, Dr. Amy Lazev, BethAnne Klaver, and Jim Falzone; Central Office and Operations
“This summer Dr. Brown, Dr. Lazev, Ms. Klaver and Mr. Falzone helped to build a kitchen area for our self-contained students. It took funding, coordination and communication among the special education department, SHIP, and operations. Each person played a major role in creating an area where our students can experience and learn skills that are crucial in everyday living. Our new stove, with a hood, allows our students to cook and use their reading and math skills to learn about recipes, servings, and nutrition. The loading and unloading of the new dishwasher and use of the washer/dryer are everyday skills that our students so desperately needed. As with any construction project, planning and communication was vital and these heroes made it happen!”
Erin Edwards, Lois S. Hornsby Middle School
“Erin Edwards is truly a remarkable school counselor. She is consistently going above and beyond to show her care and dedication to the students and staff at Hornsby Middle School. She runs 5 small groups for 6th grade students to encourage new, positive connections. She is mentoring two school counselors new to Hornsby consistently and intentionally. Coming from a military family herself, Mrs. Edwards knows the importance of a positive transition and highlighting student resiliency. It is no surprise to those working closely with her that Hornsby was awarded with a Purple Star recognition, thanks to her continued partnership with military families at our school. She runs a comprehensive and data-driven school counseling program, with relationships at the heart of her work. Mrs. Edwards exemplifies all the characteristics of a school leader and a team player. She IS WJCC!”
Kim Gryszko, Matoaka Elementary School
“Principals can make or break the school. Fortunately, Matoaka is blessed to have one of the most dedicated and professional principals. Kim Gryszko joined Matoaka in the midst of chaos last school year. Families and staff struggled with all the changes, but Kim was able to help everyone thrive despite the climate of the first full school year after virtual learning. It was not easy. Kim never showed frustration. She was always smiling and took pause to listen. The students love seeing her in the hallways and are eager to give her big hugs. It is always hard to have change in administration, but Kim helped the Matoaka community understand that safety and learning is key. Kim always strives to keep everyone safe. This is something I appreciate. She is very focused on keeping everyone (students, parents, and staff) safe no matter the cost. These days, we cannot ignore the importance of safety protocols. Kim is a principal who understands that we cannot risk the safety of our most valued treasure, the children. Thank you, Principal Gryszko!”
