Helping Hands

Mrs. Sarah McQuiddy was nominated by Mr. Alexander Campbell, a PHS student, for INSPIRING.

Mr. Campbell wrote:

This year, Mrs. McQuiddy has done a tremendous job as a chemistry teacher. Through everything she does, both in and out of the classroom, Mrs. McQuiddy demonstrates the care she has for her students and colleagues. Mrs. McQuiddy recognizes that chemistry for many students is not an easy subject, and consistently works to ensure her students not only grasp the subject, but enjoy it. When I have had trouble understanding the concepts in Mrs. McQuiddy’s class, she volunteered to stay after school with me until I understood it and she consistently puts in hours of her time after school for her students. Mrs. McQuiddy’s helpfulness also extends outside of chemistry. One time when I missed the bus, Mrs. McQuiddy volunteered to take me home, even though it would cause her to have to rush to pick up her own kids. Additionally, Mrs. McQuiddy consistently serves as a staff member who students can go to for
advice or if they are struggling and need someone to talk to, even if it’s not related to her class.
Furthermore, in addition to teaching chemistry, Mrs. McQuiddy teaches lifelong lessons on collaboration, teamwork, respect, empathy, critical thinking, and so many other important skills.

Mr. Lawrence Jefferson was nominated by Ms. Amy Tucker, an Instructional Assistant at Pocahontas
Elementary for INSPIRING.

Ms. Tucker wrote:

Mr. Jefferson's commitment to his job and our students inspires me every day. He is on time with his pickups and is always willing to communicate the needs of students to the school staff. He is conscientious and careful, while encouraging his students every day. On Wednesday, September 22, during afternoon dismissal at Pocahontas, another bus began to roll forward while the other driver was at the back of the bus. Mr. Jefferson ran off of his bus and literally bounded up the steps of the moving bus to secure it. His quick moving and selfless act prevented possible injury to staff and students and damage to school property. He will never know how much his amazing reflexes and knowledge of the bus
operation impacted the lives of staff and students. He is to be commended for inspiring all of us to act selflessly in the care and education of our students and school community.

Mrs. Kelly Snavely was nominated by Ms. Ashley Brooks, a Powhatan Middle School parent, for INSPIRING.

Ms. Brooks wrote:

Mrs. Kelly Snavely goes above and beyond her call of duty each day. As a parent, this means the absolute world to me. When my child goes to school, I pray that he has a good day and that he does not feel like the weight of the world on his shoulders. This AMAZING teacher makes sure that that child and all of her other students have the best day possible each and every single day. Although she stays within her English 8 classroom during class time, she makes time to go visit her students' other teachers and advocates for them in ways I appreciate so very much. I know that she is in my child's corner and he is going to be able to learn in such a safe school environment. Her communication with me is extraordinary and if she can't answer my question, she always goes and finds the answer. She is one of the most dedicated teachers I have met and I am so blessed that she is a part of my child's life. She deserves to be recognized and honored for a job well done!

Ms. Blythe Samuels was nominated by one of her students, Katelin Stocker, for INNOVATING.

Katelin wrote:

As a student in her AP Computer Science Principles class, I have witnessed the extent at which Mrs. Samuels has been able to innovate her classroom to best fit the virtual and hybrid environments. The countless hours that she spends outside of school striving to innovate her class to best fit her students is strongly evident, and her passion for teaching remains untouched. With all of her hard work, her students are able to succeed in their learning.

Ms. Nancy Taylor was nominated by one of her parents and fellow PCPS employee Ms. Dorothy Tribble, for EMPOWERING.

Ms. Tribble wrote:

Teaching Calculus is challenging under normal circumstances. Mrs. Taylor has been teaching AP Calculus during the very difficult COVID year of 20-21 and has done an amazing job. When your high school senior comes home on her one day a week with this teacher and absolutely shines because not only is she learning, she is excelling, that is quite a feat. Mrs. Taylor has a way of teaching and challenging her students and making them feel good about themselves at the same time. As a parent, there is nothing better than your child, coming home from school and referring to their teacher as "epic."

Mrs. Kelsey Brice was nominated by her supervisor, Dr. Tracie Omohundro for INSPIRING.

Dr. Omohundro wrote:

Because the gymnasium at PLC is being used for Powhatan County COVID vaccinations, the PCPS office at PLC has received innumerable inquiries from local citizens about vaccination. Kelsey Brice has become a main point
of contact for those citizens looking for assistance. While her role is to support schools, she has professionally and graciously answered questions from the general public about vaccinations, clinics, and registrations. She has reached out to find answers to their questions if she was not able to answer them. She has treated each citizen with respect and patience. I am thankful that the citizens of Powhatan County have had such a kind and supportive person to assist them during these challenging times. Thanks, Kelsey, for
inspiring us with your grace, respect, patience and kindness!

Ms. Beth Nanny was nominated by a member of our community, Ms. Gay Bartlett for INSPIRING.

Ms. Bartlett wrote:

Ms. Nanny is always pleasant and positive with employees and visitors who come into the building. She helps wherever needed without being asked and is always willing to help employees with questions about completing forms and technology. Using her experience from a different school division, Ms. Nanny has provided suggestions and ways to improve the operations of the Transportation Department.

Ms. Jennifer Lawson was nominated by a Flat Rock parent, Ms. Mona Morris for INNOVATING.

Ms. Morris wrote:

Ms. Lawson has been caring and administering daily medications for my daughter for several years. She shows so much care and love for the kids. She does whatever it takes to help my daughter feel better, calmer or to administer the different medications. At my daughter’s request, Mrs. Lawson provided her a spoonful of applesauce to help her with swallowing her lunchtime medications which helps relieve anxiety. Ms. Lawson even provided all the medication forms to the Powhatan Elementary nurse for the summer school program so all I had to do was bring in the medication. That was so helpful! I feel blessed and am grateful for Mrs. Lawson who has taken such great care of my daughter during her visits to the clinic - Thank you Mrs. Lawson!

Ms. Nashae Jones was nominated by not one but TWO of her students, for EMPOWERING.

Katelin Stocker wrote:

Mrs. Jones is always striving to empower others through providing equal opportunities for success for every student. She continually advocates for her students and coworkers, despite their backgrounds. Her strong work ethic and high level of empathy empowers every soul around her to be the best version of themselves.

Sheyla Daniels wrote:

Mrs. Jones never fails to support her students. She empowers all of us in our own way. She makes it clear we can always come to her with issues outside the classroom. I’ve truly learned to be a better, well-rounded thinker because of her. For a teacher to teach lifelong skills in conjunction with her standard curriculum demonstrates a special teacher who is too often overlooked and underappreciated.

Ms. Cathy Vaden was nominated by her PHS Family for Inspiring.

The PHS family wrote:

Cathy Vaden has been a rock star this school year! We are grateful for her expertise and due diligence in keeping us all safe. She advises students, parents, and staff members. Not only does she maintain her regular nurse care for all students, she promotes a healthy school environment by promptly responding to COVID reports and contract tracing whenever it is needed. We couldn't maintain our learning environment without you, Cathy! You INSPIRE us with your dedication to being the best nurse you can be. We love you!

Ms. April Harris was nominated by a parent, Ms. Sharon Blisick for INSPIRING.

Ms. Blisick wrote:

I am a single mom and my children are often home alone until I get home from work. On April 20, 2021 my boys’ Godfather came for a surprise visit in the afternoon, prior to me coming home from work. Ms. Harris saw the "strange man" walking around my yard and asked my son if he knew the man before allowing him to get off the bus. Words cannot describe the depth of my appreciation for Ms. Harris for ensuring my son's safety. Had she allowed my son to get off the bus and had this man been a stranger, the outcome could have been much worse. Please acknowledge Ms. Harris and the extra effort she took to ensure my son's safety.

Dr. Powers was nominated by Ms. Mona Morris, a Flat Rock Elementary parent, for INNOVATING.

Ms. Morris wrote:

During last Spring’s remote learning, Dr. Powers laminated different educational activities and mailed them to children to use as visuals for practicing math at home. These resources helped my granddaughter tremendously. Dr. Powers is always looking for a positive solution to help children power through the challenges. She is truly amazing and loves all the children. Amazing, inspiring - that's Dr. Powers.

Ms. Robin Hagy was nominated by Ms. Mona Morris, a Flat Rock Elementary parent, for INSPIRING.

Ms. Morris wrote:

Students may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel. Ms. Hagy has inspired her entire class to support and encourage each other during these unusual times with COVID. My granddaughter has opened up to express her feelings in a way she has never before. Ms. Hagy is building trust and confidence in her students. My granddaughter made the honor roll both nine weeks of school this year and has developed a trusting and inspiring relationship with her teachers.

Ms. Lisa Simonick was nominated by Ms. Sharon Courtwright, a PHS parent, for EMPOWERING.

Ms. Courtwright wrote:

My son had 2 Summer school classes this year. We were somewhat concerned how well it would be online instead of at the actual school. Lisa Simonick went above and beyond in every way to make sure that we were comfortable with the entire online process. She was very quick to answer any questions or concerns we had and frequently checked up on us to make sure my son was staying on track. I'd like to thank Ms. Simonick for making the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Mrs. Becky Brown and Mrs. JoAnne Muzzey were nominated by Ms. Ashley Brooks, a PMS parent, for EMPOWERING.

Ms.Brooks wrote:

Mrs. Becky Brown and Mrs. JoAnne Muzzey are one of Powhatan County's Dynamic Duos! They empower and inspire students to do their best even though school/life is tough. The love they have for their job and their students, especially my child, are apparent in every aspect of their classroom and their day. My child has had some great teachers in the past; however, these two have been so inspirational for my child. This year alone, my child has found a love for reading more than any other year. The way these ladies take the time to get to know their students and find out their interests is quite unique. Their patience, love, and dedication to their students is very deserving of a helping hands award! I am SO BLESSED, THANKFUL, and HONORED that my child has Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Muzzey in his life. I know the rest of his career as a student will be better because they were part of his journey!

Mr. Jarrod Lisker was nominated by one of his former students, Rachael Stanton, for Empowering.

Rachael wrote: 

Mr. Lisker went above and beyond to help me with math. He is the reason I passed high school Algebra. He helped me deal with a very hard move from New Hampshire to Virginia. Mr. Lisker took his time to talk with me and help me one-on-one until I understood the material. He never gave up on me.

Ms. Reid-Miller was nominated by one of her students for being Inspiring.

Casey wrote:

You may be thinking, “She's just the art teacher”, but there is so much more to Mrs. Reid-Miller. She once told me she smiles or says hi to anyone she sees in the hallway because she wants them to be happy. I only had Ms. Reid-Miller for tribe time 2 years ago, but still, to this day I still find myself trying to fill her shoes and do what she does best, which is trying to make people happy. Whenever I have a friend or myself that feels bad, I always ask myself what would Ms. Miller do because, to me, that always seems like the best decision.

Ms. Donia Spott was nominated by one of her colleagues, Ms. Gillian Lambert, for Innovating.

Ms. Lambert wrote:

In her new role as STEM Coach, Donia has created a truly innovative learning environment. She is able to seamlessly connect numerous STEM lessons and activities to any content area. She is always willing to help students in various science competitions, as well as gives her time to students who want to create a variety of projects during Tribe Time. Donia's success with all populations of students, regardless of ability level, is indicative of the efficacy of her skill set and the ownership she demonstrates for the craft of teaching and instruction.

Ms. Christine Bowen was nominated by a parent, Ms. Katherine Levermore for being Empowering.

Ms. Levermore wrote:

Ms. Bowen has helped my son improve by 5 reading levels last year. She has greatly improved his self-esteem and confidence about reading.

Ms. Libby Acampora was nominated by one of her colleagues, Ms. Sarah Cosner for being Inspiring.

Ms. Cosner wrote: 

Libby is such an amazing person, friend, and colleague. She is always finding ways to make a genuine difference and connection with all of our citizens. She leads by example and shares her findings from self-studies. I am incredibly inspired by Libby's loving spirit and everything she shares with this community. SHE IS MAKING A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE every single day. We are so very blessed to have her here with us.
LIBBY, we notice and love you and THANK YOU for your selfless and consistent inspiration! You are our rock!

Ms. Liz McCrory was nominated by a parent, Ms. Tiffany Abbondanza, for being Inspiring.

Ms. Abbondanza wrote:

Mrs. McCrory had her students study the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. While learning about the habit of being Proactive, Mrs. McCrory asked the children what a change was they knew their parents were trying to teach them. My daughter offered that it was sleeping through the night without waking us up. Mrs. McCrory encouraged my daughter to set that as a goal, but to be proactive by working with mom/dad to identify a way to celebrate when she reached the goal. Fast forward two weeks and our daughter started staying in her room and sleeping through the night for the first time in years. The change was astounding and inspired by her awesome teacher. Not only was our daughter very proud, mom and dad got to sleep through the night too!

Lt. Col. Veronica Baker was nominated by a parent, Ms. Beth Belcher, for being Empowering.
Ms. Belcher wrote: 

Lt. Colonel Baker has both inspired and empowered her students all 6 years she has been at PHS. Through her leadership and required responsibility tasks she gives her students,
Col. Baker shows students what it will be like in the real world. Her goal has always been to give them the needed skills to help others, lead others and push yourself to achieve positive goals. Col Baker also incorporates outside sources to inspire her students. Through field trips and community service activities, the students get the opportunity to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. She expects excellence in her students and gives them the tools they need to reach it. I have had (2) students go through her program and through her help and dedication to see them succeed they both have grown into individuals who are respectful, caring and determined young men.

Ms. Carol Antone was nominated by one of her colleagues, Ms. Libby Acampora for being Inspiring.

Ms. Acampora wrote: 

Carol makes everyone who enters school counseling feel like they matter, they are going to be heard and taken care of. When she speaks, you hear compassion and kindness. Students feel like everything is going to be okay. For staff, she can be a shoulder to cry on, a person who will politely answer questions, a masterful problem solver and a great friend. She will print off documents, forms, and even run to the closet to get salt/pepper packets. Carol is organized, professional and caring to parents as well. Powhatan Middle School is blessed to have Carol Antone in our ONE TRIBE!!!