We kicked off the night with a song from three of our students--Emily, Goldey, and Brooke, otherwise known as The Dempsey Sisters. Their stirring rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was a beautiful tribute to our guests of honor. Bill and Tricia Dempsey (Mom and Dad) shared the video below they took of the girls' performance.
The event, held at the Smithfield Center, was catered by our Culinary Arts students, under the direction of Chef Kyle Cousins. Their crab dip and shrimp fettuccine, along with pork tenderloin sliders, and homemade desserts, were in high demand as evidenced by the lines at those tables.
We honored our nine teachers of the year with a beautiful jade trophy which included an inscription, along with their name, their school, and the school year. The three grade-level Teachers of the Year received a classic silver signet ring courtesy of our partners at Jostens. Our overall Teacher of the Year, Julie Eng, received a $50 Visa gift card, in addition to the trophy and ring.
The IWCS Teachers of the Year for 2018--2019 are
- Morgan Chappell (Carrollton Elementary)
- Debbie Story (Carrsville Elementary)
- Ceceli Lleva (Westside Elementary)
- Pamela Hall (Windsor Elementary)
- Elizabeth Tisdel (Smithfield Middle)
- Deborah Simmons (Windsor High)
- Lee Ann Hawley (Hardy Elementary) **Elementary School Teacher of the Year**
- Ashleigh Hazel (Georgie Tyler Middle) **Middle School Teacher of the Year**
- Julie Eng (Smithfield High) **High School Teacher of the Year** **Isle of Wight County Schools Teacher of the Year**
David Elliott, our Communications Coordinator, created a video that highlights all of the Teachers of the Year.
The 2018--2019 retirees were also recognized during the evening. There are fifteen retirees with over 360 combined years of service. Many of the retirees have been with IWCS for their entire career. We hate to lose their talent and expertise, but the next phase of their life is well deserved and well earned. Each retiree receives a beautiful wooden rocking chair. Thanks to True Value for their assistance with the special gift for our retirees.
David Elliott put together a fabulous tribute video for our retirees, which you can watch by clicking the following link: Retirement Video
The 2018--2019 Retirees for IWCS are:
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Minette Brooks
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(SHS)
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Virginia Kimpel
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(CAES)
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Cindy Calhoon
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(WSES)
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Gwendolyn Knight
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(HES)
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Alison Chapman
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(SMS)
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David Price
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(CO)
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Tammi Croshaw
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(HES)
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Pamela Riddleberger
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(SMS)
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Felix Darden
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(MAINT)
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Linda Trier
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(WHS)
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Roland Downing
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(WHS)
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Victoria Ward
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(GTMS)
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Karen Duerig
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(HES)
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Brenda Williams
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(CO)
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Dorcas Hinton
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(TRANSP)
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To both groups, I extend a heartfelt Thank You. Your
dedication and commitment to the children of Isle of Wight County is
beyond reproach. You created a legacy with each and every child who sat
in your classroom. They will carry the life lessons you taught them
for countless years to come.
