Jefferson County Schools (JCS) celebrated the very best of public education at its annual Employee of the Year Banquet, honoring each school's Teacher and Service Person of the Year and the finalists for Administrator, Rising Star, and Counselor of the Year. From that exceptional group, five individuals were named district-level honorees, each representing the dedication, compassion, and excellence that define Jefferson County Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bishop offered his congratulations to each recipient and reflected on their significance to the district's mission.
"Our schools are being asked to do more than ever before, and nights like tonight remind us just how fortunate we are. Every person we honor here made a choice this morning, and every morning, to show up for the students and families of Jefferson County. That is not lost on me, and it should not be lost on any of us. These honorees are why public education matters, and they are why Jefferson County Schools is a place where students thrive."
Teacher of the Year
Angela Wyatt, Music Teacher, Driswood Elementary School
A 16-year veteran at Driswood Elementary, Angela Wyatt teaches General Music K-5, leads the Singing Ensemble and 5th-grade Band, and directs three major performances each year. She is currently completing National Board Certification and serves on the executive board of Education West Virginia - Jefferson.
As Driswood's Faculty Senate wrote in its nomination, Ms. Wyatt "embodies the essence of this honor. Her dedication to her students, school, community, and art inspires all those who have the privilege of knowing her." Ms. Wyatt will advance to represent JCS in the West Virginia Department of Education's state-level Teacher of the Year competition.
Service Person of the Year
Allison Graves, Secretary II, C. W. Shipley Elementary School
Since joining C. W. Shipley Elementary in fall 2022, Allison Graves has become the backbone of the school's daily operations, managing enrollment, scheduling, payroll, finances, and WVEIS records while serving as the welcoming first point of contact for every visitor who walks through the door.
Principal Dr. Brooks Kursey praised her "unmatched" work ethic and noted that she "goes the extra mile every day to do what is best for our staff and students." Outside of school, Ms. Graves volunteers with the Jefferson High School Band Boosters and participates in the Jefferson County Community Chorus.
Administrator of the Year
Keri Mahoney, Principal, South Jefferson Elementary School
Keri Mahoney has built South Jefferson Elementary into a school where families want to enroll and staff want to stay, a culture grounded in trust, high expectations, and genuine care for the people she leads. Low staff turnover, strong academic focus, and a unified school community reflect her leadership at work.
Ms. Mahoney leads with both conviction and compassion, championing public education as a cornerstone of community opportunity. As Deputy Superintendent Ian Hillman noted, she "consistently reminds students, staff, and families that public schools matter, and that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to a high-quality education led by strong, compassionate leaders."
Counselor of the Year
Leslie Slover, School Counselor, Wright Denny Intermediate School
Leslie Slover is an integral part of the Wright Denny community, using student behavior data and counselor referrals to identify needs and organize targeted lunch groups, while leveraging community connections to ensure families and staff have what they need to thrive, especially during the holidays. She heads the school's after-school run club and is an active member of Kiwanis.
Beyond her own school, Ms. Slover serves as a mentor to counselors across the county and organizes countywide counselor meetings to foster professional growth and consistency. Her work helps set the tone and culture at Wright Denny and raises the standard of student support throughout Jefferson County.
Rising Star Award
Tanner Petri, Band Director, Wildwood Middle School
In just the early years of his career, Tanner Petri has already achieved what most band directors spend a lifetime working toward. This year, his concert band was named the West Virginia Music Educators Honor Concert Band for Middle School, the highest state achievement a middle school concert band can earn.
Mr. Petri brings an exceptional positive energy to his program that resonates far beyond his own classroom. His students and those who go on to perform at Jefferson High School speak of him with genuine admiration. His attitude, achievements, and impact on young musicians make him an ideal recipient of the Rising Star Award.
Celebrating Excellence Across the District
In addition to the district-level honorees, the evening celebrated each school's Teacher of the Year and Service Person of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators and staff members across Jefferson County. These honorees were selected for their lasting impact and the many ways JCS teachers and staff help shape students' lives and strengthen the community.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors who made tonight's celebration possible - Apptegy, Jefferson Security Bank, R&L Landscaping, Skinner Accident and Injury Lawyers, Waynesboro Construction, ZMM Architects and Engineers.