Published on Fri., February 27, 2026

The 2025-26 Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) Support Persons of the Year for each school have been selected! The following staff members go above and beyond to foster environments where all students can thrive. From making our learning spaces safe and welcoming to providing essential support in classrooms, offices, and beyond, their contributions are invaluable to the LCS community. We are deeply grateful for their hard work, dedication, and leadership, which make a lasting impact on students’ lives every day.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the division-wide LCS 2025-26 Support Person of the Year soon! 

Congratulations to the 2025-26 Support Persons of the Year:

Elementary School
  • W. M. Bass Elementary: Jutta Patterson, head custodian
  • Bedford Hills Elementary: Mia Reeves, attendance clerk and administrative assistant 
  • Dearington Elementary: Rodney Early, instructional assistant
  • Heritage Elementary: Zafar Husain, special education instructional assistant
  • Linkhorne Elementary: Chantel West-White, school nurse
  • Paul Munro Elementary: Sheila Hughes, instructional assistant
  • Perrymont Elementary: Sarah Pringle, special education instructional assistant
  • R. S. Payne Elementary: Vickie Waller, administrative assistant
  • Sandusky Elementary: Heather Godsie, instructional assistant
  • Sheffield Elementary: Sherry Mueller, special education instructional assistant
Two photos: school staff member holding flowers in front of "Panther Walk" banner, and staff member in school office with flowers, balloons and treats
First photo: Perrymont Elementary Special Education Instructional Assistant Sarah Pringle. Second photo: R. S. Payne Elementary Administrative Assistant Vickie Waller. 
Middle School
  • Linkhorne Middle: Jessica Marino, attendance clerk
  • P. L. Dunbar Middle: Steven Brown, special education instructional assistant
  • Sandusky Middle: Quinijah Slaughter, instructional assistant
Two photos: staff member holding flowers in front of mural with Spartan mascot visible, and group of 4 people--one holding a basket--in front of "Raise the Bar" mural
First photo: Sandusky Middle School Instructional Assistant Quinijah Slaughter. Second photo: Dunbar Middle School Special Education Instructional Assistant Steven Brown (second from the left).
High School
  • E. C. Glass High: Margretta "Gretta" Ford, head custodian
  • Heritage High: Merrill Burton, registrar
Two photos: group of staff and administrators in school office with one person holding flowers; and group of 5 people with one holding a gift bag
First photo: E. C. Glass High School Head Custodian Margretta "Gretta" Ford (center). Second photo: Heritage High School Registrar Merrill Burton (center).
Specialty Schools
  • Fort Hill Community School: Cassandra Newman, administrative assistant
  • Hutcherson Early Academy: Donna Thomas, head custodian
  • Laurel Regional Program: Derricka Jones, therapeutic educational assistant
  • T. C. Miller Academy: Judy Duncan, instructional assistant
  • Turning Point Academy: Zhakia Scott, student support transition specialist
  • Adult Learning Center/RODEO: Lillian Cardwell, head custodian
Two photos: one of principal with staff member holding flowers and balloon; and second with principal and staff member holding flowers
First photo: T. C. Miller Academy Instructional Assistant Judy Duncan (left). Second photo: Hutcherson Academy Head Custodian Donna Thomas (right).
Other Locations
  • Administration Building: Rob Wooters, payroll supervisor
  • Transportation: Shemika Lovelace, bus driver
  • Information Technology: Sarah Burch, HelpDesk technician 
  • Facilities & Maintenance: Jan Penn, administrative assistant
Staff member holding balloons in School Board room
LCS Payroll Supervisor Rob Wooters.
 
See Related Content