Johnston County Public Schools honors Leading With the Heart winners

Submitted by Johnston County public Schools

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) honored 53 of its staff members for going above and beyond, inside and outside of the classroom, at the district’s 16th annual Leading with the Heart reception recently.

The event, inspired by Mike Krzyzewski’s book, “Leading with the Heart,” recognizes those staff members throughout the school system that demonstrate leadership, compassion and heart on a daily basis.

One person from every school as well as central services was nominated by their peers, because of their unwavering commitment and dedication to their role. Nominators also noted their positive attitude and undeniable lasting impact on others. The recipients all take pride in their roles, have first-rate work ethics and are mentors and good role models.

Honorees often volunteer for extra work duties, they volunteer in the community and go over and beyond in their everyday roles. They are consistently reliable, respectful, determined, passionate and generous individuals who constantly look for ways to help others.

“Our district is so fortunate to be filled with many passionate employees, including the 53 individuals we recognized during the event,” said Interim Executive Director of Communications Richard Carr. “The event gave us an opportunity to recognize our employees, which we feel is necessary, well worth it and we take great pride in doing so as often as we can.”

The appreciation shown during the event will leave a lasting impression on the award recipients.

“I have lived in Johnston county for 31 years and have worked as a teacher for 26 of those years. The collaboration and support among colleagues has always been evident and continues to grow stronger as we all work to meet the growing needs of our school communities,” said Smithfield Middle’s Math Coach and 2024 recipient Kay Boyd. During the celebratory reception, surrounded by friends and family, each honoree was recognized with highlights of their appreciated service featured in a special video.

Superintendent Eric C. Bracy and members of the Board presented recipients with a commemorative 11x14 framed photo and a Leading with the Heart pin. Recipients will be further recognized in many ways, including having a copy of each recipient’s photo hung in the lobby space of their building.

The 2024 Leading with the Heart Recipients are: Administrative and Auxiliary Services - Christa Leverette; Archer Lodge Middle - Kellie Harris Noone; Benson Elementary - Jane Pope; Benson Middle - Debra Barbour; Choice Plus Academy - Alicia Clinton; Clayton High - Monica Handy; Clayton Middle - Karen L. Cartas; Cleveland Elementary - Susan R. Ward; Cleveland High - Crystal H. Stinnett; Cleveland Middle - Peggy Navarrete; Cooper Academy - Kim Robitaille; Corinth Holders Elementary; Melissa A. Waring; Corinth Holders High - Heather Whitley; Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability - Dorlisa Johnson Cowart; Dixon Road Elementary - Alma Marler; East Clayton Elementary - Brandon Byrd; Financial Services - Kim Young; Four Oaks Elementary - Christine Avery; Four Oaks Middle - Mark McLamb; Glendale-Kenly Elementary - Laura Schultze; Human Resources - Carla Withrow; Innovation Academy at South Campus - Latesha Greene; JCPS Virtual Academy - Arlene R. Wright; Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy - Debby Capps Woodard; Johnston County Early College Academy - Jarett Lowder; McGee's Crossroads Elementary - Sara M. Perry; McGee's Crossroads Middle - Larkeysha M. Sheppard; Meadow School - Donna Price; Micro Elementary - Glynis Meeker; North Johnston High - Rebecca Barnhill-Bowen; North Johnston Middle - Pierre Bone; Operations and Facilities - Chris Wegner; Pine Level Elementary - Gena Scott; Polenta Elementary - Kelci Bradner; Powhatan Elementary; Susan Tamson; Princeton Elementary - Lisa Price; Princeton Middle/High - Loshawndo Brown; River Dell Elementary - Rae-Ann Headley-Allen; Riverwood Elementary - Natalie Mitchell; Riverwood Middle - Stephanie Collie; Selma Elementary - Carla Stillings; Selma Middle - Erica McFarland; Smithfield Middle - Kay Boyd; Smithfield-Selma High - Tarsha McNeil; South Johnston High - Jeffery Blue; South Smithfield Elementary - Roxana Alzate Angel; Swift Creek Middle - Amber Stephenson; Thanksgiving Elementary - Andrea Ramirez; West Clayton Elementary - David Vargas; West Johnston High - Samantha Lam; West Smithfield Elementary - Reem Tabet; West View Elementary - Linda Mahar and Wilson's Mills Elementary - Michelle Ransom.