Congratulations to our 2026 Isle of Wight Teacher of the Year, Mr. Christopher Johnson, from Windsor High School. This award is well deserved. We are so proud of you, Mr. Johnson.

Congratulations to the Child Nutrition Dept. for a “phenomenal audit review” from the VDOE audit reviewer. The reviewer was effusive in her commendations of the program and the significant improvements. Thank you Ms. Couch, Ms. Williams, Ms, Barbee, and all of our school staff.

The Smithfield Little Theatre presented the Winter Wonderettes holiday production. Isle of Wight staff and I attended to support our multi-talented board clerk, Mrs. Jessica Whitlow, as she starred in the performance. Congratulations on a great performance, Mrs. Whitlow.

It was a pleasure to attend the 2025 Holiday Concert Series by the Smithfield High Choraliers in the Carol by Candlelight performance. The student performers were outstanding. Thank you Smithfield High Choraliers and Smithfield High Director, Ms. Katie West.

Thank you Chief Howell and the Smithfield Police Department for allowing me to ride with you in the Smithfield Christmas parade.

It is always a pleasure to meet with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board (SAB). I always learn so much from these talented students. And during the November meeting, we discussed the students’ leadership strengths. Thank you SAB students for your time and contributions.

Congratulations to the Smithfield High Battalion Bash JROTC students on a successful day of learning, competing, and having lots of fun. The event served as a morale booster for the hardworking and dedicated students. Thank you for your leadership, Col. Badoian and 1SG Hunter.

Congratulations to the Isle of Wight community on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the unveiling of our new Riverside Smithfield Hospital. It was a pleasure to be in attendance at this monumental event.

Thank you Ms. Magner, Ms. Dailey, and the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Board members for hosting the very informative and productive SEAC meeting. Thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for our parents and community. We all learned so much.

Thank you Mrs. Rogers, Dr. Truitt, and our dedicated Gifted Coordinators. Thank you for an outstanding Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) meeting. The GEAC Committee shared invaluable information with our GEAC leaders. Your contributions will help to make improvements.

It was a pleasure visiting Ms. Bryant’s class and getting a chance to see her work with the talented and caring students in the Carrollton Cardinals CARE Club. The club is dedicated to creating a caring, respectful, and welcoming school environment. The members lead by example.

The annual Education Foundation Gala was held on Sat., Nov. 8 at the Smithfield Center. This year the theme was a masquerade ball. The event raised over $65,000 with $44,000 going to schools in the way of grants. Thank you Foundation members for organizing this wonderful event.

I am proud to share that Isle of Wight County Schools held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new School Administration Building which is renovated space of the former Hardy ES. We are excited to be in the new repurposed space. This is a major accomplishment for IWCS.

Thank you Ms. Couch, Ms. Williams, and Dr. Coleman along with the Child Nutrition staff at Smithfield HS and MS, Carrollton ES, Westside ES, and Hardy ES for showing us your work areas, your many contributions to our students, and some of your needs. We appreciate you all.

Thank you Westside ES students, Principal Johnson, Ms. Medley, Dr. Newcomb, and all who participated for celebrating our veterans at your annual Veterans Day program and parade.

Thank you Carrollton ES and Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church for recognizing our veterans on Veterans Day at your annual event.

Thank you Ms. Couch, Ms. Williams, and Dr. Coleman along with the Child Nutrition staff members from Windsor High, Carrsville ES, Georgie Tyler MS, and Windsor ES for showing us your work areas and all that you do to prepare nutritious meals for our students each and every day.

Congratulations to the Windsor High students who received their Academic Jackets and/or acknowledgment for all A’s. Please know that we are tremendously proud of each of you, and we wish you all continued success.

Congratulations to the Smithfield High academically distinguished students for receiving the All A’s Medals and the Senior Academic Jackets. Thank you Mr. Williams and SHS staff for recognizing these talented students for their commitment and hard work.

Congratulations to the Smithfield High Packers on their 41-14 homecoming victory over Grafton.