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 on February 22, 2024.
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 are 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,“ remarked 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,” noted 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 11×14 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.
2024 Leading with the Heart Recipients:
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
Wilson’s Mills Elementary – Michelle Ransom
