Johnston County Public Schools held its 18th annual Leading with the Heart Celebration, recognizing 54 staff members for exceeding expectations, inside and outside of the classroom. Held at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield, recipients, their guests, and their principals enjoyed an evening of appreciation for these exceptional JCPS staff members.
Inspired by the book “Leading with the Heart,” written by Mike Krzyzewski, the event recognizes one staff member from each school and various central services departments. Honorees were nominated by their peers based on several factors, including an enduring commitment to their role, a positive attitude, and an undeniable lasting impact on others.
Each individual is not only reliable, respectful, determined, and passionate, but they also consistently look for ways to help others. They go the extra mile in their everyday roles, often volunteering for extra work duties, and in their regular lives, also volunteering in their own communities.
One of these amazing individuals is Tiona Vernon from Polenta Elementary. In just her second year as a school counselor, Vernon is continually inspired and motivated by the students and believes that one of her primary purposes is to show love and light in every encounter.
“I have a unique opportunity to make a difference, and that is a responsibility I take very seriously. I truly love these children, and that is why I am here,” she remarked. “With this honor, I will continue to walk in love to serve the students and families of Polenta and our community. Receiving the Leading with the Heart Award is a testament to my prayers, my upbringing, and the life I strive to live every day,” Vernon added.
For Andrés Mena, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Smithfield Middle, the award is special for him both personally and professionally. Mena joined JCPS in 2022 as an international educator from Colombia, with more than 10 years of teaching experience. He has served as an ESL teacher, supporting multilingual learners as they develop language skills and confidence in their new environment.“This recognition means a great deal to me both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I feel deeply honored to represent my school in this way, and I also feel proud to represent my hometown and my country through my service as an educator here,” Mena said.
“Professionally, this recognition is a meaningful milestone and a strong source of motivation. Knowing that a colleague took the time to nominate me and that others see heart and dedication in my work is incredibly encouraging,” he remarked.
JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce and Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews welcomed each honoree to the stage and thanked them personally for the heart they show every day. They also presented each honoree with commemorative momentos, including a framed photo and a Leading with the Heart pin.
Also, during the celebration, members of JCPS Leadership gave inspiring remarks, including Associate Superintendent of School Performance Patty Whitington, Assistant Superintendent of School Performance Kendrick Byrd, and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Leigh White. Mr. Byrd’s remarks referred to a quote from Coach K’s book, Leading with the Heart, that reads, “My hunger is not for success, it is for excellence. Because when you attain excellence, success just naturally follows.”
Byrd expounded on that quote by saying, “Success is something that is done with intentionality. It is not something that just occurs by chance. It takes the commitment and dedication of many people, but the single most driving force behind any organization’s success is the relentless pursuit of excellence. It is that everyday commitment to be better today than you were yesterday.”
The appreciation shown during the event will leave a lasting impression on the award recipients. Leading With The Heart recipients’ photos will be displayed in the lobby of their building for all to see, as a reminder of their indelible commitment to leading with their hearts daily.
2026 Leading with the Heart Award Recipients:
Administrative and Auxiliary Services - Terry Bullock
Archer Lodge Middle - Kate Duty
Benson Elementary - Michele Holloman
Benson Middle - Juana Aguilar
Choice Plus Academy - Diane Sanfilippo
Clayton High - Mandy Chalk
Clayton Middle - Gladdys Mercado
Cleveland Elementary - Amanda Brough
Cleveland High - Austin Jacobs
Cleveland Middle - Jenna Cress
Cooper Academy - Lovette Kirks
Corinth-Holders Elementary - Andrea Maldonado
Corinth Holders High - Jimmy Massey
Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability - Kevin Daughtry
Dixon Road Elementary - Holly Mangum
East Clayton Elementary - Logan Parnell
Financial Services - Henry Smith
Four Oaks Elementary - Rebekah Brewer
Four Oaks Middle - Ida Robbins
Glendale-Kenly Elementary - Jason Guseman
Human Resources - Brooke Clifton
Innovation Academy at South Campus - Pam Biggs
JCPS Virtual Academy - Andrea Carroll
Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy - Anna Westergard
Johnston County Early College Academy - Aaron Lynch
McGee's Crossroads Elementary - Rylie Hines
McGee's Crossroads Middle - Katrina Bond
Meadow School - Dulce Valle
Micro Elementary - Allison Strickland
North Johnston High - Kristy Wheeler
North Johnston Middle - Stephanie Caviness
Operations and Facilities - Muriel Brooks
Pine Level Elementary - Jeannine Creech
Polenta Elementary - Tiona Vernon
Powhatan Elementary - Carol Walton
Princeton Elementary - Malissa Graham
Princeton Middle/High - Ann Tart
River Dell Elementary - Suzanne Walker
Riverwood Elementary - Sue Ann Hallinger
Riverwood Middle - Haley Wheeler
Selma Elementary - Andrea Jones
Selma Middle - Kelvin Moore
Smithfield Middle - Andrés Mena
Smithfield-Selma High - Sonia Robertson
South Johnston High - Amanda Benson
South Smithfield Elementary - Lorraine Laoingco Manabat
Swift Creek Elementary - Donna DuPraw
Swift Creek Middle - Lillian Cole
Thanksgiving Elementary - Heather Jones
West Clayton Elementary - Kayleigh James
West Johnston High - Tonya Painter
West Smithfield Elementary - Meagan Ingram
West View Elementary - Donna Bailey
Wilson's Mills Elementary - Beverly Parker
Congratulations, once again, to the 2026 Leading with the Heart recipients! JCPS is grateful for our previous recipients and the countless dedicated JCPS employees who lead with their hearts daily!