Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) honored 26 employees in various roles throughout the school district at the inaugural Spotlight on Excellence Employee of the Year Ceremony. Honorees and their guests gathered at the Johnston County Agriculture Center in Smithfield for an evening filled with elegance, smiles, and gratitude in celebration of the extraordinary JCPS staff and their outstanding accomplishments that keep the school district moving FORWARD.
The Spotlight on Excellence Ceremony was created to highlight the hard work of JCPS educators and staff, and to directly acknowledge their impact on improving student outcomes and organizational success. Their dedication and commitment have set a remarkable example and have greatly contributed to JCPS’ overall success. Additionally, their ability to positively influence the school district's students, staff, and families has made a real difference.
“The inaugural Spotlight on Excellence Employee of the Year ceremony was hosted to show sincere honor and appreciation to the 26 award recipients for all that they do throughout the district,” stated Tracey Clark, Parent and Community Engagement Liaison and Special Events Coordinator. “As a school district, we strive to support all employees and ensure that each one is celebrated for their role within the system.”
This year’s event was particularly special in that it recognized educators from 26 various positions, including bus drivers, custodians, coaches, information technology technicians, safety and security officials, school nutrition services managers, communication professionals, student services members, office support, teacher assistants, and more.
While many positions were recognized, the common theme was unity and collaborative effort. Event speakers reiterated that while the roles may differ, each one is vital to the overall success of the district and impacts the lives of students and staff in profound ways.
Benson Elementary Principal and the 2025-2026 JCPS Principal of the Year, Dr. Takicey Dunston, was the evening’s keynote speaker. Dr. Dunston’s remarks focused on excellence in education, stating, “Excellence in education is not defined by title. It is defined by dedication, compassion, and commitment that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Honorees ranged from first-year educators to those planning for retirement. Many of the educators share the same passion and commitment for education and an overarching belief that educators should meet students where they are, discover their strengths, and teach them techniques to use those strengths to improve in other areas of learning. This is what makes the recipients shine brightly.
“Excellence in education is about impact. Excellence requires sacrifice. Excellence in education requires us to have a heart,” Dr. Dunston continued. “You are the very essence of education, and tonight we shine a spotlight on you.”
The evening included award presentations with each honoree being individually recognized as they walked the red carpet to the stage, where JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce and Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews presented them with an award commemorating their achievements. Pearce and Andrews expressed their sincere gratitude for each one’s role in supporting the JCPS vision.
Honoree Dr. Todd Holmes, Executive Director of Beginning Educator Support Team, was named the Human Resources Employee of the Year. A lifelong educator, throughout his career with JCPS, Holmes has transitioned from the classroom to his current administrative role, yet his passion for helping others in the field of education has never changed.
“Even though I haven’t been a classroom teacher for more years than I care to remember, I still view my job as a teacher. Now, instead of working with middle school students, I’m working with young professionals, principals, assistant principals, and district-level leadership as well,” he said.
“Continuing partnerships and collaborations with the various departments in the school system means that our actions, my actions, will encourage others to continue helping our beginning teachers and our international faculty as they continue the profession and move the school district FORWARD,” Dr. Holmes added.
The event boasted an outstanding group of award recipients, including:
2026 Spotlight on Excellence Recipients
Bus Driver of the Year - Mariah Lee
CIA Employee of the Year - Robin Hiatt
Communications Employee of the Year - Majena Howell
CTE Teacher of the Year - John Ross Robertson,
South Johnston High
Custodian of the Year - Kirk McLaurin,
Selma Middle
Exceptional Children Employee of the Year - Curtis Bradshaw
Facility Services Employee of the Year - Agustin Galindo
Financial Services Employee of the Year - Angie Pike
Head Custodian of the Year - Johnny Price,
North Johnston Middle
High School Coach of the Year - Scott Chadwick,
Clayton High
Human Resources Employee of the Year - Dr. Todd Holmes
Information Services Employee of the Year - Alex Tapia
Media Specialist of the Year - Yvette Davis, Cleveland Middle
Middle School Coach of the Year - Scott Jernigan,
Meadow School
Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year - Nicole Riggs,
Four Oaks Middle
Safety and Security Employee of the Year - Alex Parker
School Counselor of the Year - Megan Pate,
North Johnston High
School Nurse of the Year - Candy Gillespie,
Dixon Road Elementary & West View Elementary
School Nutrition Assistant of the Year - Tami Elias,
Riverwood Elementary
School Nutrition Manager of the Year - Tammy Twiggs,
Micro Elementary
School Social Worker of the Year - Kellie Smith,
Selma Middle, Choice Plus Academy, & West Johnston High
School-based Data Manager of the Year - Michelle Applequist, West Johnston High
School-Based Office Support Employee of the Year
Jennifer Jordan,
West View Elementary
Teacher Assistant of the Year - December Jones,
Selma Elementary
Technology Services Employee of the Year - Gary Barnes
Transportation Employee of the Year - Marge McGill