Ellen Burlingame believes in “service learning” for all 600 members of Granby High School’s freshmen class.  This Harvard graduate has gotten Granby’s freshmen to donate over 2,000 volunteer hours so far this school year to organizations including:  Habitat for Humanity, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, and the Foodbank of South Hampton Roads.  Above all, it’s her ability to connect with students and colleagues, plus her tremendous work ethic and desire to give back to others that make her so inspiring to those around her.

Mike Adams exemplifies customer service on a daily basis as the network engineer at Granby High School.  His optimism and commitment are evident, whether he’s assisting a student who can’t open a file or an administrator whose laptop has just crashed.  He has made it known that his goal is to “maintain 100 percent operational computers in the school.”  Mr. Adams also has an amazing work ethic that extends to rebuilding computers without compensation for those who cannot afford them.

Dara Coles creates just the right balance of creativity and systematic approach in her classroom. As a result, in 2007, 93% of her third grade students scored “Passed Advanced” on the SOLS, with 33% scoring 600. Her willingness to share knowledge goes beyond the classroom. On Thursday nights, Ms. Coles teaches Spanish to students, parents, and community members. On Saturdays, she tutors students in reading and math. And Monday through Friday, she stays at school an additional hour to give new teachers the help they need. Ms. Coles’ passion for teaching and learning inspires everyone to give a little more, care a little more, and strive a little more.

Kevin Arnold consistently demonstrates attention to the individual needs of students.  This two-time Teacher of the Year at Fairlawn Elementary works with students, families and teachers in order to formulate specific plans to overcome barriers.  Along with providing parent training, Mr. Arnold has also initiated three new programs:  “The Young Men’s Ensemble,” “The Rhythm Project” and the “Caught Being Good Program.”  Each of these unique programs emerged out of his desire to further students’ potential.

The Phoenix Cluster is a unique intervention program designed to teach personal responsibility and self-control to over-age boys.  The cluster, which is headed up by male teachers and administrators at Chesterfield, provides mentoring opportunities, academic assistance, and positive real-life experiences.  Since its inception, data has shown significant improvements in behavior and overall school safety.  By setting high expectations and requiring students to act accordingly, this group of men has had a profound impact on school climate, safety and discipline.

Valerie Tuck has a passion for science, and she wants her students to share that passion.  That love of science earned her a chance to take a Zero-Gravity Flight, and then she returned to the classroom, ready to further enhance student learning with her experience.  As the science department chair at Azalea Gardens, she is always sharing new research and innovative strategies that have resulted in exemplary pass rates on the science SOL’s.  Mrs. Tuck successfully combines her love of science with concern and sensitivity for all students.

James Bergey, Azalea’s Teacher of the Year, has been called “a born teacher.” He arrives early and stays late so that he can tutor, nurture, and mentor his students. He successfully blends the wonder, optimism, and excitement of a young teacher with the understanding, courage, and dedication of an older, more experienced educator. His approach to teaching social studies inspires his students to make personal connections to events locally and globally. Mr. Bergey has been recognized by his church and Habitat for Humanity for his volunteer work in Central America. The Virginia State Department of Education has called him a “Teacher with Promise.”

Randy Green is an excellent role model for students and his co-workers. When parents or teachers need help talking with a student, he acts as a mediator. He designed many of the Black History Month activities for all of the teachers at Blair. And when he saw a need for a male, character development plan, he created the Men of Blair Mentoring Program. This motivated others to develop a mentoring program for girls. Mr. Green’s ability to motivate his students is also evident. His students have scored 100% proficiency two years in a row on the Alternative Math Assessment.

Lenora Blowe loves technology and she loves training anyone who wants to learn about it, and even those who don’t.  A 25-year veteran of Norfolk Public Schools, Mrs. Blowe utilizes hands-on lessons for both students and teachers, while catering her training sessions to her audience with precision.  She makes technology more approachable and easy to understand by explaining each step carefully.  Her outstanding training has inspired others to effectively and creatively utilize technology.

Krystal Griffin is an example to not only the students she transports, but also to her fellow bus drivers.  She happily serves as a mentor to both veteran and new drivers, and is always ready to explain expectations and answer any questions in order to help others.  Because of her exemplary attendance and exceptional judgment, Ms. Griffin is admired and respected by administrators in the Department of Transportation and school personnel.  Her winning smile and positive attitude on a daily basis makes her an inspiration to each person she comes in contact with.