Classy Awards Ceremony and Reception Again Highlights Top Students, Teachers, and Staff
Once again, the Classy Awards have proven that there is excellence in every corner of Prince William County Public Schools.
Parents, students, and staff from across the county got confirmation of that excellence Tuesday night as they packed the Freedom High School Auditorium for the “spring edition” of the bi-annual Classy Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement from every part of the School Division.
More than 400 student and staff honorees received a Classy trophy as recognition for surpassing high standards and earning major awards established by national, state, and regional organizations. Classy Awards for achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts went to more than 200 high-achieving students. Outstanding teachers, administrators, and coaches picked up awards in the education category, with the contributions of their colleagues in areas such as school purchasing earning awards for educational support.
The ceremony also paid homage to the nearly 200 summa cum laude scholars graduating from Prince William County Public Schools this month. “Every one of them worked hard to excel in every course for four years – and sometimes even longer – to maintain a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher. [They have] achieved the very pinnacle of academic success,” Superintendent Steven Walts told the crowd. “Keeping those grades high requires a lot of hours, tremendous dedication, and hard work …These students really are the best of Prince William County.”
Similar to the first Classy Awards that took place in January, the second bi-annual student and staff recognition ceremony marked a departure from smaller celebrations that usually separated student accomplishments from those of staff, or focused only on recognizing achievements within a single school or activity, unintentionally obscuring the bigger picture.
“This awards ceremony really is special because it demonstrates how
wonderful our School Division is, and how everyone within it truly works together to make this a World-Class organization,” said Walts.
Staff members such as Virginia’s Middle School Math Teacher of the Year, an award-winning Media Productions office, and the winner of The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher title were recognized on the same stage as scores of high school scholars who earned first and second place at regional and state competitions and athletes who played their way to sometimes national acclaim.
The ceremony and gala reception also included musical interludes from Woodbridge High School’s pianist Joyce Park, the Freedom High School Singers, the Potomac High School Brass Quintet, and the world-traveling concert choir from Stonewall Jackson High School who made headlines when they were invited to perform at the Vatican in Rome.
School Board Chairman Lu
cy Beauchamp explains that staff and students who are honored at this special ceremony really have to reach for – and achieve – some pretty impressive goals, noting that those recognized are outstanding role models for their friends and peers.
“It is no small feat to receive a Classy award,” Beauchamp noted at the event. “These Classy winners are an inspiration to me, to their friends, family, and colleagues, and I am delighted to have the chance to honor them.”
6/7/06
