JAMES WOOD

Staff Writer

Faculty and students from across Bedford County Schools (BCS) celebrated the end of the school year by honoring several members of the district’s staff who showed exceptional service to the community at a well-attended reception hosted at the Fly Arts Center on April 30.

BCS Assistant Superintendent Tim Harwell shared his appreciation for BCS’ faculty and all of those who contributed to the 2025-26 school year.

“We always look forward to these meetings where we can recognize the people who added to our success for the past year,” said Harwell. “We want to highlight their contributions and say thank you.”

The event marked Superintendent Tammy Garrett’s last with BCS before her retirement from her position in June, in which she will be succeeded by Harwell.

She expressed her gratitude to the faculty in a statement written prior to the event highlighting their vitality in the success of the district and referred to them as the “backbone that keeps our schools running and thriving.”

“This evening, we celebrate not only your accomplishments, but also the dedication and spirit you bring to your work,” wrote Garrett. “ You show up with intention, care and pride, and because of that, our schools are stronger, more supportive and better places for students to learn and grow.”

The General Education Assistants of the Year were: Erin Mercer, Pam Hinson, Janet Lynch, Allison Leverette, Lisa Pierce, Sandy Pyrdum, Jacob Breitner, Meghan Messick, Jacie Sullivan, Rebecca Gibbons, Melinda Robinson, Teresa Medley, Logan Clark, Rachel Williams, Cortney Shelton and Stefanie Merganon.

The Special Education Assistants of the Year were: Tabitha Baldwin, Ashley Allison, Debbie Smith, Katie Skinner, Reika Helms, Cindy Paschal, Michelle Miller, Theresa Denekas, Bria Smith, Tammy Packert, Jenny Tate, Shawn Shearon and Jennifer Wilhoite.

The Office Staff of the Year were: Susan Thurber, Bethany Swing, Leigh Ann Maybee, Heather MItchell, Anna Gibbs, Charity Eady, Jessica Caceres Escobar, Leah Lowery, Sandra Ballard, Dawn Pope, Amy Beth Gassaway, Mary Smith, Ingrid Strong and Cathy Mars.

The following were recognized individually for their accomplishments in their roles:

Julie Elliott – Special Education Systemwide

Matt Russell – SEL/Mental Health Support

Caitlin Pope – LEAPS

Lee Ann Butts – Instructional Coach

Serena Craig – Attendance/Data/Accountability

Laurie Brannon – Central Office

Cortney Wolf – School Nurse

Gordon Freeman – Grounds Crew

Dee Hobbs – Maintenance

Megan Moreland – Shop Staff

Beth Hastings – Custodial

Garrison Brandon – Technology

Chase Bledsoe – School Resource Officer (SRO)

Lizzy MaGee – Bus Driver

Laurie Trout – Office Staff

Bryleigh Paschal – School Age Care Program