This has been a positive year for students and staff with Lunenburg schools. The district’s test results are up, schools are accredited and both individual classes and the district overall has earned multiple awards from a variety of areas. But district officials wanted to make sure everyone gets the recognition they deserve. That’s why they came up with the LCPS Eagle Awards. 

It’s designed to honor the outstanding contributions of staff and students who embody the spirit of this year’s theme for the district, “Soaring Together.” So how does this work? Beginning this month, the district will honor people in four categories. That includes administrators, certified employees (teachers, counselors, psychologists, social workers), classified employee (support staff, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers) and students. Students and staff can nominate people, but so can members of the Lunenburg County community. 

Eagle Awards chosen from Lunenburg schools

The first set of winners were chosen during the Lunenburg County School Board meeting, which took place on Monday, Nov. 11. Kenbridge Elementary Principal Tammy Matthews was chosen by co-workers, who left a number of anonymous comments for district officials, praising her work at the school. Kenbridge Elementary was fully accredited without conditions this year, with math and history pass rates that exceeded the majority of the district. But beyond that, co-workers applauded how Matthews runs the school. 

“Ms. Matthews is a strong leader and is always a talk away and is always willing to be there for any and all help when needed,” one teacher wrote anonymously. “She is a positive influence on myself as well as others at Kenbridge Elementary School.”

Others at the school pointed out how Matthews stepped up and took on more work as her assistant principal has been out on maternity leave, labeling her as a strong and caring leader. 

“Each morning Ms. Mathews greets every bus driver and each student with a heartfelt “good morning.” When there is a concern with a student, she takes care of it immediately,” more staff members wrote in support of her nomination. “(We) have witnessed so many wonderful things while working with Ms. Mathews. Her years of experience and dedication as an elementary school teacher to now a wonderful principal of KES is a true blessing to everyone.”

Recognition at the middle school 

Shawn Sandifer, meanwhile, wears a lot of hats at Lunenburg Middle School. He serves as athletic director, coaches and works in the classroom as a teacher. He was nominated for the Certified Employee Award by both co-workers and students. 

“Sandifer is extremely dedicated to his students in and out of the classroom. Does the job of 4+

employees on a regular basis, including teaching, coaching, athletic directing, and bus driving for teams,” one person wrote. “He almost single-handedly is the reason LMS athletics functions while still also being an individual respected by students and faculty alike. I don’t see how it would be possible for anyone to be more fit for this award.”

A student also praised Sandifer for the way he teaches. 

“Mr. Sandifer deserves this award because he takes his time with everybody and makes sure you know what’s going on and that you know what to do,” a student wrote. “He helps you understand what the subject is about, also keeps everything very organized making it easy to get work done. He is just an overall a fun, kind, and respectful person.”

Jackson also honored as Employee Winner

Lunenburg Middle School Secretary Takesha Jackson was also honored as a Classified Employee Winner, nominated by her co-workers. 

“Mrs. Jackson exemplifies excellence in her role as secretary at LMS, consistently going above

and beyond in every aspect of her work,” one person wrote. “Her warm and welcoming demeanor creates a positive and calming atmosphere for everyone who enters the office. With remarkable organization, outstanding communication skills, and an unwavering commitment to the smooth operation of the school, Mrs. Jackson takes on every task with dedication and a proactive approach. Her presence enriches the entire school community, and there isn’t a person in the building who doesn’t benefit from her fairness, kindness, and professionalism.”

Another person said she is the glue that keeps the school going. 

“Ms. Jackson is literally what keeps our school running,” a co-worker wrote. “She is hardworking and dedicated in everything she does. If she completes it, you can rest assured that it is done correctly and thoroughly. Ms. Jackson goes above and beyond for everyone here at LMS, and we are so thankful to have her!”

Eagle Awards extend to students

The first student winner of the year for Lunenburg Schools was Ashton Vermillion. The eighth grader at Lunenburg Middle has excellent grades, attendance, and behavior, his teachers say. He was nominated by his fellow students.

“I think this person should be an LCPS Eagle Award Winner because ever since he moved from his old home to this school, he has been one of the people I look up to,” a student wrote. “He is smart and kind and always helps his friends family and people around and he is a great example of someone that should be awarded for all he does. He is a good regular kid. Doesn’t do sports.”

Another student called Ashton very smart, saying he could lead group projects without any problems. 

“He is overall an excellent person and one of the greatest I’ve met in my life,” the student wrote. “He also helps people, for example, I missed school one day and he had shared the online notes for a class that I missed so I would not be behind.”