Berkeley County Schools honored teachers, service personnel, administrators, and school counselors during its annual Spring Recognition event at Musselman High School on April 23.
The ceremony highlighted the dedication of staff who support students and contribute to the community. The event is part of ongoing efforts by Berkeley County Schools to engage with the community through events and resources, according to the official website.
Jamie Griffin from Eagle School Intermediate was named New Teacher of the Year. Lewis Ruddek from Hedgesville High School received School Counselor of the Year, while Alicia Riggleman from Musselman High School was recognized as Principal of the Year. Penny Houck, secretary and accountant at Hedgesville Elementary School, was named Service Person of the Year. Todd Frye from Transportation Department was runner-up for Service Person. Rachel Nauman from Musselman High School was selected as Teacher of the Year finalist with Joanna Kane from Inwood Primary as runner-up.
Nauman has worked at Musselman High since 2015 as a Career and Technical Education Baking and Pastry teacher. Reflecting on her award, Nauman said: “I am representing a lot of people. It’s not just me, and I did this to show my students and my school how much they do for everyone and how much we mean to other people. Basically, I’m representing them. So it’s not just me winning this award. It’s them.”
Houck began her career in 2003 as a cook before becoming secretary/accountant at Hedgesville Elementary; she participates in food programs for students during summer breaks and supported similar efforts during the pandemic. During her acceptance speech Houck said: “I just want to say thank you. I love my school. Those who know me at school know that’s home. That’s my other family and I hold them dear to my heart.”
Riggleman completed her fifth year as principal after serving previously as counselor then assistant principal at Musselman High School; she remarked: “Musselman High School has an amazing foundation built on everything they do,” Riggleman said. “I truly feel blessed to be a part of it.”
Superintendent Ryan Saxe concluded by thanking all honorees for their dedication supporting more than 19,000 enrolled students across over 3,400 staff members working in Berkeley County Schools’ 32 educational sites according to the official website. The district serves Martinsburg area families in West Virginia according to its website.
Berkeley County Schools maintains a graduation rate of 98% according to its official site while providing education from pre-kindergarten through high school with multiple pathways toward success as reported by its website.