Amherst County Public Schools (ACPS) proudly announced its 2026 Division Teacher of the Year and Division Support Staff of the Year during a Recognition Ceremony held last week, honoring outstanding educators and staff from across the division.

 

This annual celebration recognizes individuals whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism make a lasting impact on students, schools, families, and the community. All Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Support Staff of the Year (SSOY) nominees were honored during the event before the division-level recipients were announced.

 

Division Teacher of the Year: Patsy Emmert, Amherst County High School

For 26 years, Ms. Patsy Emmert, Theater Teacher at Amherst County High School, has been changing lives - one student, one production, and one opportunity at a time. In her classroom, students learn far more than acting; through theater and improvisation, they develop collaboration, critical thinking, confidence, and problem-solving skills that stay with them long after graduation.

 

Ms. Emmert is known for seeing potential where others may not. A kinesthetic learner who had struggled in traditional classrooms found freedom and success through movement and performance. A first-generation college student credits Ms. Emmert with opening doors - guiding college decisions and mentoring them into a future career as a theater director.

 

Her classroom is a place of belonging, where students who feel like outsiders find community. As one alumnus described it, Ms. Emmert creates “a hopeful community” built on warmth, humor, and an unwavering belief that every student can thrive.”

 

Division Support Staff Member of the Year: Lisa Mays, Amherst Education Center

With 29 years of service to Amherst County Public Schools - including the last 10 years at Amherst Education Center - Ms. Lisa Mays exemplifies unwavering dedication and student-centered care. As Head Custodian, she takes immense pride in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, earning frequent praise from visitors and staff alike.

 

Known for her reliability and attention to detail, Ms. Mays approaches every responsibility with excellence, even working for more than a month, without air conditioning, this past summer, without complaint. Beyond her custodial role, she is a trusted and caring presence for students—encouraging them in their goals, building meaningful relationships, and often serving as a surrogate family member at school events for students without family present.

 

Her quiet strength, humility, and genuine care make her an irreplaceable member of the Amherst Education Center community and a powerful contributor to student well-being, attendance, and success.

 

2025 ACPS Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Nominees

The following educators and staff members were recognized as school/department level nominees for their exceptional service and commitment to students:

 

Teacher of the Year Nominees

Patsy Emmert, Amherst County High School

Rebecca Peters, Amherst Education Center

Katherine Widrick, Amherst Middle School

Shaylynn Elick, Monelison Middle School

Anna Trapp, Amelon Elementary School

Melanie Lewis, Amherst Elementary School

Shana West, Central Elementary School

Camille Wilson, Elon Elementary School

McKayla Hansen, Madison Heights Elementary School

David Hill, Temperance Elementary School

 

Support Staff of the Year Nominees

Jessica Meeks, Amherst County High School

Lisa Mays, Amherst Education Center

Heather Davila, Amherst Middle School

Gina Simmons, Monelison Middle School

Jennifer Beverley, Amelon Elementary School

Alicia Campbell, Amherst Elementary School

Genna Cockerham, Central Elementary School

Chad Larsen-Mossinger, Elon Elementary School

Megan Glass, Madison Heights Elementary School

Diane Mays, Temperance Elementary School

Crystal Rosson, School Administration Office

Renea Brunner, Technology

 

Amherst County Public Schools extends sincere congratulations to all nominees and winners and thanks them for their dedication to supporting student success across the division.