Women Education Leaders of Virginia Leadership Awards
The Outstanding Service to Education Award, established in 2012, is presented to a leader who has made a particularly significant and unusual contribution to education in Virginia and who has served as a role model and mentor to emerging female leaders.
Recipients:
Sylvia Henderson, Principal, Albemarle County, Posthumously, 2012
Pat Wright, State Superintendent of Public Education 2014
Sarah Spruill Armstrong, Assistant Professor, Easter Mennonite University, Posthumously, 2017
Pam Moran, Superintendent, Albemarle County, 2018
Amy Griffin, Superintendent, Cumberland County, 2019
Laurie McCullough, Executive Director, VASCD, 2020
Purpose of Award
This award is presented to a woman leader who is a highly accomplished and effective leader in Virginia and has a stellar record of educational service in Virginia. She has made an impact on education at the local, regional, state and/or national levels. She has served as a role model for
those who will follow as female leaders. Her service has resulted in the advancement of women in leadership.
Criteria for consideration·
- Wide-reaching influence
- Deep impact on education
· Effective leadership
· Notable accomplishments
· Service to the profession beyond normal job responsibilities.- ·
- Participation in WELV through membership and attendance at conferences
- Commitment to the mission of WELV to promote women in all areas of education and to further the participation of women in higher levels of educational leadership.+
The WELV Spirit Award, established in 2009, is presented to a leader who has had a significant role in supporting the mission of WELV to promote women in all areas of education and to further the participation of women in higher levels of educational administration.
Pam Tucker, Professor, Curry School, University of Virginia, 2009
Purpose of Award
This award is presented to an active member of WELV and leader, who, over her years of involvement in WELV, has made notable contributions to strengthen the organization.
Through her leadership and commitment to the organization she has advanced the mission of WELV.
Criteria for consideration
- Particular and sustained contributions to the WELV -
- A record of service and leadership in education in Virginia with notable accomplishments as a leader
- A record of promoting, supporting, and encouraging women in all areas of education, and furthering the participation of women in higher levels of educational leadership\\
- Participation in WELV through membership and attendance at conferences
- Commitment to the mission of WELV to promote women in all areas of education and to further the participation of women in higher levels of educational leadership.
The Rising Star Female Leader, established in 2012, is presented to an educational leader who demonstrates the traits of an outstanding leader and is viewed by her colleagues as an individual with great potential to contribute significantly to education in Virginia.
Recipients:
Staci England, Assistant Principal, Albemarle County, 2012
Purpose of Award
This award is presented to an active member of WELV who has demonstrated leadership characteristics that inspire and impact her sphere of influence. She demonstrates the traits of an outstanding female leader and is viewed by her colleagues as an individual with great potential to develop her leadership abilities and impact and to contribute significantly to education in Virginia. Most importantly, she demonstrates a commitment to service to students.
Criteria for Consideration
·A demonstrated commitment of service to students
- A record of promoting, supporting, and encouraging women in all areas of education
- Recognition by her colleagues as a leader with great potential to contribute significantly to education in Virginia
WELV Mentor Award This award is presented to an educational leader who served or serves as an inspirational mentor to women leaders and has consistently supported women for advancement throughout his/her career.
Kim Evans, Superintendent, Greensville County, 2019
Kristy Somerville-Midgette, Superintendent, Brunswick County 2020
Jamelle Wilson, Dean, School of Education, University of Richmond 2021
Criteria for Consideration
- Has mentored multiple women who with the assistance of the mentorship became strong, successful educational leaders.
- Consistently seeks ways to encourage women to take that next step or face with grace the next challenge.
- Is recognized in Virginia as a mentor and there is evidence that he/she has taken positive steps to insure gender equity in educational leadership.
Regional Woman Leader of the Year This award is given to a woman leader in each of the 8 Superintendents’ Regions. The recipient in each region is a leader who has led with impact on student learning and has promoted with passion and actions the mission of WELV. She motivates those around her to be the best they can be. She models generosity of spirit and encourages others to become involved with WELV
Criteria for Consideration
- She is recognized as a bold and effective leader by colleagues and those she serves.
- She is results oriented.
- She exhibits admirable qualities of leadership and keeps “what is best for children” at the center of decisions and actions.
- She exemplifies the spirit of WELV and has shared the inspiration of WELV with others in the region.
- She has taken actions to create a strong WELV network for leaders in the regions.
Recipients:
Region 1: Tracy Lee, Coordinator Family Engagement VA DOE, 2021
Region 3: Marci Catlett, Superintendent, Fredericksburg City Schools, 2021
Region 4: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Assistant Principal, Loudoun County Schools 2021
Jennifer Ewing, Principal, Loudoun County Schools 2021
Tracy Stephens Principal, Loudoun County Schools 2021
Michelle Walthour, Principal, Loudoun County Schools 2021
Region 8: Kristy Somerville-Midgette, Superintendent, Brunswick County Schools, 2021
Krystle Pearson, Director of Technology, Brunswick County Schools, 2021
The Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award, established at the start of WELV, is presented to a woman who by her accomplishments and her appointments to a position or positions heretofore not held by women has provided new pathways for other women to follow. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership that has contributed to the quality of education in Virginia. Most importantly, she has broken the glass ceiling in her field. Listed below are recipients with notations on some of their “firsts”.This is not an annual award but is awarded by the Board of Directors when it deems that a recipient has “broken the glass ceiling in Virginia.
Margaret Blackmon,Ed. D. First executive director of Women Education Leaders in Virginia
Kathryn Thornton, Ph.D. First woman astronaut at the University of Virginia
Teresa Sullivan, Ph.D. First woman to be president of the University of Virginia
Kamala Harris Vice President of the United States
FOR ALL AWARDS Except Glass Ceiling Award
Nomination Procedures: The nominator is to submit (1) a letter of nomination, referring specifically to stated criteria and citing examples, (2) a resume, and (3) two additional letters of recommendation from individuals who know well and can speak to the accomplishments of the nominee.
These materials are to be submitted electronically to the Executive Director (afogliani@aol.com) by January 15, 2022.
Selection Procedures: The Nominations Committee of the WELV Board will review completed nomination packets and make recommendations, based on stated criteria, to the full WELV Board. The Board will make final decisions on the awards to be made at the upcoming Annual Conference.