McHarg School Principal Dr. Mike Brown and McHarg Guidance Counselor Janiele Hamden support two McHarg students as they give the “student report” to school board members. Each school board meeting includes a student report to inform the board of what’s happening in the schools from a student perspective
The Radford City School Board recognized the achievements of an outstanding teacher, volunteer and student Tuesday in a lengthy meeting that also included work on the upcoming fiscal year budget.
Sharon Kimbleton, a special education teacher in Radford City Schools for 41 years, is honored for being named the Radford Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year for 2016 during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Sharon Kimbleton was named by the Radford Chamber of Commerce and Radford Rotary Club as Educator of the Year for 2016. Tuesday, She was honored by the board and her peers for her achievement.
“She has the heart and the art of teaching,” said Superintendent Robert Graham.
Kimbleton, who has been a special education teacher for 41 years, was described as intuitive, organized, compassionate and the “calmest person in the room” by RCS Executive Director of Student Services David Sable.
“This award is so well deserved,” said Sable. “It is a way of saying thanks. As a special education teacher, Sharon is integral to the success of Radford City Schools. She embodies excellence in education every day for every student.”
Kimbleton said she considers Radford “the best place to work” and said she has no plans to retire any time soon.
The school board also recognized Radford High School student Jack Flora (@artbyjackflora on Instagram) for his recent win in the high school division at the Virginia School Board Association’s Blue Ridge Regional Art Show. Graham said as soon as he saw Flora’s work he said he “knew we had to submit it” to the show. The school division is allowed up to three submissions per year, from elementary school through high school.
“I just knew it was going to win,” Graham said.
The board also honored volunteer Bobcat extraordinaire David “Dink” Morris for his contributions as a coach and all around volunteer for the school system, including recently installing LED lighting in the high school gymnasium free of charge.
“Dink is a super volunteer,” said Graham. “He’s a super Bobcat. And the best part about him is how much he cares for our students.”
The board also heard a presentation by Dr. Trish Stewart, a local medical doctor, about her efforts through The Links, a professional organization of women of color who give back to their communities.
“We are doctors, lawyers, professors, speech pathologists and other professional women who want to give back to our communities,” she said.
Stewart explained that she and a few other Links members are in a Roanoke chapter of the organization, since there is not yet a New River Valley chapter, but she and the other “Link Sisters” who reside in the NRV want to begin efforts in NRV schools. They plan to work with the Beans and Rice after school program.
“You will be a wonderful asset to the kids,” said Board Member Jessie Critterton.
The school board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. and is set to include approval of the 2017-18 budget. See Wednesday’s Radford News Journal for a preview of the budget.
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