Lexington City Schools proudly recognized outstanding employees, leaders, and departments during the district’s 2026 Celebration of Excellence, held May 13, 2026. The event brought together Board of Education members, staff, community partners, families, and supporters to celebrate the individuals and teams making a lasting impact across Lexington City Schools.
Members of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education joined district leaders, staff, families, and community partners in recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of employees across the district.
The evening highlighted the dedication, leadership, innovation, and commitment demonstrated daily by employees throughout the district.
Chairwoman Angela McDuffie praised the district’s employees and the positive momentum taking place across Lexington City Schools.
“Our employees are the foundation of Lexington City Schools, and this celebration reflects the impact they make in the lives of students each and every day,” said McDuffie. “As a Board of Education, we are proud to recognize the educators, support staff, and leaders who continue to strengthen our schools and create meaningful opportunities for students. Their commitment to excellence continues making a difference across our district and throughout the Lexington community.”
The following employees and departments were recognized during the 2026 Celebration of Excellence:
Lexington City Schools Teacher of the Year — Geraldine Bodden, South Lexington School
Lexington City Schools Principal of the Year — Dr. Jermaine Porter, Lexington Senior High School
Lexington City Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year — Jayla Jackson, Lexington Senior High School
Lexington City Schools Assistant Principal of the Year — Monique Wells
Lexington City Schools Mentor of the Year — Mischa Miles
Lexington City Schools Classified Employee of the Year — Ke’Andra Glover
Lexington City Schools Bus Driver of the Year — Gowrie Budhai
Lexington City Schools School Nutrition Department of the Year — Southwest Elementary Global Academy
Lexington City Schools Central Office Employee of the Year — April Thompson
Lexington City Schools Central Office Department of the Year — Student Services & CTE
Lexington City Schools Media Coordinator of the Year — Amy Ralph
Lexington City Schools CTE Teacher of the Year — Lindsay Dodson
The district also recognized employees for milestone years of service and honored retiring employees for their dedication and lasting contributions to Lexington City Schools.
Retirees recognized during the 2026 Celebration of Excellence included:
Charles Akers
Alma Byrd
Dr. Riley Curry
Mary Gillespie
Gwen Greathouse
Robert Hairston
Angie Hayes
Jane Hedrick
Lanett Holmes
Kathy Peterson
William Pierce
A special highlight of the evening included recognition of the Bunce Family Foundation, which served as the Title Sponsor for the event. The foundation’s continued investment honors the legacy of educator Betty G. Bunce and directly supports Teacher of the Year recognition awards for Lexington City Schools educators. Members of the Bunce family shared remarks during the ceremony reflecting on Mrs. Bunce’s lasting impact on education and the importance of celebrating those who serve students each day.
The ceremony also highlighted the strong partnerships between Lexington City Schools and the local community. Beth and David Gantt with Horace Mann served as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, helping support the overall Celebration of Excellence experience and recognition efforts for district employees. Additional sponsors included Surry Insurance, Rhodes Branding, Schneider Electric, First National Bank, Pierce Group Benefits, Neal Civil Engineering, PLLC, Brinkley Walser Stoner, and Lanier Hardware.
Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the important role educators, support staff, administrators, transportation staff, school nutrition teams, and district departments play in creating meaningful opportunities and experiences for students across Lexington City Schools.
The Celebration of Excellence also recognized the strong partnerships and community support that continue helping Lexington City Schools move forward with a shared commitment to student success.
