Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its 18th annual Leading with the Heart Celebration, honoring 54 staff members for their commitment and service both in and out of the classroom. The event took place at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield, where recipients, along with their guests and principals, were recognized for exceeding expectations.
The celebration is inspired by Mike Krzyzewski’s book “Leading with the Heart” and highlights one staff member from each school as well as various central services departments. Honorees are nominated by peers based on qualities such as dedication to their roles, positive attitudes, and lasting impact on others.
Recipients are known for being reliable, respectful, determined, passionate, and consistently seeking ways to help others. Many volunteer for extra duties at work and participate in community service outside of school.
Among those honored was Tiona Vernon from Polenta Elementary. In her second year as a school counselor, Vernon said she is motivated by her students: “I have a unique opportunity to make a difference, and that is a responsibility I take very seriously. I truly love these children, and that is why I am here,” she remarked. “With this honor, I will continue to walk in love to serve the students and families of Polenta and our community. Receiving the Leading with the Heart Award is a testament to my prayers, my upbringing, and the life I strive to live every day,” Vernon added.
Andrés Mena from Smithfield Middle was also recognized. Mena joined JCPS in 2022 as an international educator from Colombia with over ten years of teaching experience. He supports multilingual learners as they develop language skills: “This recognition means a great deal to me both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I feel deeply honored to represent my school in this way, and I also feel proud to represent my hometown and my country through my service as an educator here,” Mena said.
“Professionally, this recognition is a meaningful milestone and a strong source of motivation. Knowing that a colleague took the time to nominate me and that others see heart and dedication in my work is incredibly encouraging,” he remarked.
Superintendent Dr. David Pearce and Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews welcomed each honoree on stage during the ceremony. Each recipient received commemorative items including framed photos and pins.
JCPS Leadership members also spoke at the event. Associate Superintendent Patty Whitington; Assistant Superintendent Kendrick Byrd; and Assistant Superintendent Leigh White gave remarks about excellence within education. Byrd referenced Coach K’s book: “My hunger is not for success, it is for excellence. Because when you attain excellence, success just naturally follows.” Byrd continued: “Success is something that is done with intentionality. It is not something that just occurs by chance. It takes the commitment and dedication of many people but the single most driving force behind any organization’s success is the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Photos of award recipients will be displayed in their respective buildings’ lobbies as reminders of their contributions.
Johnston County Schools serves more than 37,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade across communities in Johnston County according to its official website. The district promotes cultural diversity—representing over 45 languages—and offers programs spanning academics, arts, athletics, student services and state-of-the-art facilities supported by community resources. As Johnston County’s largest employer it provides transportation, nutrition programs and operates under priorities focused on student success.
The full list of Leading with the Heart Award recipients includes staff from schools throughout JCPS as well as administrative departments.
