Johnston Reporter

The school system has announced the recipients of the 17th annual Leading with the Heart Award, recognizing staff members who embody leadership and compassion. Inspired by Mike Krzyzewski's book "Leading with the Heart," this award highlights individuals demonstrating dedication in their roles.

Each recipient was nominated by peers for their positive impact and role model qualities. One nominee was selected from each school and various central services departments.

Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy and the Board will honor these 54 individuals at a reception on February 18, 2025. The following are this year's recipients:

- Administrative and Auxiliary Services: Jose Figueroa

- Archer Lodge Middle: Tiffany Anderson

- Benson Elementary: Tova Tildsley

- Benson Middle: Pamala Jones

- Choice Plus Academy: Yvette Compton

- Clayton High: Phillip Hall

- Clayton Middle: Wendy Mozingo

- Cleveland Elementary: Joanne Goodman

- Cleveland High: Keri Strickland

- Cleveland Middle: Yvette Davis

- Cooper Academy: Dewayne McClary

Other recipients include Laura Hines from Corinth-Holders Elementary, Haley Wierzbicki from Corinth Holders High, Dr. Amanda Allen from Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, Angela Alt from Dixon Road Elementary, Shemika Banuelos from East Clayton Elementary, Laura Makey from Financial Services, Katie Summerlin from Four Oaks Elementary, Steven Fornicola from Four Oaks Middle, Leah Walters from Glendale-Kenly Elementary, Angela Gurgainus from Human Resources.

Further honorees include Guile Contreras at Innovation Academy at South Campus; Lindsay Zarse at JCPS Virtual Academy; Jacquelyn Jones at Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy; Candyce Rand at Johnston County Early College Academy; Austin Byrd at McGee's Crossroads Elementary; Brittney Fike at McGee's Crossroads Middle; Madison Farrior at Meadow School; Raven Banner at Micro Elementary; Regina Rhodes at North Johnston High; Nayeli Williams at North Johnston Middle.

Additional recognitions go to James Norris for Operations and Facilities; Billie Gower for Pine Level Elementary; Erica Morse for Polenta Elementary; Sandra Montalvo for Powhatan Elementary; Benjamin Smith for Princeton Elementary; Paige Renfrow for Princeton Middle/High.

Also acknowledged are Frank Geosits of River Dell Elementary, Brooke Hayward of Riverwood Elementary, Jaimal Page of Riverwood Middle, Karen McLamb of Selma Elementary, Trina Walker of Selma Middle. Evelyn Sanders is recognized for Smithfield Middle while Amy Parrish represents Smithfield-Selma High. Sabrina Dees receives recognition for South Johnston High alongside Amanda Jackson representing South Smithfield Elementary.

Carolyn Ennis is honored within the Superintendent Office category while Carlos Pineda receives recognition for Swift Creek Middle. Kimberly Flynn represents Thanksgiving Elementary as Becky Johnson is honored for West Clayton Elementary.

Completing the list are Heather Markuson for West Johnston High alongside Angela Covington recognized within West Smithfield Elementary while Tracy Field receives acknowledgment representing West View Elementary as Anne Nguyen concludes this list recognized within Wilson's Mills Elementary.

Congratulations to all awardees!