The Superintendent’s Spotlight Award was established in 2007 to acknowledge the exemplary work of staff members across all employee groups.
All VBCPS staff were invited to submit nominations for the Superintendent Spotlight Award for colleagues who exceeded expectations and contributed in an exemplary manner throughout the school year.
The Superintendent’s Recognition Committee reviewed nominations earlier this month to select the following award winners:
Marianne Matson – School Improvement Specialist, Cox High School
As Cox’s School Improvement Specialist, Matson has created an efficient and impressive testing environment that has been described as a “well-oiled machine.” She is a true Falcon known for her attendance at all school events as well as supporting students in college aspirations – buying study guides, taking them on college tours, etc. She also mentors other SISs in the division as well as serves on the Principal Advisory Committee, PTSA, Instructional Leadership Team and Administrative Team.
“Marianne is always willing to help other colleagues with their instructional and administrative needs,” wrote Matson’s nominator. “It is clear to me and the entire faculty at Cox High School that Marianne is devoted to students at our school. She is on a mission to educate young people and help them reach their full potential.”
Rob Lanz – Guidance Counselor, Bayside Middle School
Lanz has developed a mentoring program at Bayside Middle, which helps students develop goals in their future careers and adult lives while meeting specific needs currently in their scholastic world. The program is so popular there is a waiting list of students to join. He also launched a summer camp to correspond with the program.
“Rob is instrumental in giving students a view of their world that has hope and promise through setting goals, relationships and hard work,” Lanz’s nominator wrote in his nomination. “He is an excellent role model for students and co-workers alike.”
Liz Cipolla – Kindergarten Teacher Assistant, Kempsville Meadows Elementary
As a part-time kindergarten assistant, Cipolla has created lessons that extend beyond just her classroom. She orchestrates activities and learning lessons for the entire grade level. A former substitute at the school, Cipolla is known for going the extra mile in facilitating collaboration between grade levels, such as launching the “100 Days of Kindness” to celebrate the school’s 100th day of school.
“Liz Cipolla is a truly wonderful employee,” her nominator wrote. “She lends her creativity, enthusiasm and expertise to all of the teachers on the kindergarten grade level as well as other grade levels. She brings our school together and makes learning fun.”
Angela Gallihugh – Office Manager/Bookkeeper, Birdneck Elementary
Working with the school’s financial records, Gallihugh has never had less than a perfect audit. In addition to her scrupulous management of the school’s time sheets and purchases, Gallihugh also handles the school’s Title 1 money, which also has received nothing below a perfect audit.
In her nomination form, staff wrote it’s Gallihugh’s connection to children that make her the real asset.
“The love and caring is not reserved just for the staff, but it is primarily about the students.” Gallihugh’s nominator wrote, and also added that she is now mentoring a young student currently in foster care. “Angie has been the one to fill that void and help this child remember that she is an important little girl and help her develop a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.”
Karen Zidow – Security Assistant, Three Oaks Elementary
Zidow works hard to help keep Three Oaks secure, and she also works hard to make it fun. She routinely volunteers to serve as the school mascot, and she puts together the school’s bi-monthly newsletter. In addition, she launched the “Blindside Your Co-Worker” week where staff members “blindside” colleagues by celebrating their strengths with a small token of appreciation.
“Mrs. Zidow is a truly one-of-a-kind inspiring individual,” Zidow’s nominator wrote in her nomination. “She is the kind of person who has trouble accepting praise, compliments and thanks as she is a very humble person who does everything out of the kindness of her own heart.”
Charles Quimbey – Permanent Substitute, Salem High School
As a permanent substitute, Quimbey has gone beyond the call of duty to help partner with the school’s Computer Resource Specialist. He helps address computer issues in the school as well as aid in instructional methods. In addition to his growing technological prowess, Quimbey has also volunteered countless hours building sets for school productions and supporting academy programs.
“He is an example of what makes Salem High School such a great place to learn,” Quimbey’s nominator wrote in his nomination letter. “His ability to enhance the quality of life and education at our school as well as increase the overall capacity of our 21st century learners is certainly second to none.”
Kathryn Turner – Science Teacher, Ocean Lakes High School
Turner is a constant resource for her students. She makes herself available to students via email and the course website on evenings and weekends. For the month leading up to the AP exams, Turner hosts Saturday breakfasts and practice exams for her AP Chemistry students. In addition, she hosted the First Annual Math and Science Academy Symposium at Ocean Lakes this year.
“Kathy seldom says ‘no’ to anyone asking for help to further student learning,” Turner’s nomination letter read. “In more than 15 years as an educator, in multiple schools and multiple states, I have never worked with another who takes her responsibilities as teacher and department chair as seriously as Kathy Turner.”
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