MCPS Support Staff Employee of the Year Theresa Hinkley
Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
MONTGOMERY Co. – A total of 21 nominees for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Support Staff Employee of the Year were recognized during the Mar. 4 MCPS Board meeting. Each nominee is recognized within their school or department.
Theresa Hinkley, Cafeteria Manager at Christiansburg Middle School, received the MCPS Support Staff Employee of the Year Award for 2024-2025.
School employees chosen for the award, “consistently exhibit leadership, foster cooperative relationships with students, colleagues, and the community, and make exceptional contributions to the school division,” according to a MCPS statement in the meeting agenda. “As Cafeteria Manager, Theresa oversees a complex and ever-expanding meal program that includes breakfast, a second-chance breakfast for students who miss the first opportunity, lunch for over 750 students, and snacks for after-school programs. She also ensures that students attending field trips receive pre-packed meals that meet strict nutritional guidelines, balancing each of these responsibilities with precision and care. Her ability to coordinate meal services efficiently, adapt to challenges such as weather-related schedule changes, supply shortages, and equipment malfunctions, and maintain high standards of quality and service is a testament to her dedication.”
Director of Human Resources Dr. Amanda Widner and President of the Christiansburg-Blacksburg Rotary Club Jim Drader were present to recognize all nominees with a small gift, and to present Theresa Hinkley with a $1,000 check from the Rotary Club.
MCPS Employee and Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) Member Christine “Chris” Heilig was posthumously recognized during the meeting. Heilig served Montgomery County Schools as a paraprofessional at Blacksburg Middle School. A moment of silence was held in her honor and remembrance.
Glen Chilcote of Blacksburg, joined by MCEA President Katie Seidemann, said, “As many of you know, Christine Heilig recently passed away, but the legacy she leaves behind will positively impact generations to come.”
Seniors of the Month Awards were also presented to four students, one from each of the Montgomery County strand high schools. One senior high school student is chosen each month to receive this award based on their dedication and motivation within the school environment, including extracurricular activities in academics, arts, and athletics.
The March 2025 Seniors of the Month are:
Callie Lynn Gallimore, Auburn High School
Brandon Alexander Karas, Blacksburg High School
Evan Micah Mefford, Christiansburg High School
William Dan Covey, Eastern Montgomery High School
Seniors of the Month accolades and pictures are displayed in the Montgomery County School Board office during their month of recognition.
