April 15, 2024
Elaina Pepper, an office associate at South Elementary School, and William Mallory, a special education paraprofessional at Middle Road Elementary School, have been selected as Prince George County Public Schools’ 2024 Division Support Employee of the Year award winners during a special ceremony at the Prince George County School Board’s regular business meeting on Monday, April 15, 2024.
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This is the first time in the history of this employee recognition where two staff members have been selected as the district’s award winners as both Mrs. Pepper and Mr. Mallory impressed the selection panel, earning tie scores from the committee during interviews after being named as their individual building’s Support Employee of the Year.
Prince George County Public Schools 2024 Division Support Employees of the Year Elaina Pepper (middle left) and William Mallory (middle right) are joined by Prince George County School Board Chairman Jill Andrews (left) and Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff (right) following their recognition on Monday, April 15, 2024. (PGCPS Photo)
Mrs. Elaina Pepper, South Elementary School
Mrs. Pepper has been an invaluable resource for the South Elementary Stars, stepping up to support the school library during the 2023-24 School Year after librarian Tiffany Maxwell transitioned to a 5th grade teaching position for the year. During the year, Mrs. Pepper prepared and delivered lessons across each of the school’s grade levels and managed the library’s daily operations, including inventory management and check-in/check-out processes. She also served as lead in supporting the library’s annual initiatives, such as book fairs, “Read Across America” Day, and the school’s “Read-A-Thon.”
In addition, Mrs. Pepper has been involved in the school’s All In VA tutoring program, and volunteered to lead South Elementary’s participation in “Virginia Reads One Book,” a statewide family reading event hosted by Richmond-based organization Read to Them in March that encouraged family reading and celebrated both family and financial literacy.
“Mrs. Elaina Pepper has sacrificed so much for our South Stars this year,” South Elementary School Principal Susan Braswell said. “I am forever grateful for her stepping up to ensure our students love the library every time they go. She goes way beyond the call of her assigned duty in the library and then some. I wholeheartedly recommend Mrs. Pepper for Support Employee of the Year. She is truly deserving.”
Mr. William Mallory, Middle Road Elementary School
Mr. Mallory has been an asset to Middle Road Elementary School through his exemplary work as a special education paraprofessional. He works diligently with the school’s students to ensure their needs are met and they have the support they need in the classroom. Mr. Mallory offers a kind, welcoming environment for the entire school community, treating students and staff professionally and with respect.
Mr. Mallory has been an asset to Middle Road Elementary School through his exemplary work as a special education paraprofessional. He works diligently with the school’s students to ensure their needs are met and they have the support they need in the classroom. Mr. Mallory offers a kind, welcoming environment for the entire school community, treating students and staff professionally and with respect.
He was praised by the school’s staff for always being willing to offer a helping hand, whether it be at the bus loop, picking up a class from lunch or a resource class for a colleague, or just to listen. Similar to Mrs. Pepper, Mr. Mallory has also been a key part of the school’s All In VA tutoring program, taking on a group in the program to help support their educational needs.
“Mr. William Mallory is a positive male role model for our students at Middle Road Elementary,” Middle Road Elementary School Principal Chrystal Barnwell said. “He has created strong relationships with students and staff. He has served as a father figure for many of our students and is a listening ear when needed. One of the Middle Road teachers shared the following, ‘The impact that Mr. Mallory has on our school is overwhelming. At times when he is 1:1 with a student, it is evident that he is in control of situations and acts in a way to earn the student's respect while working within the guidelines that are set for each student. With Mr. Mallory's support, teachers are able to complete their lessons, the other students in class are able to learn, which makes the classroom a safe and healthy environment.’ Mr. Mallory has truly set the example for our Eagles on how to FLY!”
"We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Elaina Pepper and Mr. William Mallory as our division-wide Support Employees of the Year, for their unwavering commitment to engaging, encouraging, and inspiring the students every day and embodying our district's mission in everything they do," Division Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff said. "This historic moment of our division selecting two division-wide Support Employees of the Year serves as a shining example of the incredible individuals who support our district's efforts to deliver high-quality instruction to the children of Prince George County. Mrs. Pepper, Mr. Mallory, and each of our building-level award winners give their best each day for their students, colleagues, and community, and for this, we are forever grateful for all they do."
"The Prince George County School Board joins the community in celebrating Mrs. Elaina Pepper and Mr. William Mallory as our division-wide Support Employees of the Year and each of our honorees across the division," Prince George County School Board Chairman Jill A. Andrews said. "Our district's support employees provide essential services to our students, families, and staff across Prince George County every day. Thanks to our support employees, our schools are nurturing environments where students can grow and thrive. We are proud to commend our two division-wide Support Employee of the Year award winners and each of our building-level winners for their exceptional work and commitment to serving our community."
From L to R: PGCPS 2024 Support Employees of the Year Michael Campbell, Maria Martinez, Tiffany Caul, Elaina Pepper, William Mallory, Meredith Thompson, Litresha Shipmon, Sarah Smelser, and Nancy Enochs. (PGCPS Photo)Annually, PGCPS' schools and support facilities select their Teacher and Support Employee of the Year following a nomination and selection process in late winter. These individuals are then entered for potential selection as the division's Teacher and Support Employee of the Year later in the spring. During the Monday, April 15, 2024, Prince George County School Board meeting, the following support personnel were recognized as Support Employees of the Year at their respective locations:
- Meredith Thompson, Administrative Associate, L.L. Beazley Elementary School
- Tiffany Caul, Administrative Associate, N.B. Clements Junior High School
- Litresha Shipmon, Food Service Manager, David A. Harrison Elementary School
- William Mallory, Paraprofessional, Middle Road Elementary School
- Nancy Enochs, Administrative Associate, J.E.J. Moore Middle School
- Sarah Smelser, Office Associate, North Elementary School
- Elaina Pepper, Office Associate, South Elementary School
- Maria Martinez, Custodian, Prince George High School
- Michael Campbell, Communications & PR Coordinator, School Board Office
- Mark Kitts, Lead Bus Driver, Pupil Transportation
These individuals will also be recognized during the division’s annual Royal Recognition Reception at Prince George High School on May 16, 2024, a special event that celebrates the talented individuals who support the children of Prince George County and our community.