Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) honored 54 staff members for exceeding expectations, inside and outside of the classroom, at the district’s 17th annual Leading with the Heart reception on February 18, 2025.
The event, inspired by Mike Krzyzewski’s book, “Leading with the Heart,” recognizes those staff members throughout the school system who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and heart every day.
One person from every school, as well as various central services departments, was nominated by their peers, because of their steadfast dedication to their role. Nominators also noted their positive attitude and undeniable lasting impact on others. The recipients all take pride in their roles, have first-rate work ethics, and are mentors and good role models.
"Whether you are the custodian, the principal, or the bus driver, the people in this room practice that art every day. You see a need and reach out."
-Terri Sessoms
Honorees often volunteer for extra work duties, they volunteer in the community, and go the extra mile in their everyday roles. They are consistently reliable, respectful, determined, passionate, and generous individuals who constantly look for ways to help others.
Retired JCPS teacher, administrator, and former Johnston County Board of Education member Mrs. Terri Sessoms was the keynote speaker. “Education is truly an art and a science. The science is how we use data and strategies to continuously improve, whatever your job may be. That means teaching kids and getting kids to school on time. It’s about making sure they have a clean environment in which to learn. It’s about keeping them healthy and caring for their basic human needs,” she said.
“The art of teaching is equally as important as the science. Whether you are the custodian, the principal, or the bus driver, the people in this room practice that art every day. You see a need and reach out. The art is the heart work.” Sessoms added.
During the celebratory reception, surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family, each honoree was individually greeted by JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy and Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative 11x14 framed photo, and a commemorative Leading with the Heart pin. Recipients will be further recognized in many ways, including having a copy of each recipient’s photo placarded in the lobby of their building. The appreciation shown during the event will leave a lasting impression on the award recipients.
2025 Leading with the Heart Award 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
Corinth-Holders Elementary - Laura Hines
Corinth Holders High - Haley Wierzbicki
Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability - Dr. Amanda Allen
Dixon Road Elementary - Angela Alt
East Clayton Elementary - Shemika Banuelos
Financial Services - Laura Makey
Four Oaks Elementary - Katie Summerlin
Four Oaks Middle - Steven Fornicola
Glendale-Kenly Elementary - Leah Walters
Human Resources - Angela Gurgainus
Innovation Academy at South Campus - Guile Contreras
JCPS Virtual Academy - Lindsay Zarse
Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy - Jacquelyn Jones
Johnston County Early College Academy - Candyce Rand
McGee's Crossroads Elementary - Austin Byrd
McGee's Crossroads Middle - Brittney Fike
Meadow School - Madison Farrior
Micro Elementary - Raven Banner
North Johnston High - Regina Rhodes
North Johnston Middle - Nayeli Williams
Operations and Facilities - James Norris
Pine Level Elementary - Billie Gower
Polenta Elementary - Erica Morse
Powhatan Elementary - Sandra Montalvo
Princeton Elementary - Benjamin Smith
Princeton Middle/High - Paige Renfrow
River Dell Elementary - Frank Geosits
Riverwood Elementary - Brooke Hayward
Riverwood Middle - Jaimal Page
Selma Elementary - Karen McLamb
Selma Middle - Trina Walker
Smithfield Middle - Evelyn Sanders
Smithfield-Selma High - Amy Parrish
South Johnston High - Sabrina Dees
South Smithfield Elementary - Amanda Jackson
Superintendent Office - Dr. Carolyn Ennis
Swift Creek Middle - Carlos Pineda
Thanksgiving Elementary - Kimberly Flynn
West Clayton Elementary - Becky Johnson
West Johnston High - Heather Markuson
West Smithfield Elementary - Angela Covington
West View Elementary - Tracy Field
Wilson's Mills Elementary - Anne Nguyen
Congratulations again to the 2025 Leading with the Heart recipients! JCPS is grateful to our previous recipients, and the countless dedicated JCPS staff who lead with their hearts daily, too.