We are proud to announce the 54 recipients of the 17th annual Leading with the Heart Award!
The award, inspired by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski’s book, “Leading with the Heart,” recognizes those staff members throughout the school system who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and heart on a daily basis.
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.
These 54 individuals will be recognized by the Board and Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy during a reception on February 18, 2025. Congratulations to all of the recipients!!!
Here is a list of 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
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 - 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