H. Dunlop “Buz” Dawbarn knew that teachers are underappreciated in America‘s school systems.
In 1994, with $100,000, he set out to appreciate the attitude changers and behavior changers who work to improve education for children in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro every day.
Dawbarn appreciated his fifth-grade teacher who made him feel smart.
“My dad used to say: “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” Community Foundation Director of Educational Programs Miriam Burrows said of Dawbarn.
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge celebrated the 2024 Dawbarn Education Awards recipients at the Blackburn Inn in Staunton on Wednesday evening.
Burrows said the awards recognize the accomplishments of teachers, but the true honor “is that you’re affecting the future of our world every day” with kindness and love.
Dan Layman, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said that more than 297 individuals have been selected for Dawbarn Education awards.
“They inspire their students, their colleagues and each of us,” Layman said.
Award recipients have received $2 million since 1994.
After a film was shown about Buz Dawbarn, Augusta County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric W. Bond, Staunton Schools Superintendent Dr. Garret Smith and Waynesboro Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Cassell presented the awards.
“These 10 recipients did far more than our schools expected to ensure that every student is seen, heard and given a chance to succeed,” Smith said.
Cassell said the recipients nurture the unique abilities of students and inspire them personally and academically.
“Their work touches the lives of students in ways that trickle out far beyond the school day. The true impact of education isn’t just found in the lessons taught, but also in the passions ignited and the horizons that are broadened,” Bond said.
Smith said that the 2024 honorees opened “world of possibility and stewardship for their students.”
Stuarts Draft Elementary School Reading Specialist Elizabeth Benbow is committed to literacy. She used her 25 years of experience to implement Augusta County Schools’ Science of Reading. As a LETRS facilitator, she assists students in mastering reading and empowers teachers.
“Her passion and dedication make her an exceptional educator,” the Community Foundation said in Wednesday’s program notes.
Lindsey Britt has taught at William Perry Elementary School in Waynesboro for 23 years, but her impact goes beyond the classroom. As a special education teacher, Britt forms deep connections with students, coordinates PTO activities, leads the School Store Fundraiser and organizes the Fall Festival and Cookie Sales fundraiser.
As music teacher, Melissa Dull fosters a love of music and theater. For 17 years, she has directed musicals, taught chorus and managed the auditorium at Fort Defiance High School in Augusta County.
“She pours her heart into every role, creating experiences that inspire and uplift her students,” the program notes stated.
Leader of William Perry Elementary’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports committee, Amber Gibson is a dedicated 3rd-grade teacher.
“Her dedication to continuous learning and leadership in school-wide initiatives sets her apart.”
Pamela Hewitt, a Special Education teacher at Riverheads High School in Augusta County, is the heartbeat of the classroom. With a secret stash of suckers, Hewitt calms anxious students with tireless effort, a positive demeanor and unwavering support.
A 7th-grade Language Arts teacher at Shelbourne Middle School in Staunton, Brandy Hussey Johnson is compassionate and dedicated. Her classroom provides a safe haven for students to feel valued and heard.
“She fosters a nurturing environment filled with humor and warmth, and her deep commitment to building relationships and instilling a love of reading makes her a quiet yet powerful force in shaping young lives.”
Jo-el Nelson, a teacher at Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School, believes that no child should be left behind and she is driven to create unforgettable learning experiences for students that go beyond the classroom. When her students take a field trip, she drives the school bus.
The Staunton-Augusta YMCA has a pillar of support and mentorship in Eddie Santiago, who has served the YMCA for seven years and guided and inspired local teens and tweens.
“He creates a safe and welcoming space where local students feel valued and supported.”
April Smith leads special education and is a mentor at Riverheads Elementary School in Augusta County. She equips students with the tools to grow academically and emotionally by developing deep and trusting relationships.
Jill Williams transforms the lives of students at Stuarts Draft Elementary School with her innovative approach to literacy. Lunchtime is the highlight of students’ day with her Golden Spatula Award, in which she invested her own time and money to reward positive behavior.
Layman thanked 2024’s nominators and the nomination committee for choosing this year’s award recipients.
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Rebecca Barnabi
