The Loudoun School-Business Partnership Executive Council (SBPEC) held its annual partnership breakfast on Friday, March 21, at the National Conference Center. More than 750 people attended to promote the collaboration and recognition of partnerships between Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and community partners. The theme for this year’s breakfast, which was fully sponsored by business partners, was OneLCPS: Together We Thrive.
"Our community partners are essential in helping us create meaningful opportunities and pathways for our students — opening doors to real-world experiences, career exploration, and lifelong success,” said Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “We are deeply grateful for their continued collaboration and dedication to shaping the future of Loudoun County by investing in our students today."
Since its establishment in 1990, the SBPEC has been a bridge between the classroom and life after school, guiding students to link their experiences to career pathways. Its drive equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the workforce. The SBPEC, its partnerships and its commitment to projects based on the Division's goals and objectives help empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. The SBPEC's collaboration with the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) aligns the efforts, missions, and goals to support students, staff, and LCPS families, and the Council would only be able to have the impact that it does with the connection.
"The School Business Partnership Awards Breakfast is more than just a celebration - It is a testament to the power of strong industry and education partnerships," said Stacey Metcalfe, SBPEC Chair. "This event highlights the dedication and commitment of our business and industry partners who invest their time, talent, and resources to support student success. It is an opportunity to share inspiring stories of partnerships and impact, encouraging even more businesses to engage with our schools. Together, we are helping to develop the next generation of leaders, with this Executive Council actively supporting students in the classrooms of today to shape the future of tomorrow."
The program included recognizing school and community partnerships that represent different types of collaboration integral to LCPS. The recognitions are foundational to giving the community a chance to learn about engagement between schools and local business partners and include both organizations and individuals who positively impact Loudoun students.
This year’s honorees included:
J. Hamilton Lambert Exemplary Service in Education and Leadership Award:
Lewis Parker
Legacy Award:
ManTech
Make a Difference Award:
Flags of Valor
AFCOM - Potomac Chapter
Jen Andos
Loudoun Economic Development
Loudoun Education Foundation
Partnership Profiles:
Global Company Impacting Local Loudoun - Microsoft
Loudoun Non-profit - Inova Healthy Plate
Local Educational Enrichment - John Dec, Huntington Learning
Staff Champion - Elena Lam
Community Engagement & Workforce Development - Luck Stone
Throughout its 34-year history, the Council has facilitated countless contacts, sponsorships, donations, and industry expertise, leaving an indelible mark on the entire school division. The SBPEC stands as a testament to the overarching support visible throughout the 100 LCPS schools and multiple educational centers. What's more, the SBPEC holds a unique position as the sole School-Business Partnership Council in the region of the Commonwealth, a distinction that sets it apart from neighboring school divisions with program-specific Councils or Advisory Groups.
For more information about School Business Partnership opportunities, visit the School-Business Partnership page.