Congratulations to Paul Hall, school counseling director at Loudoun Valley High School on being the January SHINE recipient. His prize, sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union and presented by Loudoun Education Foundation, was two tickets to an upcoming Washington Capitals game in a luxury suite!

Congratulations to our February SHINE winner, Kathryn Schroeck of Round Hill Elementary School! She was nominated by a student, and her prize from Loudoun Education Foundation, sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union, included gifts showcasing her family's love of baseball and travel to the beach, along with gift cards to local restaurants.

Congratulations to Traci Scannell Crowe for being selected as the March winner of SHINE! Traci is a teacher with Virtual Distance Learning, and won a spa day courtesy of the LEA Retired Teachers Association. Thank you Loudoun Education Foundation for partnering with LCPS on SHINE~

Ruben Rodriguez Alcantara, custodian at Elaine T. Thompson Elementary School, has been selected as the April winner of the SHINE award. He was nominated by the special education dean and given a prize package of tickets to a Loudoun United soccer game as well at gift cards to two of his favorite stores. This month's prize was sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union.

Elizabeth Kraatz, Traffic and Pedestrian Specialist, is the May SHINE winner. She was nominated by her supervisor for her quick thinking and problem solving during a stressful situation. She was presented with four months of a house cleaning service from Maid Brigade and a horseback riding tour for two! Thank you, Loudoun Education Foundation, for your support of SHINE this year~

August, 2024

Antonio Jackson, copy center operator at the Admin Building, is the summer SHINE winner. He was nominated by an instructional facilitator for technology at a middle school for his ability to produce quality work often given short notice and quick deadlines. He was awarded tickets to an upcoming Washington Commanders football game and a gift card. We're proud to have Teachers Home Benefits as our sponsor for this month's prize!

September, 2024

Nicole Reeves, teacher at Legacy Elementary School, is our first SHINE winner of the 2024-2025 school year. She was nominated by her assistant principal for her ongoing efforts to mentor new teachers and assist her colleagues with beginning of the year tasks. Thank you to CIGNA for providing a great prize package including a winery tour and transportation!

October, 2024

Stephanie Rast, site-based substitute at Waterford Elementary School, is the SHINE winner from submissions from the month of September. She was nominated by SIX different staff members for her flexibility in stepping into any position at the school, whether it's in the cafeteria, as a teacher, an assistant, or helping in the main office. She builds relationships with all students, and often spends her own money to purchase supplies for classrooms. She was awarded a package at Woodhouse Day Spa and a gift card for dinner at Travinia Italian Kitchen and Bar. Thank you to this month's sponsor, Loudoun County Orthodontics!

November, 2024

Awalom (Alex) Tewolde, custodian at Little River Elementary School, has been chosen as the SHINE winner from all submissions entered in October. He was nominated by assistant principal Kim Dempsey for his incredible support of a family from Ethiopia, his home country. Acting as a translator during meetings, Alex offered to help the kindergarten student who was struggling with transitions in and out of the classroom, likely brought on by the trauma of fleeing his home in a war torn country. Because of Alex's compassion and care, along with his ability to speak three languages, this student has acclimated to elementary school in America and is now thriving! Alex was awarded gift cards to continue his work of helping his family back in Ethiopia and those migrating here. Thank you to this month's sponsor, Loudoun Education Foundation!

December, 2024

Enma Oliveros, family liaison at Smarts Mill Middle School, has been named the SHINE winner from the submissions entered in November. Enma was nominated by teacher Bailey Washington, who said, "Enma has transformed the PEP meetings as Smart's Mill. Enma gives them information on how to support their students in school. She also invites community members to teach the parents how to do things like get a library card. Each meeting concludes with a shared meal, donated clothes and household goods, and a raffle for bags of groceries. Without Emna's support, our community members and staff would be a lot less connected. We're luck to have her!" Thank you for Apple Federal Credit Union for sponsoring her gift- tickets for her entire family to attend the Harry Potter Experience! Thank you Loudoun Education Foundation for your continued support of SHINE.