On a night filled with celebration, gratitude, and reflection, Pendleton County Schools hosted its annual Service Personnel and Teacher of the Year Awards and Retirement Ceremony, recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to students, schools, and the community.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Board President JD Wilkins, who praised the evening’s honorees as “some of the best problem solvers and hardest workers” in the county. Wilkins emphasized the extraordinary dedication of these individuals, many of whom quietly ensure that students are not only educated but cared for each day.
Throughout the ceremony, principals and administrators echoed this message as they introduced their schools' departmental award winners, applauding their honorees for routinely exceeding expectations and doing whatever it takes to support students’ success.
Departmental Award Winners:
Brandywine Elementary
Service Personnel of the Year: Connie Hedrick
Teacher of the Year: Joey Eason
Franklin Elementary
Service Personnel of the Year: Sherry Howard
Teacher of the Year: Michelle Sites
North Fork Elementary
Service Personnel of the Year: Amanda Morgan
Teacher of the Year: Angie Cooper
Pendleton County Middle/High School
Service Personnel of the Year: Pat Alt
Teacher of the Year: Hayley Craig
Maintenance & Transportation
Service Personnel of the Year: Chuck Miller
Central Office
Service Personnel of the Year: Lisa Jamison
Two individuals received the highest county-wide honors for the evening:
Overall Pendleton County Teacher of the Year: Joey Eason (Brandywine Elementary)
Overall Pendleton County Service Personnel of the Year: Amanda Morgan (North Fork Elementary)
In addition to celebrating outstanding staff, the district honored five retirees whose combined service totaled over 120 years:
Retirees Honored:
Sheila Evick – 23 Years
Christene Bowers – 7 Years
Charlotte Hoover – 26 Years
Malynda Kopp – 26 Years
Charles Hedrick – 38 Years
The retirement of Mr. Charles Hedrick marked a significant moment in the ceremony. Board members Sonny O’Neil and JD Wilkins reflected on his nearly four decades of service and leadership, guiding Pendleton County through numerous challenges, including school consolidations, teacher strikes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and resource management—all while serving as a mentor and example to fellow administrators.
Upon accepting his retirement plaque, Mr. Hedrick shared a personal message, reading a note he kept on his desk: “Nobody does anything great alone.” He credited his success to the dedicated teachers and staff of Pendleton County, supportive parents, hard-working students, and most of all, his wife—whose continued encouragement made his years of service possible.
The ceremony concluded with the Presentation of the 2024–2025 Attendance Cup, awarded to Brandywine Elementary School, before a final round of applause for all the honorees.
Pendleton County Board of Education would like to extend sincere appreciation to Pendleton Community Bank for sponsoring the dinner and awards for this special event.
We are also grateful to Buffalo Snow Catering Company for providing a delicious meal and exceptional service throughout the evening.