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HCS celebrates staff during Celebration of Excellence: Back-to-School Kickoff Event

Hampton City Schools brought over 3,000 staff members together on August 16, 2024, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex to launch the 2024-2025 school year with a Celebration of Excellence, a back-to-school kickoff event.

Emcees Dr. Kim Richardson, director of induction and development and cultural competency lead, along with Heather Peterson, climate and culture director, welcomed everyone and introduced School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason. Dr. Mason expressed his enthusiasm for being part of such an outstanding event and introduced his fellow Board members who were in attendance. Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes then addressed the audience, sharing his journey in Hampton City Schools, not only as a student and graduate but also through his 29-year career with the division. He thanked everyone for their dedication and hard work, highlighting that preliminary calculations show all HCS schools will be 100% accredited without conditions, a record 2024 graduation rate and a dropout rate below 1% for the fourth consecutive year. Dr. Haynes emphasized the importance of moving forward together as "One Community, One Transformation," with a commitment to excellence through intentionality.

Throughout the event, the emcees shared accomplishments of both individual staff members and schools and departments. Schools and departments also participated in some lively competitive fun to include a mascot race, scooter races, and more.

All of the individual school teachers of the year and support employees of the year were given a shout out and the 2024-2025 HCS elementary, middle, high and overall teachers of the year were announced and presented with a plaque and banner that will hang in their school.