HAEOP presents the Muriel S. Wright Office Professional of the Year Award and an annual student scholarship 

Congratulations to Carolyn Bowers, public relations specialist in the Department of Public Relations and Marketing, and Sadie Pingitore, a senior at Phoebus High School, on their recent recognitions by the Hampton Association of Educational Office Professionals (HAEOP).

 

Carolyn Bowers was named the 2026 recipient of the Muriel S. Wright Office Professional of the Year Award, while Sadie Pingitore received the HAEOP student scholarship. Both honors were announced during the HAEOP Annual Recognition Banquet held on May 18, 2026, at Phenix PreK-8 School.

 

Recipients of the Muriel S. Wright Office Professional of the Year Award are nominated by Hampton City Schools employees and selected based on established award criteria. Carolyn was nominated by Joy Charbonneau, deputy clerk of the board, and Andi Jones, public relations assistant.

 

The award was established in 1988 by Muriel “Winnie” Wright, a longtime Hampton City Schools employee and founding member of HAEOP, to recognize outstanding office professionals and dedicated HAEOP members. The award also includes a cash prize.

 

“Carolyn Bowers is truly deserving of the Muriel Wright Office Professional of the Year Award,” shared Kellie Goral, executive director of public relations and marketing. “As a long-standing and devoted member of HAEOP, Carolyn consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Her attention to detail, dependability, and willingness to go above and beyond play an integral role in the success of the Public Relations and Marketing Department and our divisionwide communications efforts. Carolyn is a trusted colleague whose positive attitude and commitment to service make her highly deserving of this recognition.”

 

Bowers brings 49 years of experience to Hampton City Schools, serving the division in a variety of roles throughout her career. Her service has included positions as a clerk typist at Pembroke High School, elementary secretary at Armstrong Fundamental Elementary, secretary in the Department of Staff Development, clerk of the board, and, for the past 28 years, an administrative assistant and public relations specialist within the Department of Public Relations and Marketing. She is a dedicated member of HAEOP and an active member of her church community.

HAEOP has been providing student scholarships to deserving graduates for over a decade. Sadie was awarded a $500 scholarship. She will be graduating from Phoebus High School on June 12. As a student in the Virginia Peninsula Community College Academy of the College Experience (ACE), she earned her associate degree from VPCC on May 14, prior to receiving her high school diploma. Sadie is continuing her education at VPCC with plans to enter the nursing program.