HCS Kicks Off 2025–2026 with a Celebration of Excellence

On August 15, 2025, more than 3,000 Hampton City Schools staff members came together at the Boo Williams Sportsplex for the annual Celebration of Excellence, marking the official start of the new school year.

 

The event was hosted by Dr. Kim Richardson, director of induction and development and cultural competency lead, and Heather Peterson, climate and culture director. They welcomed guests and introduced the School Board members in attendance. Vice Chair Stephanie Jackson Afonja shared greetings from the Board, while Chair Dr. Richard Mason, unable to attend in person, expressed his excitement in a recorded message.

 

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes thanked staff for their dedication, noting preliminary data showing a record graduation rate of over 97% and a dropout rate under 1% for the fifth straight year. He called on the division to move forward united as One Community, One Transformation, with a focus on intentional excellence.

 

Michael Bonner, a nationally recognized educator, author, and speaker, served as the keynote speaker, inspiring the Hampton City Schools community with his passion for teaching and his ability to motivate others to reimagine what’s possible in education. Featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC’s Today Show, and CNN, Mr. Bonner is known for his innovative approach to engaging students and his contagious energy. He is the author of Get Up or Give Up: How I Almost Gave Up on Teaching, where he shares his personal journey, the lessons he has learned, and his belief in the power of relationships, creativity, and perseverance to transform classrooms and communities. His message of positivity, connection, and purpose challenges educators and leaders alike to think differently, see the potential in every child, and lead with passion and intentionality.

 

The celebration also featured spirited competitions, including a mascot race and friendly games, bringing energy and laughter to the day.

In addition, all individual school Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the Year were recognized, and the 2025–2026 division-level honorees were announced:

• Elementary School & Overall Teacher of the Year: Shante Jackson, Bassette Elementary School

• Middle School Teacher of the Year: Stacey-Ann Facey, Lindsay Middle School

• High School Teacher of the Year: Ashley Winfield, Phoebus High School

You may view the entire event here. 

You may view Michael Bonner, the keynote speaker here.

 

You may view the photo gallery here.