Hampton City Schools kicks off 2026–2027 school year with fourth annual Celebration of Excellence

 

More than 3,000 Hampton City Schools staff members came together at Hampton University’s Convocation Center on August 14, 2026, for the division’s fourth annual Celebration of Excellence Back-to-School Kickoff, officially launching the 2026–2027 school year.

 

The event was emceed by Sha’Ron Radford, restorative practices coordinator, and Heather Van Hout, science teacher specialist. Hampton School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason welcomed staff on behalf of the School Board and shared his excitement for the year ahead.

 

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes thanked employees for their continued dedication to HCS students and highlighted preliminary data showing the Class of 2026 with an on-time graduation rate of more than 98 percent. The division’s dropout rate is also anticipated to remain below 1 percent for the sixth consecutive year. Haynes encouraged staff to build on that momentum as One Community, One Transformation, continuing the division’s commitment to Excellence with Intentionality.

 

Dr. Adolph “Doc” Brown served as the keynote speaker, bringing his signature “Real Talk” message to HCS staff. An educator, clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, Brown combined humor, personal experiences, and powerful lessons to challenge staff to think differently about their influence on students. His message centered on positivity, connection, and purpose, reminding educators of the importance of seeing the potential in every child and approaching their work with passion and intentionality.

 

The morning also provided plenty of opportunities for staff to show their school and department spirit, including a mascot parade and the division’s first mascot dance-off. The Syms Middle School spartan earned the Champ Award, Peake Elementary’s squirrel captured the G.O.A.T. Award, and Kraft Elementary’s cub took home the Cream of the Crop Award.

 

Celebration of Excellence also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding HCS employees. Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the Year from schools across the division were celebrated, culminating in the announcement of the 2026–2027 division-level Teachers of the Year. Erin Miller of Armstrong School for the Arts was named the HCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Divisionwide Teacher of the Year. Belynda Kirby of Lindsay Middle School was named the HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Tanisha Davis of Kecoughtan High School was named the HCS High School Teacher of the Year.

 

The annual Celebration of Excellence provides an opportunity for the entire HCS team to come together before students return, celebrate the division’s accomplishments, recognize outstanding employees, and begin the new school year united and energized.

 

You may view the photo gallery here.