Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) honored 21 employees in instructional and operational roles as Employees of the Year at the May 6 School Board meeting. Each year, LCPS Human Resources and Talent Development (HRTD) celebrates the dedication and achievements of LCPS employees for all they do to support students, families and the community.
“At LCPS, our people are the heart of everything we do. Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies what it means to serve with excellence, compassion and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or on the front lines of support, they make a profound impact every single day,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, superintendent. “We are proud to celebrate their outstanding contributions and thank them for inspiring us all.”
And the winners are:
Teacher of the Year, and LCPS 2026 nominee for Washington Post Teacher of the Year - Colleen Sallee, Madison’s Trust Elementary
“Most important to me as a parent was how she held [my son] accountable for creating and
achieving his goals and believing in him along the way… Ms. Sallee’s unwavering will for his success finally made him believe he could be successful in what he put his mind to. She did not give up. He trusted her, believed in himself, and wanted to make her proud. As his parent, there was no greater gift she could have given to any of us.”
Principal of the Year, and LCPS 2026 nominee for Washington Post Principal of the Year - Doug Anderson, Riverside High School
“Mr. Anderson’s visible presence throughout Riverside further underscores his unwavering dedication to the school community. Whether it’s greeting students in the hallways, sitting with them during lunch, cheering at sporting and fine arts events, or participating in cultural student associations, Mr. Anderson is always there to support and celebrate his school family.”
Elementary NEW Teacher of the Year - Debbie Langsam, Madison’s Trust Elementary
Middle School NEW Teacher of the Year - Lydia Seekford, J. Lupton Simpson Middle School
High School NEW Teacher of the Year - Sofia Perin, Lightridge High School
Substitutes of the Year -
Joshua Laboskie, River Bend Middle School
Marcia Chiles, Heritage High School
Kira Simmons, John Champe and Freedom High Schools
Debra O’Dea, Sycolin Creek Elementary
Instructional Support Employee of the Year - Felice Hubbard, Teacher Assistant, Round Hill Elementary
Administrative Support Employee of the Year - Carlina Fekel, Career Center Assistant, Heritage High School
Student Support Services Employee of the Year - Jennifer Schrader, Counselor, Lightridge High School
Professional Employee of the Year - Colette Bradley, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Rosa Lee Carter Elementary
Bus Driver of the Year - Guy Retaleato
Bus Attendant of the Year - Zach Hanson
Custodial Services Employee of the Year - Yajaira Diaz Bautista
Information Technology Employee of the Year - Megan Dieter, Digital Experience Specialist
Professional Trades Employee of the Year - Mark Seal, Shop Foreman
Safety & Security Employee of the Year - Wes Boucher, School Security Officer, Blue Ridge Middle School
School Nutrition Services Employee of the Year - Alec Loyd, School Nutrition Manager, Academies of Loudoun
Support Staff Employee of the Year - Karen Dawson, Division Counsel Paralegal
This year, nearly 715 nominations were received for the sixteen categories, submitted by employees, parents, students or community members.