The School Business Partnership Executive Council (SBPEC), in partnership with the Loudoun Education Foundation, hosted its annual School Business Partnership Awards Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, April 16, 2026, to recognize the many Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) partners who support student learning each day. These partnerships reflect a comprehensive commitment to students, ranging from career-connected learning and workforce development to wellness supports, mentorship, resources for families, and enrichment opportunities that strengthen the whole child.
More than 800 attendees celebrated award-winning school-business partnerships and community members that expanded learning opportunities across the division. This year’s theme, Elevate Loudoun: Partnerships and Pathways, was brought to life through student-designed posters, custom 3-D-printed centerpieces, and a student-designed program cover. Loudoun County Public Schools has nearly doubled its community partners over the last two years, going from 1000 in 2024 to 1958 registered partners in 2026.
Opening remarks by Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence were celebrated by business, community and nonprofit leaders in the room. “The future workforce of Loudoun County is sitting in our classrooms today,” said Dr. Spence. “When our schools and business community work in alignment, we create meaningful opportunities for students to see, prepare for, and step confidently into their imagined futures. These partnerships are not symbolic; they are essential. They help ensure our students graduate not only with strong academic foundations, but with the skills, experiences, and confidence to thrive in college, career, and life. I am grateful to the leaders in this room for investing in our students and helping strengthen the future of our entire community.”
This year’s award winners are:
Make a Difference Award
Recognizing individuals whose passion, innovation and service create a meaningful, life-changing impact for students and schools.
Ferri Riar, Orblynx Academy – Honored for her transformative contributions to STEM education, particularly for girls and students from underrepresented populations at Belmont Ridge Middle School and across Loudoun County.
Legacy Award
Recognizing partners who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting LCPS.
Northrop Grumman – Recognized for a partnership spanning more than 25 years that continues to expand opportunities for students across the division.
J. Hamilton Lambert Exemplary Leadership in Education and Community Service Award
Recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service in education and support of LCPS. Named in honor of J. Hamilton Lambert, a distinguished philanthropic public servant, this award celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on education and community service.
Dr. William Hazel – Honored for his exemplary leadership at the intersection of education, healthcare and community service. As CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities and a long-standing partner of LCPS, Dr. Hazel has helped shape how the region prepares students for careers in health and medical sciences, expanding access to rigorous, workforce-aligned pathways for thousands of students.
The LCPS SBPEC event tells the stories of how partnerships across Loudoun County offer vital support, resources, and opportunities for LCPS students to engage in meaningful learning and prepare for a bright future. Stories of successful partnerships included:
Northern Virginia Community College
Crossroads United Methodist Church
A Place to Be
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Ridgetop Dental
"This day is the true highlight of the SBPEC's work, celebrating how our community shapes the future of education and creates learning experiences that matter to students, future employers, and Loudoun leaders,” said Susan Mitchell, SBPEC Chair. “I am deeply grateful for the time and talent this room represents, because every minute and every commitment makes a real difference for all students."
Loudoun County Public Schools educates over 80,000 students across more than 100 schools and programs, employing approximately 13,500 employees who daily commit to delivering world-class education to help all students make meaningful contributions to the world.