April 15, 2026
Cathy Stolze, a teaching assistant at Aldie Elementary, is this month’s SHINE award winner. Ms. Stolze was nominated by Aldie Elementary Principal Ashley Barkley.
Ms. Barkley shared that Ms. Stolze provided stability for students during the transition to a new teacher. “Cathy created and maintained a positive, welcoming and structured learning environment that helped students feel safe and supported during the change. She approached each day with optimism, warmth and a calm presence that reassured students and allowed them to remain focused and successful,” wrote Ms. Barkley in her nomination.
As a SHINE award recipient, Ms. Stolze received a gift coordinated by the Loudoun Education Foundation and sponsored by IMEG. SHINE, or Spotlighting Heroes in Education, is a joint LEF and LCPS initiative celebrating staff who go above and beyond for students and the community. Learn more at www.lcps.org/SHINE.
Ms. Barkley shared that Ms. Stolze provided stability for students during the transition to a new teacher. “Cathy created and maintained a positive, welcoming and structured learning environment that helped students feel safe and supported during the change. She approached each day with optimism, warmth and a calm presence that reassured students and allowed them to remain focused and successful,” wrote Ms. Barkley in her nomination.
As a SHINE award recipient, Ms. Stolze received a gift coordinated by the Loudoun Education Foundation and sponsored by IMEG. SHINE, or Spotlighting Heroes in Education, is a joint LEF and LCPS initiative celebrating staff who go above and beyond for students and the community. Learn more at www.lcps.org/SHINE.