NOMINEES — Hancock County Schools took time Monday to recognize those individuals nominated as the county-level Teacher and Service Personnel of the Year, with faculty and staff nominated for the honors by their peers. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County Schools recognized some of its top teachers and service personnel Monday.

“Tonight we’re proud to recognize our school-level Teachers of the Year and service personnel nominees; educators and staff who go above and beyond every day to inspire curiosity, build confidence and shape the future with their dedication to students and learning,” announced Kristin Bissett, director of federal programs, student services and assessment for Hancock County Schools. “These outstanding individuals represent the very best of our schools, demonstrating professionalism, compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to student success.”

Of the county nominees, Weir High School teacher Morgan Bricker has been selected as the county’s Teacher of the Year, and Tracy Staley, part of the Early Childhood Assessment Team at Weirton Elementary, was named Service Personnel of the Year.

Bricker teaches English and journalism and earned a bachelor’s degree from Muskingum College with a major in English and minors in communications, psychology and Spanish. She also earned a master’s degree with a concentration in journalism and holds a national journalism certification. She is active with the Journalism Education Association. She and her students have been recognized by numerous journalism education organizations.

Staley holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social work, has attended a variety of conferences and training seminars to expand her own knowledge and skill set, and is involved in the community through Point Pleasant United Methodist Church, the Food Closet in New Cumberland, and by organizing fundraisers to benefit the Mountaineer Chaplaincy for the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association at Mountaineer Casino.

THE WINNERS ARE — Weir High’s Morgan Bricker, left, and Weirton Elementary’s Tracy Staley were announced as Hancock County Schools’ Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year, respectively, Monday night. The two are now in the running for statewide honors. -- Craig Howell

“That’s why we’re here, right?” said Superintendent Walt Saunders following Monday’s meeting, noting those honored go far above expectations in the schools. “It’s great to be able to recognize people for what they do.”

In addition to Bricker and Staley, the county’s other nominees included:

Teacher of the Year: Natalie Petrelle, Allison Elementary; Emily Ruiz, New Manchester Elementary; Amanda Schey, Weirton Elementary; Brooke Haynes, Oak Glen Middle; Eric Olson, Weir Middle; Tina Viakley, Oak Glen High; and Jim Luevano, John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center.

Service Personnel of the Year: Paulayna Hostetler, Allison Elementary; Linda Nicoles, New Manchester Elementary; Sunny McCoy, Oak Glen Middle; Cody Hixenbaugh, Weir Middle; Bonnie Willey, Oak Glen High; Tracey Elo, Weir High; Dianne Campinelli, John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center; Rieko Takara, Food Service Central Kitchen; Andrew Duffield, Maintenance; and Kim Robinson, Transportation.

“It is with great pride and appreciation that we honor their hard work and accomplishments,” Bissett said. “We congratulate each of them on this well-deserved recognition.”

Bricker and Staley will now be eligible for West Virginia Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year, which will be announced in the fall.