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Prince William County Schools honors retirees and dozens of student and staff awardees at 'Thriving Futures' segment
Summary
At its June 4 meeting the Prince William County School Board recognized retiring leaders Denise Huebner and Todd Erickson and awarded students and staff for achievements in history research, mock trial, music, Project Lead The Way, and robotics.
The Prince William County School Board used its Thriving Futures segment to recognize long‑serving employees and dozens of student and staff achievements spanning local, state and national honors.
The board honored two senior administrators who are retiring this year. Denise Huebner, identified by the board as associate superintendent for student services and post‑secondary success, was thanked for nearly two decades of service, including leadership in career and technical education, student health and wellness, alternative programs and post‑secondary success. Huebner addressed the board and thanked colleagues and family for their support.
Todd Erickson, associate superintendent for Central Elementary Schools, was recognized for more than two decades of service, including his earlier role as principal of Occoquan Elementary School. Erickson spoke to the board about his career in education and expressed gratitude for his time leading elementary schools and later serving as an associate superintendent.
The board also recognized a broad set of student and school accomplishments. Highlights announced during the segment included:
- National History Day and mock‑trial honors from Benton and Battlefield schools and awards tied to civic‑learning programs. - Regional winners in the Virginia Department of Education "Expressions of Freedom" contest who will have work placed in a commemorative time capsule in Trafalgar Square, London. - Nine schools that earned the Virginia Music Educators Association Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in band, orchestra and choir performance. - Multiple high schools designated as Project Lead The Way (PLTW) distinguished high schools for offering multiple PLTW courses and meeting enrollment and participation criteria. Prince William County named Battlefield, Colgan, Gainesville and Garfield among its PLTW high‑school distinctions for 2024–25. - Numerous robotics and engineering recognitions, including Colgan High School teams winning state robotics awards and Benton Middle School's VEX team winning the Create Award at the VEX World Championship; Patriot High School’s SeaPerch team winning international awards; and Lake Ridge Middle School teams securing national trophies.
Division staff and program leads provided brief remarks and context. Dr. Sarah Martin, director of career and technical education, described PLTW’s eligibility criteria, which include multiple course offerings and thresholds for student participation. Erin Lowry, coordinator of robotics, emphasized the program’s focus on problem solving, teamwork and real‑world skills. Dr. Anna Marie Bollino, supervisor of arts, noted the increase in middle schools earning music honors and highlighted the division’s recognition as a Best Community for Music Education for a consecutive year.
Ending
Superintendent Dr. McDade and board members praised the honorees and thanked teachers, coaches and families who supported student participation. The segment concluded with group photos and presentation of tokens of appreciation to honorees and retirees.
