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Harrisonburg City Public Schools honors dozens of educators; Claire Leeper named HCPS Educator of the Year
Summary
At its June 3 meeting the Harrisonburg City School Board recognized educators from across the division and announced Rocktown High School music teacher Claire Leeper as the district's Educator of the Year, with a $1,000 award from the Box and Rose law firm and other awards provided by the Harrisonburg Education Foundation.
The Harrisonburg City School Board on June 3 recognized teachers and school staff from across the division and announced that Claire Leeper, Rocktown High School music teacher and department chair, is the 2024–25 Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) Educator of the Year.
The recognitions, presented during the board’s regular meeting, highlighted campus-level Educators of the Year and special program awards including honor band and honor orchestra designations, educator grants and programs serving English learners. The board and district leaders said the acknowledgments are a way to celebrate teachers’ year-long work with students and families.
Superintendent Doctor Richards introduced the segment, thanking staff and volunteers and noting the breadth of honors the district presented. Jeremy Weaver, director of human resources, described the selection process for the HCPS Educator of the Year and invited partners from the Harrisonburg Education Foundation to speak about financial and community support for the awards. Joel Francis of Box and Rose Law Firm presented a $1,000 prize to Leeper on behalf of the firm.
The board recognized dozens of campus winners from Elon Rhodes Early Learning Center, Bluestone Elementary, Keister Elementary, Smithland Elementary, Spotswood Elementary, Stone Spring Elementary, Waterman Elementary, Skyline Middle School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Harrisonburg High School and Rocktown High School. District staff also acknowledged groups including ATHS 1-act crew, Blue Streaks band and orchestra and Rock the Rocktown ensembles for recent competition achievements.
Board members and administrators pointed to the awards as evidence of the district’s investment in students and staff. The meeting also included a brief reception for awardees and a reminder of upcoming end-of-year ceremonies.
Graduations and end-of-year events were noted as occurring in the coming days and the superintendent invited the community to attend school celebrations.
