Board and community groups honor students and teachers; volunteer urges continued support for music programs

The Poquoson City Public Schools Board opened its Dec. 16 meeting with a series of recognitions. Miss Purdy presented the December senior of the month, Casey Law, noting her 4.39 weighted GPA and leadership roles; the board also recognized multiple teachers of the year across the division: Tori Alves (Picotin Primary), Britney Baker (Pecosun High School), Laura Blau (Pecosun Elementary School) and Randall Lawson (Pecosun Middle School), who was named division Teacher of the Year.

The Kiwanis Club of Poquoson, represented by president Steve Brocious, presented honor letters and $250 checks to four teachers, and the Poquoson Education Foundation described plans to install legacy bricks at Poquoson High School and provide classroom grants ($100–$200 per teacher award described). The board thanked both community organizations for their support.

During public comment, Branson Matheson, a volunteer technical director and show-choir volunteer, described eight years of volunteer service (including more than 300 hours) and urged the board to continue championing music and arts programs so that cost does not prevent student participation. He praised Miss Wade and Miss Reed for their instruction and asked that the board continue funding, fundraising and advocacy for music education.

Board members echoed appreciation for honorees and community partners, congratulated award recipients and thanked volunteers and staff for supporting extracurricular and arts opportunities.

Next steps: schools and staff will coordinate recognition events; the education foundation and Kiwanis will follow through on awards and legacy brick installation plans, and the board indicated ongoing support for music and arts programs.