WV Dept. of Ed and Chamber Foundation Announce 2027 School Service Personnel of the Year Finalists

Charleston, W.Va. - In partnership with the West Virginia Chamber Foundation, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is proud to announce finalists for the 2027 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY). Chosen from among cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, mechanics, secretaries, maintenance staff and more, these individuals form the foundation for efficient school operations.

The SPOY program mirrors the West Virginia Teacher of the Year program by honoring exemplary members of the education community who go above and beyond for students and fellow staff members alike.

The 2027 SPOY finalists are as follows.

Lisa Cook

Lisa Cook is a Boone County Schools bus driver known for creating a safe, welcoming and positive environment for students. She goes beyond transportation by building meaningful relationships with students, encouraging positive behavior and helping them start each school day with confidence and support. Cook is recognized for her reliability and willingness to assist others by mentoring new drivers, volunteering at school events and contributing to her community through service initiatives such as the Special Olympics, local school organizations and community outreach programs. Through her commitment to safety, student well-being and service, she exemplifies what it means to be school service personnel.

JoAnna Gilbert

JoAnna Gilbert is an autism mentor at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB), recognized for her dedication to supporting students with diverse learning needs. With nearly 30 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities, she has built a career focused on helping others gain skills, confidence and independence. Before joining WVSDB in 2020, Gilbert spent 13 years working with students with autism in New York and later earned her Autism Mentor Certification through Marshall University. She has expanded her expertise by studying braille and is learning sign language to continue supporting the academic needs of her blind and deaf students with autism. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Gilbert is an active community volunteer and serves as the children's ministry director at her church, leading programs that support children and families. Her passion for service, lifelong learning and student success makes her a valued member of both her school and community.

Andrea Helms

Andrea Helms is the secretary at Jumping Branch Elementary School in Summers County and is recognized for her strong work ethic, leadership and commitment to student success. Over the past five years, she has served in multiple roles, including instructional aide, special education aide, tutor, drama coach and after-school coordinator, consistently going above and beyond to support students, staff and families. Helms plays an active role in school improvement initiatives through her involvement with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, both the school's Parent Teacher Organization and Local School Improvement Council, the county calendar committee and the website redesign committee. She recently earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and regularly participates in professional development opportunities focused on student engagement, literacy and school safety. Her colleagues describe her as dependable, compassionate and willing to take on any challenge in support of her school community.

Brooklyn Long

Brooklyn Long is a dedicated first-grade classroom aide at Fayetteville PK-8 in Fayette County, where she has spent the past four years making a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Known for her compassion, patience and commitment to student success, she provides individualized and small-group instruction that helps young learners build strong academic and social foundations. Long is adept at supporting students with behavioral and learning challenges, creating trusting relationships that foster growth, confidence and achievement. In addition to her work in the classroom, she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education and actively participates in professional development focused on classroom management, special education supports and student engagement. Her dedication extends beyond the school day through community outreach, ministry work and service initiatives that reflect her passion for helping others and strengthening her community.

Michelle Shreve

Michelle Shreve is a dedicated Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher III kindergarten paraprofessional at Davis Elementary School in Braxton County, where she has served students and families for nine years. She actively contributes to her school community by organizing student activities, coordinating programs for families and veterans, and promoting staff morale and teamwork. Beyond the classroom, Shreve serves as a board member for the Central West Virginia Outreach Center, helping provide essential resources to individuals and families in need throughout the region. She is also deeply involved in her church community, where she has served as treasurer and secretary for more than 27 years while supporting children's ministry, youth events and outreach efforts. Her commitment to service, leadership and community involvement reflects her passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Upcoming Announcements

New to the celebration of excellence in education this year are the additional recognitions of the Counselor of the Year and the Principal of the Year. Additionally, the Chamber will recognize regional businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to lifelong learning and scholarship. Future announcements include:

• West Virginia Counselor of the Year finalists: July 6, 2026
• West Virginia Principal of the Year finalists: July 13, 2026
• West Virginia Teacher of the Year finalists: July 20, 2026

The 2027 SPOY will be announced during the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.

Learn more about the SPOY program.