CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT) presented awards to educators and institutions at their recent Juvenile Staff Conference. Administrators acknowledged academic growth and development as well as outstanding teachers who support students housed in juvenile services facilities.
Beckley Center School – pictured left to right Lorrie Smith, Manager; Richard Stiltner, Math/Lead Teacher at Beckley Center School; Robert Buckland, Principal at Beckley Center School; and Jared Hughes, Director of Juvenile Programs
The Beckley Center School in Beckley, WV won the Math Award for having the highest yearly average growth in Scholastic Math Inventory for the 2021-2022 school year. The Reading Award was presented to Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center of Wheeling, WV for their highest yearly average growth in the Scholastic Reading Inventory. The Superintendent Award, selected by the WVSDT Superintendent Jacob Green for outstanding achievement and dedication to students, was presented to Maria Kazda, a math teacher at Academy Programs in Fairmont, WV. Matthew Fuller, a math teacher at Cammack Children’s Center in Huntington, WV was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for his work supporting students.
Teacher of the Year - Matthew Adam Fuller, math teacher at Cammack Children’s Center – pictured left to right Matthew Adam Fuller and Alex Pike, Principal at Cammack Children’s Center
Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center – pictured left to right Laura Williams, counselor and Deanna West, Transition Specialist at Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center
The conference served as the WVSDT’s annual professional development for all staff. Further discussion topics included state policy and procedures updates, networking options for individual staff roles, content instruction and best practices sessions.
Superintendent Award – Maria Kazda, math teacher at Academy Programs – pictured left to right Jared Hughes, Director of Juvenile Programs; Maria Kazda; Michael Ferguson, principal at Academy Programs
“Every student has the right to high-quality instruction and rigorous content so they may learn, grow, and discover opportunities for achievement,” said Superintendent Green. “With all of the hard work and dedication that our teachers, staff and students exhibited the past year, it was important that we took the time to recognize their efforts and celebrate their successes.”
The WVDST provides educational services to over 6,000 juveniles and adults in 56 residential and other state-operated facilities. The West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education have assumed an essential role in providing programs and services that help change their lives.
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.
