The 2024 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year Gary Brydie poses with Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt during the awards presentation in Charleston.
Charleston, W.Va. – The 2024 West Virginia Teacher of the Year (TOY) Sharon Cole and West Virginia Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY) Gary Brydie joined a host of sponsors from across the state as they received awards during a ceremony at the State Capitol Complex. Both were named with the prestigious titles in September and begin their year-long tenure this month.
Sharon Cole is a 34-year veteran educator teaching second grade at Ceredo-Kenova Elementary. She is the first winner from Wayne County in West Virginia TOY history. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Marshall University and is certified in Elementary Education grades 1-6 and Social Studies grades 4-8. Her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is visible through the unique environment she creates. She has constructed a life-size “Magic Tree House Reading Center” in the corner of her classroom to instill a love of reading in her students.
“It is an honor to fulfill my life’s work every day as a teacher in West Virginia,” Cole said. “I believe that you do not choose teaching, but teaching chooses you, and that has been my journey since I was a child. I look forward to traveling the state and the country to support public education and the teaching profession. It is among the most noble endeavors a person could pursue.”
Gary Brydie is a school bus operator for Cabell County Schools. He has held this position for more than 12 years. According to his colleagues, Brydie is a model employee who takes pride in providing safe transportation for his students and serving as a role model for youth. He is a member of the Neighboring Initiative Charitable Trust Board, serves as chairman of the Positive People Association Board, works as the manager of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Service, is a member of the Huntington Black Pastor’s Ministerial Alliance, serves on the board of directors for the Shepard’s House Recovery Program and the Salt of the World Ministries. He also participates as a member of the Alliance’s Quick Response Team, where he meets with community members, paramedics and other agencies addressing the substance misuse problems facing the community.
“As service personnel, we serve important roles in the schools and the lives of our children,” Brydie said. “I feel privileged to be chosen as West Virginia’s Service Personnel of the Year and represent the corps of men and women who keep our schools operating smoothly and maintain crucial connections with students and families. We understand what it means to support, love, encourage and to be there for children because that is what we do every day.”
The 2024 Teacher of the Year Sharon Cole receives keys to a 2024 Toyota Rav4 LE from President David Rosier of Toyota Motor Manufacturing-West Virginia.
“We look forward to the year ahead of us with Mrs. Cole and Mr. Brydie. The commitment they have illustrated in their counties and communities will be what drives their success in these roles,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “They are great ambassadors for public education and the Mountain State. We are all excited to work with them and support them in their endeavors.”
Throughout the year, both award winners will represent their respective professions in various local, statewide and national platforms. Cole will attend the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington, D.C. this spring.
Teacher of the Year Awards include:
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. – Use of a 2024 Toyota RAV4 LE
- Horace Mann Insurance – $5,000
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia – $5,000
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT WV) – $500
- West Virginia Education Association (WVEA) – $1,000 classroom grant
- West Virginia Professional Educators – $250 Amazon gift card and teacher supply gift box
- West Virginia Lottery – $300 classroom grant (all county teachers of the year)
- Leadership West Virginia – Tuition and lodging for 2024 session
- West Virginia State Parks – A two-night stay at Chief Logan State Park
- Blenko Glass – West Virginia-embossed suncatchers (all county teachers of the year)
Service Personnel of the Year Awards include:
- Horace Mann Insurance – $2,500
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia – $2,500
- West Virginia School Service Personnel Association (WVSSPA) – $500
- West Virginia Education Association – $500 grant
- West Virginia Lottery – $500
- West Virginia State Parks – A two-night stay at Chief Logan State Park
- Blenko Glass – West Virginia-embossed suncatchers (all county teachers of the year)
To learn more about the TOY and SPOY recognitions, visit the WVDE Educator Development and Support page.
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.
