Pictured is Nicole McCulley posing for a group photo.
Pictured is Nicole McCulley posing for a photo with Governor Jim Justice.


Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) are pleased to announce Nicole McCulley as the 2025 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY). McCulley was honored during the Celebration of Excellence in Education: Honoring the 2025 Teacher and School Service Personnel of the Year event Tuesday evening at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. Gov. Jim Justice joined WVBE President Nancy J. White and State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt to make the announcement.

McCulley is known for her exceptional role as a media aide at Center McMechen Elementary School and Glen Dale Elementary School in Marshall County. She fosters a love for learning and organizes monthly service projects that teach students the value of supporting their community. McCulley also raises funds for disadvantaged students and seeks innovative ways to share literacy resources with students through interactive technology.

“It is an honor to recognize the selflessness of our school service personnel. Ms. McCulley’s motivation to put her students first is one of many ways she exemplifies this in her profession,” said President White. “Her kindness and compassion are evident throughout each student interaction. The Board looks forward to her year as the state’s 2025 School Service Personnel of the Year.”

“Ms. McCulley is a shining example of what it means to support the whole child. She dedicates herself to furthering student learning by ensuring opening access to meaningful learning opportunities,” said Superintendent Blatt. “Service personnel play an essential role in our schools and communities because our children require and deserve a foundation of a nurturing learning environment. Ms. McCulley demonstrates this through her passion for learning and her drive to see every student succeed.”

The West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year program recognizes the exemplary dedication and enthusiasm of support staff who contribute to their schools and communities. The program honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill in their daily work, earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, co-workers and parents.

Sponsor contributions include:

Sponsor
Contribution
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc.
Gift basket
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, West Virginia
$2,500
Horace Mann Insurance Solutions
$2,500
West Virginia Lottery
$500
West Virginia Department of Tourism
Weekend stay at a West Virginia state park
West Virginia Education Association
$500
West Virginia School Service Personnel Association
$500
Kin Ship Goods
Gift basket
Blenko Glass Company
Suncatchers for all county SPOY winners

To learn more about the SPOY program, visit the WVDE website.

To view event photos, visit the WVDE Flickr album.

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