Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 17520 Jefferson Highway ~ Montpelier, VA 23192
Program Co-Chair,
Deaconess Anita Cary-Wright
Program Co-Chair,
Sharon Nelson
Rev. Dr. Alex Shelley, Pastor-- reading
The Hill We Climb by American Poet
Amanda Gorman*
*1/20/2021 inauguration Joe Biden & Kamala Harris
Tonya Holmes, principal of Henrico County’s Harvie Elementary School, has been awarded the 2021-22 REB Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership. The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the REB Foundation present the award to four principals annually — one each from the school divisions of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and one from the city of Richmond. Holmes was surprised with the news Monday afternoon at a gathering in the school’s library attended by Henrico County Public Schools leaders, Harvie staff members and her family.
Holmes will receive a $10,000 cash grant and an additional $20,000 for school projects. She plans to use the bulk of her project funding for “CAMP3401,” a planned summer career exploration camp at Harvie. The REB award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their jobs to create an exceptional educational environment. The award stresses management and communication skills, and the ability to inspire, encourage and advocate for the school. Nominees must have served as principal at their school for at least three years.
“I do what I do because I love what I do and I love this place,” Holmes told staff members Monday. “This is a very special place. I’ve been told that ever since I walked through these doors, and you all prove that each day in the job that you do. It makes me want to work harder for you and for our babies. … I’m determined that we are going to continue to be that school of excellence. I thank you and I can’t wait to get started on CAMP3401.”
Holmes has been principal of Harvie since 2015. She previously held positions with HCPS as a resource teacher and a fifth grade teacher. She also served as a principal in Petersburg, an assistant principal with Richmond City Public Schools, and a fourth grade teacher in Sussex County. Originally from Louisa County, Holmes has a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
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