Winchester Bus Driver and Bedford County School Secretary Nominated for RISE Awards
RICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera this week nominated Winchester school bus driver Jill McDaniel and Big Island Elementary School secretary Melissa Overstreet for the U.S. Department of Education’s Recognizing Inspirational School Employees Award, also known as the RISE Award.
The RISE Award — created by Congress in 2019 — honors classified school employees, such as clerical, school nutrition, health, pupil transportation and custodial staff who provide exemplary service to students and their communities.
“Support staff are often the unsung heroes of our school communities, and the RISE Award program provides recognition for all they do to support students, teachers and families,” Balow said. “These nominees personify the dedication, caring and service of thousands of school support staff across the commonwealth and the contributions they make every day to support teaching and learning.”
“Ms. McDaniel and Ms. Overstreet truly represent the best of their professions,” Guidera said. “These women go above and beyond their job descriptions. Ms. McDaniel took on extra bus routes during a driver shortage and Ms. Overstreet created a clothing drive program at her school that serves over 30 families in need. They are perfect examples of the incredible leaders in our schools across the commonwealth. It is a joy to celebrate them and their accomplishments.”
McDaniel has logged more than 300,000 miles behind the wheel during her 43 years as a Winchester school bus driver. Superintendent Jason Van Heukelum describes McDaniel as dedicated to the safety of her students and a mentor for new drivers.
“Jill has transported generations of WPS students during her time as a bus driver,” Van Heukelum said. “Students she developed relationships with many years ago have now grown up to have families of their own — and she transports their children, too. This unique experience builds a very special type of community amongst Jill and the neighborhoods she serves.”
Big Island Elementary Principal Andy Bliss describes school secretary Overstreet as a compassionate, friendly and helpful team member who is at the center of the Big Island school family.
“Realizing that many students live in homes where they may go hungry at times, Melissa worked closely with United Way and our corporate partners at Georgia Pacific to build a backpack program for students and families that sends each home one full backpack of food each week,” Bliss said. “Her work building connections between the Big Island staff, families, and community partners was key in our designation as a National ESEA Distinguished School for 2021-2022.”
The U.S. Department of Education will announce the national winner of the RISE Award next spring.
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