Richmond, VA – Yesterday the Virginia Board of Education celebrated the Commonwealth’s two distinguished recipients of the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award: Lori Barbour, In-School Suspension Coordinator at Staunton River Middle School in Bedford County Public Schools, and Lisa Delp, School Nurse at Galax High School in Galax City Public Schools.
The RISE Award, established by Congress in 2019, recognizes the outstanding contributions of classified school employees in PreK-12 education. Nominees are chosen based on work performance, community involvement, leadership, and support for students and staff. These honorees will represent Virginia as nominees for the national RISE Award.
“Mrs. Barbour and Nurse Delp embody the heart of student service in Virginia’s schools,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction EmilyAnne Gullickson. “Their leadership, dedication, and daily commitment to student attendance, belonging and academic success demonstrate the extraordinary impact that classified school employees make every day across our Commonwealth. We are proud to recognize them as Virginia’s 2026 RISE Award honorees.”
Lori Barbour has reimagined In-School Suspension as a student-centered, reflective learning space focused on accountability, connection, and academic progress in her five years in the role. Students maintain their instructional momentum while learning to reset, rebuild, and re-engage. She has created a structure that has strengthened the school culture and attendance efforts across the building. Barbour also leads service-oriented initiatives such as student clothing closet, family support outreach, and attendance-building routines that start each day with encouragement and connection.
“We are so proud of Lorie Barbour’s nomination for the VDOE RISE Award. Her kindness, creativity, and genuine care for students and staff shine through in everything she does. Lorie, one of Bedford's Best, truly represents the heart of Bedford County Public Schools, and we’re thrilled to see her dedication recognized at the state level. She makes a difference every single day, and we couldn’t be happier for her,” said Bedford County Schools Superintendent William Dupere.
Staunton River Middle School Principal Jessica Geyer praised Barbour’s unwavering belief in students, noting that her work “reflects true Golden Eagle pride, where compassion builds accountability, reflection sparks renewal, and every learner discovers their potential to soar.”
Lisa Delp is celebrated as a leader in school health who has elevated the role of the school nurse through innovation, compassion, and comprehensive student support. With 17 years of service and National Board Certification, she has advanced health access in Galax by helping launch school-based health clinics, including behavioral health services, and by leading emergency response initiatives such as the region’s first Project ADAM Heart-Safe School designation.
Delp’s presence is felt not only through clinical expertise and lifesaving training but also through everyday moments of care supporting students with chronic conditions, guiding families through health needs, and building trust that strengthens attendance and well-being. Her dedication extends beyond the school day being available after hours for student-athlete health support and coordinating AED placement, CPR training, and school-wide readiness.
Galax City Schools Superintendent Susan Tilley shared that the division is “proud and thrilled that Nurse Delp’s extraordinary dedication to school health has been recognized,” emphasizing her “leadership, compassion, and tireless commitment to student and staff well-being.” Principal Michelle Finney added that Delp “exemplifies everything the RISE Award stands for, from daily clinical excellence to leading innovative safety and wellness initiatives.” Human Resources and CTE Director Shelia Ramey, who also nominated Nurse Delp for the award, described her as someone who “goes above and beyond to ensure students are cared for, staff are supported, and the community grows stronger.”
The U.S. Department of Education will evaluate all the state RISE nominees and select one national honoree, to be announced in spring 2026.
For more information about the RISE Award, visit the VDOE website.
