Congratulations!
Rena Collins, Latin Teacher at Buffalo Gap High School
Sarah Kite, Special Education Aide at Stuarts Draft Elementary School
Jennifer Palaskey, Special Education Aide, North River Elementary School
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge announced its 10 recipients of the 2026
Dawbarn Education Awards with special surprise visits this week.
Now in its 32nd year, the Community Foundation honors community members for their
significant impact on youth in the three local public school systems, Staunton, Augusta County
and Waynesboro.
The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a special banquet to celebrate the recipients in the
fall.
"I am proud that our founder, H. Dunlop “Buz” Dawbarn, entrusted the Community Foundation
with a program that honors the extraordinary dedication and impact of educators and staff who
go beyond their duties to transform students' lives,” said Dan Layman, CEO of the Community
Foundation. “These $10,000 cash awards are not only a token of our appreciation but a
celebration of the profound difference these individuals make in shaping the future."
The 2026 Dawbarn Education Awards recipients are:
● Abby Arey, principal of Wenonah Elementary School
● Rena Collins, Latin teacher at Buffalo Gap High School
● Amanda Francis, director of counseling at Staunton High School
● Karen Grady, first grade teacher at Arthur R. Ware Elementary School
● Brittany Harton, special education teacher at Thomas McSwain Elementary
● Sarah Kite, special education aide at Stuarts Draft Elementary School
● Jennifer Palaskey, special education teacher at North River Elementary School
● Brandon Poole, counselor at William Perry Elementary School
● Lisa Warren, principal at Shelburne Middle School
Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, made
surprise visits to inform this year’s 10 recipients in person.
“Every year, the Dawbarn Education Awards remind us that incredibly important work is
happening in our schools,” Burrows said. “The nominators and recipients are all so proud of one
another, proud of what they do, proud of their students and proud of the schools they work in.
“It's hard not to get choked up. And not one of them is seeking recognition for their work. In fact,
they would much rather shine the light on each other than be in the spotlight themselves. Some
are even hilariously looking for an emergency exit when they see us walk through the door.”
The superintendents of the three local school divisions joined Burrows to celebrate the
recipients in their respective school divisions. It was the first time being part of the celebration
Dr. Kelly Troxell, superintendent of Augusta County Public Schools.
“This has been really exciting,” Troxell said. “There’s no greater thing than the admiration of a
child and the admiration of a colleague. To hear those things is pretty special. The look on their
faces when Miriam announces they are a Dawbarn winner, there’s nothing better.”
Waynesboro superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Cassell and assistant superintendent Dr. Ryan Barbour
joined the celebration for the Waynesboro recipients.
“We have a theme each year in Waynesboro, and this year’s theme was heart and hustle,”
Cassell said. “That’s what came to my mind with our three recipients. They’re never still, and
they have the heart and passion to teach, and the skill and ability that it takes.”
It was also the first time joining the awards celebration for Dr. Eric Irizarry, superintendent of
Staunton City Schools.
“This is an amazing school district with amazing educators, and we celebrate them every month
with Kindness Matters,” Irizarry said. “But really, this is just a step above that. These are just
some incredible folks. This has been an incredible experience. It’s just been a great way to see
how the Dawbarns are done. The caliber of folks that were recognized was inspiring and a little
emotional, too.”