The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS) proudly inducted nine distinguished former employees into the 2025 class of the AHPS Employee Hall of Fame. The recognition ceremony and banquet were held on May 8 at Jackson River Technical Center (JRTC), a cornerstone of workforce and technical education in the region.
The Hall of Fame honors individuals who dedicated their careers to public education within the former Alleghany County, Covington City, or Clifton Forge school divisions, or at JRTC.
This year’s inductees are:
� Brenda Siple retired in 2016 after 43 years in education. She spent 25 years as an elementary school teacher and 18 years as a principal at Falling Spring Elementary, Central Elementary, and Clifton Middle School.
� Nancy Moga devoted 42 years to education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She impacted over 2,800 students and 400 staff
members and retired as principal of Callaghan Elementary School.
� Diana Laws spent 34 years in the classroom, teaching history at Clifton Forge Elementary East and later Clifton Middle School. She was known for inspiring a passion for history in her students.
� Teresa Johnson has served over 35 years as an educator, retiring as principal of Mountain View Elementary in 2016. She currently serves as director of education at Boys Home of Virginia and is pursuing a doctoral degree at Virginia Tech.
� Celia Moore taught English at Alleghany High School from 1979 to 1995, bringing literature to life for her students. She continues her teaching career at Greenbrier East High School in Lewisburg, W.Va.
� The late Lewis “Butch” Venable Jr. served Covington High School as a teacher and coach for 37 years. In 2010, the City of Covington celebrated
“Lewis Venable Jr. Day” to honor his service to education and the community.
� Sue Wolfe served in public education for over 44 years, beginning as a clerk in Covington City Schools in 1971. She later became deputy clerk to the JRTC Joint Board of Control and was regarded as the “heartbeat of JRTC” for her organization and dedication.
� JoAnn Andrews spent 45 years in education as a teacher and school counselor. She was committed to supporting students and families and played a
vital role in student leadership programs.
� John Hutchison began his career with Clifton Forge City Schools in 1978. He served as a teacher, counselor, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal at Alleghany High School before retiring in 2015 after 37 years of service.
This year’s nine honorees join the inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Helen Harris, Brenda Holloway, Harold Lambert, Archie Wells, Linda Williams, Donna Vaughn, and the late Katharine Nicely—all of whom were recognized last year for their exceptional service and impact on education in the Alleghany Highlands.
To be eligible for induction, nominees must have served at least 20 years in one of the legacy school divisions, demonstrated exceptional commitment to education, and been retired for at least five years.
“It is always an exciting evening when we honor our Hall of Fame members,” said Fred Vaughan, AHPS Director of Human Resources and Pupil Personnel. “Together, our 2025 inductees represent a remarkable 364 years of service to public education and our community. We deeply appreciate the lasting impact they’ve had on countless individuals.”
Vaughan served on the Hall of Fame selection committee alongside Melinda Snead- Johnson, Pam Hensley, Teresa Gibson, Glenn Spangler, and Mary Tyree. The committee reviewed nominations and finalized selections earlier this year.
Many inductees were introduced by their nominators during the ceremony, followed by the presentation of commemorative glass trophies. Honorees were celebrated not only for their professional achievements but also for the lasting influence they had on students, colleagues, and the greater community.
“It is such a joy to share in this event! We are able to honor incredible legacies each year,” said Kim Halterman. Halterman and Snead-Johnson serve as leaders for the school division.
The banquet meal was prepared and served by JRTC Culinary Arts students, showcasing the school’s ongoing role in workforce education.
About Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Formed in 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center, AHPS remains committed to honoring the legacy of educators who have shaped local education for generations.
Former staff members from any of the historic school divisions in our immediate area are eligible for consideration.
For updates and more information, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us or follow AHPS on Facebook at AHPublicSchools.
AHPS Honors 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools celebrated nine outstanding former educators during the 2025 AHPS Employee Hall of Fame induction ceremony on May 8 at Jackson River Technical Center. Pictured from left: Celia Moore, Nancy Moga, Teresa Johnson, John Hutchison, Diana Laws, JoAnn Andrews, and Brenda Siple. Standing at back are Lewis Venable III and Darren Venable, representing the late Lewis “Butch” Venable Jr. Not pictured: Sue Wolfe. (AHPS Photo)
