The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA (VR) — The United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge has named Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson as an Unsung Hero in Education for 2026.
Each year, the United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge recognizes individuals across the Blue Ridge area whose service and dedication strengthen their communities. The Unsung Heroes program, now in its third year, honors people whose contributions often happen quietly behind the scenes and frequently go unrecognized. Awards are presented in education, health, financial security, volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership.
Snead-Johnson will retire in June after serving students and families in the Alleghany Highlands for 50 years. She is among 11 Unsung Heroes being honored for their work in education.
A graduate of Covington High School and the University of Virginia, Snead-Johnson spent 46 years with Covington City Schools. She began her career as a second grade teacher at Rivermont Elementary School before spending 20 years teaching special education at Rivermont Elementary and Jeter-Watson Intermediate Schools.
Her work in special education remained constant throughout her career, as she quietly focused on ensuring all students received the support they needed to succeed. After moving into administration, she served in several central office leadership roles, including director of student services, director of pupil personnel, and director of special education.
Snead-Johnson was named superintendent of Covington City Public Schools in 2016 following the retirement of Tom Long. While serving as superintendent, she also continued carrying out the duties of director of special education.
She was the first woman to serve as superintendent of Covington City Public Schools and also holds the distinction of being the division’s final superintendent before the 2022 merger of Covington City Public Schools and Alleghany County Public Schools to form Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.
She has spent the past four years as a valued member of the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools leadership team, where her experience and steadying influence helped guide the transition following the consolidation of the two school divisions.
“Melinda’s leadership has been a steady force for students, staff, and families throughout decades of change in public education,” said School Board Chair Jon Lanford. “Her compassion, professionalism and commitment to doing what is right for children have left a lasting mark on the Highlands.”
Superintendent Kim Halterman also reflected on Snead-Johnson’s impact and decades of service. “It has been a pleasure to work and learn from her over the years,” Halterman said. “Melinda’s dedication to students, families, and staff has been unwavering, and her steady leadership has been especially valuable through times of change. She has set a standard of professionalism and care that will continue to influence our division long after her retirement, and she will be greatly missed.”
Snead-Johnson and other Unsung Heroes from across the Blue Ridge region will be recognized in June during a gathering hosted by United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
