CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Three southern West Virginia school employees have been named finalists for the 2027 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year, an honor recognizing outstanding service and dedication to students and schools across the state.
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), in partnership with the West Virginia Chamber Foundation, announced the finalists, who were selected from among cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, mechanics, secretaries, maintenance staff and other school service personnel.
Among the finalists are representatives from Boone, Fayette and Summers counties.
Lisa Cook, a bus driver with Boone County Schools, was recognized for creating “a safe, welcoming and positive environment for students.” She goes beyond transporting students by building meaningful relationships, encouraging positive behavior and helping students begin each school day with confidence and support.
Cook is also recognized for her reliability and willingness to assist others by mentoring new drivers, volunteering at school events and contributing to community service initiatives, including the Special Olympics, local school organizations and outreach programs. According to the WVDE, “Through her commitment to safety, student well-being and service, she exemplifies what it means to be school service personnel.”
Brooklyn Long, a first-grade classroom aide at Fayetteville PK-8 in Fayette County, was selected as a finalist for her dedication to helping students succeed both academically and socially. She is known for her compassion, patience and commitment to individualized and small-group instruction, helping young learners develop strong educational foundations.
Long also supports students with behavioral and learning challenges while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she participates in professional development and is involved in community outreach, ministry work and other service initiatives.
Andrea Helms, secretary at Jumping Branch Elementary School in Summers County, earned finalist honors for her leadership, strong work ethic and commitment to student success. During the past five years, she has served in multiple roles, including instructional aide, special education aide, tutor, drama coach and after-school coordinator.
Helms is actively involved in several school improvement initiatives, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, the Local School Improvement Council, the county calendar committee and the website redesign committee.
She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and regularly participates in professional development focused on student engagement, literacy and school safety. Her colleagues describe her as dependable, compassionate and willing to take on any challenge in support of her school community.
“School service personnel are crucial members of the school community. Their work establishes and maintains a welcoming environment that is conducive to the learning and personal growth of students. Our 2027 finalists exemplify the passion and dedication that make public education memorable for students and effective in preparing them for future success,” State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said.
The 2027 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year will be announced during the Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.
