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Twelve Fairfax County Public Schools employees received top honors June 11 during a celebration at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.
The event, sponsored by Educate Fairfax, recognized 78 finalists across 12 award categories. More than 800 instructional and operational employees are honored annually through the school system’s Outstanding Employee Awards Program.
Andrea Edmonson, a third-grade teacher at Little Run Elementary School, was named Outstanding Elementary New Teacher. A career switcher who began as a long-term substitute during virtual learning, Edmonson emphasizes trusting relationships with students and families while helping lead several school committees.
Emmeline Andrea Mejia, a multilingual learners teacher at Justice High School, received the Outstanding Secondary New Teacher award. The first-generation college graduate entered teaching through the FCPS Teacher Residency program and helps newcomer students adjust to a new language, school and culture. She also coaches junior varsity girls soccer, leads the nonprofit EnFuego Football Club and mentors teenagers through Young Life.
South County Middle School’s Justin Simmons was selected as Outstanding New Principal. His work centers on data-informed initiatives designed to strengthen academic achievement, school culture and community involvement, with an emphasis on collaboration and open communication.
Liliana Alfaro, Building Supervisor III at Falls Church High School, was named Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee. During her 10 years with FCPS, Alfaro has served in several custodial positions. She now oversees daily custodial work amid continuing renovations while helping members of her team develop professionally.
Daniel J. “DJ” Matheney, plumber supervisor at the Edison Support Center, earned the Outstanding Nonschool-Based Operational Employee award. Matheney helped modernize department operations and streamline repairs, contributing to a reduction in open work orders from 55 to 27. He has also promoted confined-space training, equipment readiness and employee mentoring.
Raquel A. Joyner, special education department chair at Quander Road School, was honored as Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee. Joyner discovered her calling while working as a substitute teacher and has spent nearly 30 years in education. Her work includes supporting educators and building lasting relationships with students and their families.
Deborah March, the John Lewis Leadership Program manager at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center, received the Outstanding Nonschool-Based Professional Employee award. March works with students, employees, families and more than 70 community partners on a schoolwide leadership program grounded in leadership, justice, service and advocacy.
Dominic A. Williams, assistant principal at Union Mill Elementary School, was named Outstanding School-Based Leader. Williams prioritizes listening, relationship-building, collaboration and equity while working to create a welcoming environment for students, employees and families.
Jay Nocco, executive director of professional learning at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center, earned the Outstanding Nonschool-Based Leader award. Known among colleagues as “Johnny Appleseed” for spreading new ideas, Nocco has helped improve professional learning, mentoring, employee induction and leadership development.
Jason B. Ericson, a physical education teacher at Dogwood Elementary School, was selected as Outstanding Elementary Teacher. Ericson teaches students in kindergarten through sixth grade and promotes lifelong fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship through classes, clubs and community events.
Andrew W. Sharrock, band director at Glasgow Middle School, received the Outstanding Secondary Teacher award. During seven years at Glasgow, he has expanded the program to more than 300 students participating in six concert ensembles and a jazz band. His ensembles regularly earn superior ratings at district assessments.
In 2024, the Glasgow Middle School Wind Ensemble became the first Title I school in FCPS history to present a featured concert at the Virginia Music Educators Association Conference. Sharrock, also a composer, was invited to participate in the 2025 “Composing in the Wilderness” experience at Denali National Park in partnership with the National Park Service.
Fairfax High School’s Georgina Aye was named Outstanding Principal. Aye emphasizes diversity, student input and what she calls “passion push” courses, which expand access to rigorous academics, career and technical programs and military opportunities. Her leadership also focuses on academics, attendance, character and celebrating the school community.