News Summary
The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District recently held its annual Employee Awards of Excellence luncheon at Blueberry Peace Farm. The event recognized outstanding staff contributions and celebrated the district’s first-ever A-rating through Mississippi’s accountability model. Key honorees included Julie Kennedy, named Administrator of the Year, and Shaina Kemp-Jefferson, awarded Teacher of the Year. Community contributions were also highlighted, with parents Katelyn Wolfe and Lindsay White honored for their playground project. The event showcased the dedication of educators and community involvement in supporting student success.
Starkville Shines Bright at 2025 Employee Awards of Excellence Luncheon
In the charming city of Starkville, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) recently hosted a fabulous celebration to honor the outstanding contributions of its staff during the annual Employee Awards of Excellence luncheon. The event took place at the picturesque Blueberry Peace Farm, setting the perfect scene for a heartfelt gathering of more than 80 dedicated staff members and parent volunteers.
A Moment to Celebrate
As the event kicked off, SOCSD Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee made sure to take a moment to commend the hard work and commitment of everyone in the district. A highlight of the day was the district’s phenomenal achievement of earning its first-ever A-rating through Mississippi’s accountability model, showcasing the positive strides made in the local educational landscape.
Recognizing Excellence
This year’s star of the show was Julie Kennedy, who was recognized as the 2025 Administrator of the Year following her impressive 24 years of service in the SOCSD. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats and contributed immensely to shaping the educational environment in Starkville.
Another incredible moment came when Shaina Kemp-Jefferson was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for her unwavering commitment to student success and support. The celebration did not stop there, as Darleen Randle Williams took home the award for 2025 Non-Certified/Classified Personnel of the Year for her exceptional work as a Cafeteria Cashier and Cook. Her efforts to keep students fed and happy are truly commendable.
A Nod to New Talent
New additions to the SOCSD family were also celebrated. Ben Carr, who teaches Carpentry and Construction at the Millsaps Career and Technology Center, earned the title of 2025 New Teacher of the Year. In a rapidly evolving educational environment, having enthusiastic educators like Ben is crucial to prepare students for future success.
Honoring Community Spirit
Parent volunteers also received their moment in the spotlight. Katelyn Wolfe and Lindsay White were honored as the 2025 Parents of the Year for their remarkable efforts in spearheading a playground construction project that raised an astounding $80,000. Their commitment to improving the community’s resources for children highlights the importance of parental involvement in education.
More Achievements to Celebrate
Additionally, the SOCSD took the time to celebrate Jennifer Davis, who was recently honored with the NFHS National Citation Award for Music Education. The luncheon also served as a platform to acknowledge the accomplishments of three employees who attained their National Board Certification: Vijay Pacharne, Amy Bryant, and Laura Prisock.
The district also took a moment to honor 16 staff members who are retiring this year. Their contributions over the years have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on countless students.
Previous Year’s Heroes Recognized
In addition to celebrating this year’s honorees, the event included recognition for outstanding contributions from the previous year. Dr. Grierson and Mr. Forbes were applauded as the 2024 Administrators of the Year for their amazing leadership at Armstrong Junior High School. Similarly, Denesha Howell, an 8th-grade math teacher, received the title of 2024 Teacher of the Year for her impactful teaching methods.
Continuing this spirit of community involvement, Dr. Kelsey Crane was celebrated as the 2024 Outstanding Parent of the Year for her efforts in creating a school garden and outdoor classroom at West Elementary School.
Appreciation and Support
This wonderful event was made possible through the generous support of Renasant Bank, which provided funding for the catered luncheon, ensuring that everyone enjoyed a delightful meal while celebrating excellence in education.
As the afternoon came to a close, Dr. McGee highlighted the vital role that dedicated educators and support staff play in creating a nurturing and engaging environment for students. This year’s awards served not only as a celebration of individual accomplishments but also as a reminder of the incredible community that supports the educational journey in Starkville. Here’s to another year of making a difference!
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Yellow Jackets Name 2025 District Employees of the Year Award Winners
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- SOCSD Sees 30 Awards at 2025 Region V Science Fair
- Google Search: Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District
- SOCSD’s Jennifer Davis to be Honored with National Citation Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- SOCSD Names District Employees of the Year Award Winners
- Google News: Starkville School District
- Record-Breaking Award Season for Jacket Choirs
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
