Henrico’s Top Teachers

Teachers are a special breed. They are driven by a love of learning and a desire to impact young lives. They spend countless hours devising lesson plans, working individually with students before and after school and volunteering their time, seeking not recognition for their efforts but rather the smile of a student whose imagination has been captivated; a hug from a student who needs one in return; or the words of thanks from a student whose mind has grasped a challenging topic.

In the Henrico Citizen's first-annual 'Top Teachers' issue, we honor 20 of the finest educators in Henrico, as nominated by our readers. These are their stories.

Honoring 20 who make a difference (click to read introduction)

(Click on a teacher's name to read his or her profile article.)

Erin Bourne, Byrd M.S., eighth grade







Blair Flynn, Nuckols Farm E.S., second grade







Janet Givens, Echo Lake E.S., first grade







Mesa Hinkle, Glen Allen E.S., first grade







Annette Hodges, Donahoe E.S., fifth grade







Emily Mason, Baker E.S., third grade







Jill Morris, Pemberton E.S., first grade







Karla Ott, Rivers Edge E.S., fourth grade







Philip Riddle, Brookland M.S., sixth grade







Todd Ritter, Henrico H.S., drama







Katie Schwieder, Fairfield M.S., sixth grade







Lourie Sledd, Freeman H.S., exceptional education







Ryan Stein, Pinchbeck E.S., fourth grade







Lance Teillon, Varina H.S., NJROTC







Chris Tickle, Steward School, fourth grade







Matt Togna, Tucker H.S., 10th-12 grades







Stephanie Tucker, Crestview E.S., preschool







Samuel Turner, Holman M.S., sixth-eighth grades







Debbie Waldenmaier, Colonial Trail E.S., third grade







Stephen Worfolk, Jackson Davis E.S., third grade

Virginia State Police officials have released two opioid/heroin awareness videos.

One video – Broken Dreams, details the story of Sheriff Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin W. Hall’s son, Ryan, and his battle with addiction. The video describes Ryan Hall's struggle to overcome addiction and persevere.

The second video, No Second Chance, debuted recently on the Eastern Shore and follows the tragic consequences of a 20-year-old Accomack County woman who died from a heroin overdose in July 2016. > Read more.

To mark the changing of the name of Cadence at the Glen to Verena at the Glen, the independent living rental retirement community in Glen Allen is hosting an open-to-the-public celebration Nov. 16. The Showcase of Homes will feature cuisine from the culinary team, refreshments and live jazz, along with tours of the community. The public will also have the opportunity to meet residents and staff. Verena at the Glen is owned by an affiliate of Chicago-based Green Courte Partners, LLC. With the name change to Verena (Latin for true) the community is bringing an updated wellness philosophy, along with enhanced dining, fitness programs, services and activities. The Showcase of Homes at Verena at the Glen will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The community is located at 10286 Brook Road, Glen Allen. RSVP at http://VerenaAtTheGlen.com/RSVP. > Read more.

GRASP, a nonprofit, charitable, college-access organization that assists students and families in obtaining funding for post-secondary education, now has a Spanish-speaking advisor available to assist students and families with the financial aid process.

The advisor, Conchy Martinez, is bilingual and is available to assist with outreach to the Latino community. > Read more.

Henrico Schools will host seven meetings prior to the release of Superintendent Pat Kinlaw's proposed Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget in January to solicit community input about the budget. A short presentation by HCPS budget staff members will be followed by opportunities to comment and ask questions. The school division will develop a budget proposal using feedback from stakeholders. > Read more.

Glen Allen-based White Orthodontics will donate more than $300,000 in orthodontic care to children of families who cannot afford the full cost of braces. Dr. Paul White and his team will host an open house Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their office, 5237 Hickory Park Drive in Glen Allen, to meet with interested families.

The effort is part of the national Smiles Change Lives program, which counts some 800 orthodontists nationwide among its ranks. > Read more.