FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jackson County Schools Announces 2027 Teacher and Service Personnel of the Year
RIPLEY, WV – Jackson County Schools is proud to announce the winners of the 2027 Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year awards. These prestigious honors recognize educators and staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, their schools, and the entire Jackson County community.
2027 Teacher of the Year: Andrew Hupp
This year’s Teacher of the Year honors go to Mr. Andrew Hupp, who serves as the 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade Mathematics teacher at Fairplain Elementary School.
Mr. Hupp has become a cornerstone of the Fairplain community, known for his ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging for young learners. His impact is measured not just in enthusiasm, but in tangible results; during his tenure, Mr. Hupp has been credited with significantly increasing math scores across the county.
A nomination for Mr. Hupp highlighted his unwavering commitment to his pupils:
“Andrew goes above and beyond to make sure the students have a great experience, while also learning. When he gives something, he gives it 100% and more. The students who have the opportunity to learn from him enjoy and respect him. During his time in teaching Math, he’s received awards and increased Math scores for the county, which is quite an honor!”
2027 Service Personnel of the Year: Stacy Sturm
The district is equally thrilled to name Ms. Stacy Sturm as the 2027 Service Personnel of the Year. Ms. Sturm serves as an Aide/ECCAT at Gilmore Elementary, where her career has been defined by compassion and a "students-first" mentality.
Ms. Sturm was specifically recognized for her leadership and resilience during a challenging transition year at Gilmore. When a teacher retirement and a rotation of substitutes could have caused disruption, Ms. Sturm stepped up to provide the stability and emotional support her students needed.
According to her nomination:
“Students light up when they see her outside of school... Her ability to build strong, positive relationships is just one of the many qualities that set her apart. This year in particular, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication during a major classroom transition, stepping up to provide stability and support. She not only works hard during work hours, but also after hours, preparing for the next day and special events so that the kids have fun days to look forward to.”
A Commitment to Excellence
Both Mr. Hupp and Ms. Sturm represent the very best of Jackson County Schools. Their tireless work behind the scenes and in the classroom ensures that our students are not only meeting academic benchmarks but are also growing up in a supportive, loving environment.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have professionals like Andrew and Stacy in our district," said Will Hosaflook, Superintendent of Jackson County Schools. "They embody the heart and soul of our mission to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed."
An official recognition ceremony was recently held at the Jackson County Schools Board of Education to celebrate their achievements.