School Year Finale: June 2026 A+ Educators
A+ Educator Award Recipients
With the school year wrapping up, we’re excited to spotlight our final A+ Educators of the Month for June 2026. Throughout the year, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing some truly outstanding educators, and this month’s honorees are a perfect way to close it out. Jenn Colvin, Margaret Miller, and Russell Blackburn represent the heart of what makes our schools so strong—commitment, creativity, and a genuine passion for helping students succeed.
Please join us in congratulating our Augusta County Public Schools A+ Educators of the Month for Elementary, Middle, and High School!
Elementary A+ Educator of the Month: Jenn Colvin
“Jenn Colvin is an outstanding first-grade teacher at Stuarts Draft Elementary whose dedication to meeting the needs of every learner is evident in all that she does. She works tirelessly to differentiate core instruction, ensuring that each student receives the support and challenge needed to grow and succeed.
Her classroom is a warm, inviting, and beautifully designed space where children feel welcomed, valued, and excited to learn. At any given moment, Jenn's room is buzzing with purposeful activity as students are actively engaged, productively busy, and accountable for their learning. Through her thoughtful planning, high expectations, and commitment to student success, Jenn creates a learning environment where all students can thrive.”
Middle School A+ Educator of the Month: Margaret Miller
“Mrs. Miller exemplifies excellence in art education through her dedication to student growth, creativity, and community engagement at Wilson Middle School. She consistently showcases student artwork not only within her classroom, but throughout the school and local community, creating authentic opportunities for students to feel pride in their work. Through both her classes and clubs, she fosters an environment where students are encouraged to explore new techniques, take creative risks, and develop their artistic voice. Her ability to inspire and support students—regardless of their artistic ability—ensures that every learner feels valued and motivated.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Miller goes above and beyond by supporting gifted and talented art students and leads members of the WMS Art Club. She actively encourages student involvement in the community, and her students consistently participate in—and earn top recognition at—the Riverfest and VSBA art contests. Furthermore, she serves the division as a gifted art adjudicator, providing thoughtful feedback to students across all ACPS schools. Mrs. Miller’s passion, leadership, and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding choice for Lingo Teacher of the Month.”
High School A+ Educator of the Month: Russell Blackburn
“As the chorus teacher for both Riverheads Middle and High Schools, Mr. Russell Blackburn has made a significant impact in just two years. His enthusiasm and passion for teaching are evident in the growth of both programs, as student interest and enrollment have increased due to his strong ability to connect with students. He fosters a positive and engaging learning environment, instilling confidence in his students that is reflected in their continued growth and development throughout the year.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Blackburn is deeply committed to the success of the fine arts program. He actively supports drama productions, including the One-Act play and Spring Musical, and has served as an adjudicator for gifted music students. He has also collaborated with band colleagues and elementary music teachers to create a seamless K–12 music experience for Riverheads students. His selection to lead the Middle School Valley Honor Choir in 2025 and the Elementary Honor Choir in 2026 highlights the respect he has earned among his peers. Mr. Blackburn’s leadership, talent, and dedication make him an invaluable asset to Augusta County Schools.”
Thank You to All Educators
As the school year wraps up, we want to thank all of the educators who make a difference in their classrooms and communities every single day. It’s been great recognizing so many outstanding teachers through the A+ Educators program this year, and we’re proud to close it out with Jenn, Margaret, and Russell. We’re looking forward to continuing the program and highlighting more amazing educators when school starts back up in the fall.
As part of our program, our team at Lingo Networks is awarding each honoree a $20 gift card to Pizza Luca in downtown Staunton - a small token of appreciation for the tremendous work they do every day.
Thank you, Augusta County Public Schools & the Virginia School Boards Association
On May 7, 2026, we were recognized by the Virginia School Boards Association and Augusta County Public Schools as part of the 2026 VSBA Business Honor Roll. We are humbled and honored for their recognition.
We started our A+ Educators program with Augusta County Public Schools in 2022 to recognize and celebrate the work of teachers and staff in our community. Their impact on students, families, and the future of this entire community is invaluable.
We’re grateful to play even a small role in supporting that work. We truly appreciate our partnership with Augusta County Public Schools, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the extraordinary educators and staff in our community.
Every Connection Matters.
If you have questions about your Lingo services, we’d love to talk with you. You can reach us at (540) 712-0300 or by emailing us at getservice@mgwnetworks.com.
