Botetourt County Public Schools recognized three employees for their contributions to students and school communities during the October School Board meeting last week, including a second grade teacher whose classroom has become a miniature community of its own.
Vicki Brown, a second grade teacher at Troutville Elementary School with 35 years in education, was named the 2026 Kiwanis Club of Botetourt County Educator of the Year. Lynne Bolton presented the award, which honors a BCPS educator in memory of longtime school division educator Jim Bushong.
Brown’s classroom, known to students as “Browntown,” brings learning to life by giving students opportunities to experience government, interview for classroom jobs, manage money and solve community problems while applying second grade learning standards.
Her nomination praised her ability to combine the experience of a veteran educator with a willingness to embrace new instructional approaches and meet students’ individual needs.
“Perhaps her greatest gift is her ability to help students discover what they are capable of achieving,” Bolton read from the nomination.
The nomination also highlighted Brown’s work as a lead teacher and member of Troutville Elementary’s leadership team, roles in which she has helped guide colleagues and shape decisions affecting the school community.
The Kiwanis Club has presented its Educator of the Year Award for more than 20 years, according to the discussion following Brown’s recognition.
The School Board also recognized its September Employees of the Month.
Photos courtesy of BCPS
Amy Mayes, a fourth grade English teacher at Cloverdale Elementary School, was honored as the certified employee of the month. Mayes has worked for BCPS for 31 years. Her nomination described her as knowledgeable, kind and professional, praising her positive contributions to the school and community.
Ricardo Echavarria Montoya, a building custodian at James River High School, was recognized as the classified employee of the month. In his fourth year with BCPS, he was praised in multiple nominations for his dependability, strong work ethic and willingness to help colleagues.
His nomination noted that he recently took the initiative to mentor a fellow custodian while continuing to maintain his own work area.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
