By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County School Board recognized outstanding staff members and student achievements during its April 10 regular meeting.
Two employees were honored as Employees of the Month for March. Debra Mayo, a nutrition administrative assistant in the operations department, and Leigh Delp, librarian at Eagle Rock Elementary School, were recognized for their contributions to the school division, each receiving a certificate of recognition.
“(Mayo) handles a huge amount of workload and is extremely friendly to staff and parents when they call in,” School Superintendent Dr. Janet Womack said of Mayo’s nomination. “She handles all the behind-the-scenes work and goes into helping run the department. Ms. Mayo is such a sweet soul who is always a team player.”
Womack said of Delp’s nomination that she “goes above and beyond to make sure she orders updated and newly released books to put in her students’ hands. She’s worked tirelessly on (Eagle Rock Elementary’s) school’s yearbook to make sure it is perfect. Ms. Delp is also an active leader in (Eagle Rock Elementary’s) Sunshine Committee, lifting up staff’s spirits whenever she can.”
The board also highlighted a number of student accomplishments across the county.
At Lord Botetourt High School, Max Mizuba was recognized for earning a first place Project Forum award and capturing a state championship in the 100-meter backstroke. The school’s boys indoor track team consisting of Eric Duncan, Ethan Thorne, Triston Graves, Caleb Miller, Preston Vaughn, John Moughrabi, Daniel Estep, Jayden Windsor and Archer Lee were each honored for winning the 2026 VHSL Class 3 State Championship.
Also from Lord Botetourt, Carter Cecil earned first place in humorous dramatic interpretation at the 2025-26 VHSL Class 3 State Speech Meet.
Photos courtesy of BCPS
At Cloverdale Elementary School, Kaylee Tran was recognized as the division spelling bee winner.
The Botetourt Technical Education Center’s Noel Caballero was also honored for placing first in the state SkillsUSA welding competition.
The next school board meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the Central Administration Office located at 143 Poor Farm Road in Fincastle.
