May 8, 2026
As the end of the 2025-26 School Year approaches, Prince George County Public Schools gathered once again to celebrate the dedication and excellence of its staff at the fifth annual Royal Recognition Reception, held on May 7, 2026, at Prince George High School.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr
During the hour-long event, emceed by Division Superintendent Dr. Wayne Lyle and joined by the Prince George County School Board, the district honored its Teachers and Support Employees of the Year, presented its two year-end awards—the Pathfinder Award and the Spirit of Prince George Award—and paid tribute to retiring faculty and staff for their many years of dedicated service.
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As is tradition, the reception served as another opportunity to celebrate the division's annual teachers and support employees of the year, with L.L. Beazley Elementary School teacher Mr. Morris Lawson (Division-wide Teacher of the Year) and division custodian Mrs. Lisa Dean (Division-wide Support Employee of the Year) each delivering remarks.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of two division-level recognitions to a pair of district staffers, the Pathfinder Award and the Spirit of Prince George Award.
About The Pathfinder Award: Recognizes one division teacher or administrator who has made significant contributions in the areas of innovation or leadership, providing innovative solutions that enable success among the division's students.
Pathfinder Award Recipient: Mrs. Tonya Humphrey, Gifted Resource Teacher, J.E.J. Moore Middle School
Mrs. Tonya Humphrey stands as a quintessential “bringing textbooks to life” educator who helps students thrive by making learning fun and engaging, while embodying the district’s mission to encourage and inspire every child, every day.
Mrs. Humphrey is quick to find activities and lessons that get students' hands and minds working, be it pumpkin-popping experiments to guest lecturers whose lived experiences give students new perspectives to think about. The “Field Trip Queen” nickname reflects Mrs. Humphrey’s passion for connecting students with learning experiences in the real world. Whether it’s visiting a Richmond museum, or leading a multi-day excursion to Smith Island, Mrs. Humphrey consistently expands learning through real-world experiences in science, history, and discovery.
In addition, she supports Moore’s Junior Beta Club, regularly traveling with the club to competitions and supporting fundraisers, encourages students to give back through community service, and volunteers with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, mentoring fellow educators and sharing resources, embodying a commitment to learning and uplifting students and teachers alike in her community.
Spirit of Prince George Award: The Spirit of Prince George Award recognizes one division employee or retiree whose significant contributions of kindness or service to others help build the type of community that makes students, families, faculty, and staff want to come, stay, and be part of our Prince George community.
Spirit of Prince George Award Recipient: Chrystal Barnwell, Middle Road Elem. School Principal
A product of Prince George County, Mrs. Barnwell is a member of the Royals’ Class of 1993. After graduating, she continued her academic journey at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and later obtained her Master of Education from Virginia State University.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Barnwell has served in a variety of roles, dedicating much of her time to the same community that helped shape her. She returned to Prince George County to educate the next generation, beginning her career in the classroom. Among her many contributions, she spent ten years as a biology teacher at Prince George High School from 2004 to 2014.
Her commitment to student success led her into school leadership, where she was named assistant principal at J.E.J. Moore Middle School in 2014. She later became principal of William A. Walton Elementary School in 2018, and continues to serve in a principal role today at Middle Road Elementary School, continuing her impact on students, staff, and families across the division.
Mrs. Barnwell has always been a welcoming presence in every building she has served. Those who have worked alongside her describe her as a selfless individual who is deeply committed to her students, families, and colleagues. She is known for her willingness to listen, offer encouragement, and greet others with a warm smile that makes every person feel valued.
The individual who nominated Mrs. Barnwell shared, “The foundation of Prince George County Public Schools is rooted in a deep commitment to serving our students, staff, and community, and Mrs. Barnwell exemplifies this mission in every aspect of her work.”
Over her two decades as an educator and administrator within PGCPS, Mrs. Barnwell has truly embodied the spirit of our division, leading with compassion, building meaningful relationships, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves each day.