An elementary school librarian from Marshall County who teaches her students that "kindness is free" has been named one of five finalists for the 2025 West Virginia Service Personnel Employee of the Year.
Nicole McCulley, a librarian at Center McMechen and Glen Dale elementary schools, is one of the final five. The winner of the award will be named in September in Charleston.
McCulley said it was an "absolute honor" to be named a finalist.
"To be honest, I go into my day doing the same thing, regardless of whether the person next to me knew what I was doing or not," she said. "My goal is to make sure all of our students know kindness is free. Inclusion is also a big part of what I do, so I want every kid in every class to feel included and accepted in what we do."
According to the West Virginia Department of Education, the state Board of Education's School Service Personnel Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. It honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers and parents.
"Service personnel form the backbone of schools statewide, ensuring students are learning and thriving in safe learning environments," said West Virginia Superintendent Michele Blatt. "They leave an invaluable impact on those around them through creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students, faculty and staff."
McCulley organizes monthly service projects that teach students the value of supporting and impacting their community. She raises funds for disadvantaged students and continuously looks for innovative ways to engage students through reading resources and interactive technology.
McCulley is devoted to supporting special education students and approaches her work with patience, empathy and a desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Among the projects she has done in her classes is a Valentine's Day card drive, where more than 1,400 cards were distributed to residents of seven nursing homes. It's an example, she said, of how being kind to a complete stranger can change their day.
"This alone reached so many people," she said, "and (students) got to learn that just a simple card can put a smile on faces. It was really nice to see how excited they were that a little exercise they were able to do brought so much happiness to people they didn't even know."
The other four finalists are Jefferson County school bus operator Cynthia Carper; Julia Dopson, a kindergarten aide at Burke Street Elementary in Berkeley County; Wirt County Middle School computer technician Kasey McCulty; and Braxton County Middle School secretary Kelly Pritt.