Marshall County Librarian Named West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year
A librarian at Glen Dale and Center McMechen elementary schools made her way to the head of the class in her field Tuesday evening.
Nicole McCulley was named the 2025 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year on Tuesday by the state's board of education and department of education. The honor was announced at the annual Celebration of Excellence in Education at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
McCulley was chosen from among five finalists from around the Mountain State.
"Ms. McCulley is a shining example of what it means to support the whole child," West Virginia State Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt said. "She dedicates herself to furthering student learning by ensuring opening access to meaningful learning opportunities.
"Service personnel play an essential role in our schools and communities because our children require and deserve a foundation of a nurturing learning environment," Blatt added. "Ms. McCulley demonstrates this through her passion for learning and her drive to see every student succeed."
At Glen Dale and Center McMechen, 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.
"My goal is to make sure all of our students know kindness is free," she said earlier this year. "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."
"It is an honor to recognize the selflessness of our school service personnel," West Virginia Board of Education President Nancy White said. "Ms. McCulley's motivation to put her students first is one of many ways she exemplifies this in her profession
"Her kindness and compassion are evident throughout each student interaction," White continued. "The Board looks forward to her year as the state's 2025 School Service Personnel of the Year."
The West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year program recognizes the exemplary dedication and enthusiasm of support staff who contribute to their schools and communities. The program honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill in their daily work, earning them the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, co-workers and parents.
The department and board also named the state's 2025 Teacher of the Year, Seth Skiles, a music teacher at Rock Branch Elementary in Putnam County.