Gallery: 2026 Employees of the Year

The Williamsburg staff describe Mr. Zamora as approachable, informative, and highly professional. As the first point of contact for building maintenance, he carries out his responsibilities with great care and dedication. He conducts regular safety inspections, leads safety drills, and carefully monitors all areas of the school to ensure a safe and secure environment for both students and staff. He consistently upholds the highest standards of cleanliness and maintenance. He proactively advises administration by identifying concerns early and providing timely recommendations, especially in areas needing repair or improvement. His calm demeanor and strong leadership makes him a trusted and reliable resource for all. Mr. Zamora is truly the backbone of Williamsburg’s building operations.

Mr. Stewart demonstrates outstanding leadership within the Kenmore Middle School community through his multifaceted contributions as an educator, mentor, innovator, and advocate for students. As a 7th grade Pre-Algebra teacher, he models exemplary instructional practices, setting a standard of excellence that inspires both students and colleagues. His willingness to mentor fellow teachers—offering guidance, sharing effective strategies, and supporting instructional growth—strengthens the collective capacity of the math department and the entire Kenmore community. He ensures that every learner receives equitable access to educational resources that enhance learning experiences. He collaborates with support staff, families and administrators, to remove obstacles, promote fairness, and create opportunities for all students to thrive. Through his leadership, innovation, mentorship, and student-centered advocacy, he elevates the learning environment and serve as a model of excellence for educators across the community. Mr. Stewart empowers students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the classroom and in life.

Ms. Shivers models the school’s core values each day through her professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to high expectations for all students and staff. She actively cultivates a positive and inclusive school culture through intentional communication and meaningful community-building efforts.  Through her daily leadership, she has helped build and sustain a culture rooted in openness, care, and unity. She collaborates closely with the principal and the entire school community to advance the school’s mission and vision with purpose and heart. Her leadership is evident in the design and implementation of the School Improvement Plan, where she contributed meaningful action steps, monitored progress, and ensured staff felt connected to the school’s goals. She fosters a culture of continuous learning, providing guidance, and encouraging collaboration across teams. Above all, she builds strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff—relationships that reflect the school’s commitment to collaboration, respect, and community.

Ms. McCarthy was selected for her ability to lead with purpose, support both staff and students, and uphold a deep respect for learning. Her clear vision for the future continues to set a strong foundation for her school’s success. Her unwavering dedication and advocacy for education are evident in her daily work, as she leads with integrity, vision, and compassion. She exemplifies exceptional leadership through the systems and structures she has established to support both staff and students. She fosters a positive and inclusive school culture where meaningful relationships are at the heart of the community, and everyone feels valued, supported, and safe. Most importantly, Ms. McCarthy is deeply committed to the growth and success of her staff, encouraging continuous learning and collaboration to ensure high-quality instruction for all students. Ms. McCarthy is widely regarded by her colleagues as a trusted and inspirational leader whose guidance and mentorship have made a lasting impact. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that Jamestown is not just a school but a community where everyone feels welcome.

Ms. Maclosky exemplifies the qualities of a transformative leader whose vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit have made a profound and lasting impact on Arlington Public Schools. She works behind the scenes to find every possible way to ensure our food services team provides healthy, nutritious meals for our school community during the school day and during challenging times. She consistently ensures that every student has access to nutritious, high-quality meals, recognizing that student success begins with student well-being. Equity is at the heart of her work, as she champions initiatives that remove barriers to meal access and ensure all students receive the support they need. Her commitment to diversity is evident through the culturally responsive menus and inclusive practices she has implemented. Additionally, her ability to inspire her team and cultivate a culture of excellence has positioned APS as a leader in school nutrition services.