By Jennifer Drummond
J.G. Hening Elementary School received the MEGA Mentors 2021-22 School of the Year award at the annual Excellence Awards and Recognition Celebration in June. This recognition included a $5,000 reward payable to the North Chesterfield school.
Hening was selected for this distinction because of its solid partnership with MEGA, outstanding principal and school coordinator involvement, and collaboration in promoting MEGA’s core values of Respect, Responsibility, Effort and Achievement.
Kristin Saady, Hening’s principal, said she was eager to partner with MEGA because she’d worked with the organization at a previous school, and was impressed by the dedication and support of the volunteers. She said she deeply appreciates the monetary reward and plans to put it to good use.
“We want to use this generous donation to enhance our students’ learning and provide opportunities that many may not be otherwise afforded,” Saady explained. “For example, last year MEGA Mentors provided lunch to all our 5th grade students at Education Day at the Diamond. The students were so excited and thankful for that experience.”
Saady said the mentors’ dedication goes far beyond the time they spend in the classrooms.
“They also support school-wide events, provide additional learning opportunities, volunteer to come in more often and genuinely build positive relationships with our students,” she explained. “We are grateful for our partnership and look forward to an amazing year.”
J.G. Hening Elementary School received a $5,000 check in September 2022 as a reward for being the MEGA Mentors 2021-22 School of the Year. Lisa High, Chesterfield County Public Schools chief of schools and MEGA Mentors board member, presented the check to Hening administration and staff. Pictured from left: Amanda Sullivan, school counselor; Kristin Saady, principal; Lisa High; and Katia Griffin, school counselor. Photo by Grishma Lavender.