-News Release-
Rome City Schools celebrated the teachers, support professionals, operational staff, and leaders who make a difference for students each day during the district’s 2026 Exemplary Banquet on Tuesday night at Rome High School’s College and Career Academy.
West End Elementary’s Tiffany Abbott-Fuller was named the Coca-Cola District Exemplary Teacher of the Year, highlighting an evening that recognized outstanding employees from across the school system. Abbott-Fuller was one of several district award winners honored during the banquet.
Abbott-Fuller was selected from eight school-level Exemplary Teachers of the Year. She was praised for her commitment to student success, STEM integration, leadership, and her ability to provide opportunities for every student to feel seen, valued, and capable of solving real-world challenges.
Abbott-Fuller will represent Rome City Schools for an opportunity to be named Georgia Teacher of the Year.
“Outside of the pure joy and excitement of getting this award, it’s an honor to represent the students that I love teaching every single day and giving back to them,” Abbott-Fuller said. “I was surprised when I heard my name called. I wasn’t expecting it because everyone here is so deserving of this award.”
The other 2026 Rome City Schools Exemplary Teachers of the Year were Shane Parson, Anna K. Davie Elementary; Jessica Hewitt, East Central Elementary; Jade Black, Elm Street Elementary; Michael Atwater, Main Elementary; Hannah Woodrow, West Central Elementary; Ashley Hamby, Rome Middle School; and William Bomar, Rome High School.
“We have so many great people working throughout Rome City Schools, and this night allowed us to recognize some of the individuals who make our district special,” Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. “Our teachers, support professionals, bus drivers, counselors, and leaders all play an important role in the success of our students. I am proud of our honorees and thankful for what they do every day to help us continue to Move the Needle.”
Melanie Spivey of Anna K. Davie Elementary was named the Synovus Bank District Exemplary Support Professional of the Year.
Spivey was recognized for the relationships she builds with students, her genuine care for others, and her willingness to step in wherever she is needed. She was also praised for continually looking for ways to make her school better and create additional opportunities for students.
The other school-level Exemplary Support Professionals of the Year were Ashleigh Hill, East Central Elementary; Courtney Henry, Elm Street Elementary; Portia Jones-Dammond, Main Elementary; Ida Morales Silva, West Central Elementary; Alta Braziel, West End Elementary; Aquila Askew, Rome Middle School; and Ronnie Reed, Rome High School.
Family Engagement Coordinator Laura Bucio was named the Brown & Brown Insurance Exemplary Operational Professional of the Year. Bucio was recognized for her dedication and service to Rome City Schools and the community, including her work supporting district events, building community partnerships, and helping families access resources that support their children’s success in school.
Jackie Jenkins was named the Rome City Schools Exemplary Bus Driver of the Year. Jenkins was recognized for reliability, a strong commitment to safety, and creating a positive environment for students each day while transporting them to and from school.
Melissa Holland was named the ATL Grad Exemplary School Counselor of the Year. Holland was honored for her work supporting students academically, socially, and personally and for helping strengthen student support across the district. Her work has included mentoring, student leadership programs, scholarships, and postsecondary experiences designed to help students succeed beyond high school.
“This is a huge honor. I’m kind of speechless right now. It’s nice to be acknowledged for doing my job. But this isn’t a job to me. This is something I love doing,” she said. “I don’t expect to get acknowledged for that, because this is what I naturally love to do. I love working with the kids, and I love doing what I do.”
West End Elementary Principal Lisa Strack was named the American Fidelity Exemplary Principal of the Year. The award recognizes a principal who demonstrates integrity, professional excellence, and a strong commitment to serving students, staff, and the school community.
“This award is for my students and my teachers. They put in the work every day, and I’m just grateful to be a part of it. What an honor it is to do this work every day,” Strack said.
Rome City Schools Director of Instructional Technology, Safety and Operations John Fricks was named the Atrium Health Floyd Exemplary District Leader of the Year.
The award, created in 2023, recognizes a leader whose impact reaches beyond an individual school or department and whose work has helped bring local, state, or national recognition to Rome City Schools. Fricks was honored for his leadership and service to the district and his impact on students, staff, and the community.
“The first thing I thought of when I heard my name called was all the hard work that everyone around me puts in, and this really is a team effort. To me, it’s not an award for just one person but an example of the hard work that everyone does,” Fricks said. “I’m excited to be honored for it. At the end of the day, I’m just proud of everything our school district does and all the hard work we put in.”
Rome City Schools also recognized six employees who have served the school system for at least 30 years. Aquila Askew, Karen Ehrler, Buffi Murphy, Michele Nichols, Jennifer Perkins, and Shannon Roper were honored for their years of dedication and service to the district.
Dr. Holland closed the evening by thanking the honorees and recognizing the work employees throughout Rome City Schools do each day on behalf of students.
Rome City Schools Board of Education Chair Faith Collins said the banquet provided an opportunity for the district to celebrate employees whose work often extends far beyond what people see each day.
“One of the greatest strengths of Rome City Schools is the people who work here and the commitment they have to our students and families,” Collins said. “There are so many people across our district doing outstanding work every day. This banquet allows us to highlight some of those people, thank them for their service, and celebrate the difference they make for our students and our community.”
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