A student hugs a teacher

Martinsville is a division steeped in history and tradition. Of those many traditions, the Big M Trophy Luncheon is universally loved by staff and students alike as one of our favorite and most meaningful. Not only is it a chance for us to celebrate our senior Big M Trophy recipients who are graduating with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, it is also a time for those students to celebrate the teacher who they feel has made the biggest impact on their lives.

Today, during a heartfelt ceremony, each of this year's honorees stood in front of friends, family, and division staff to recognize their most influential teacher with a trophy as a token of their love and gratitude.

MHS Principal Dr. Dixon shared some words of inspiration with this year's honorees:

You are part of a legacy that's nearly 50 years old, recognizing academic excellence. You are here because you endeavored to work hard, put your nose to the grindstone, to make the grades you did.

The same things that got you here- grit, tenacity, sacrifice- will be the same things that make you successful in your career and in life. You've already proven you can do it. That's why you're here today.

Superintendent Dr. Zeb Talley encouraged the students to use their knowledge to make the world better. "You have the wisdom. You have the talent. We're counting on you," he said. "You have greatness in you. I'm so proud of each of you."

This year's Big M Trophy recipients and their most influential teachers are:

Aubrey Elizabeth Blankenbaker (East Tennessee State University): Shannon Harrell

Jemea Leshay Craghead (Patrick & Henry Community College): Brian Joyce

Kamori Re Yanna Dillard (North Carolina A&T State University): Shauna Hines

Zaniah Ariana Dillard: Katarina Childress

Chekiya Kailyn Galloway: Kathy Harned

Layla Renay Garrett: Kathy Harned

London Mylan Hairston: Kathy Harned

Ja'Kayla Shakirra Harris: Margie Mills

De'Nyiran Tyjuahn Hodge: Taylor Johnson

Ny'Asia Hood: Amber Corns

Jahrine Ezekiel Jones: Nicholas Stewart

Aerran Elysia Kellam: Shannon Harrell

Myasia Kimiya Long: Margie Mills

Nyasia K Long: Kathy Harned

Jordan Christeen Martinez: Kathy Harned

Gregory Isaiah Moore: Chris Talley

Yoshikoe Yazminah Moyer: Tristan Sarver

Jun Hermes Olea: Nicholas Stewart

Jailyn Omarion Reynolds: Lynn Murphy Jones

Janetzey Meredith Rodriguez: Chris Talley

Avianna Zanae Watkins: Kathy Harned

Rilynne Addison Williams: Devonnte Holland

Kaira Merci Womack: Katarina Childress