SPS receives mental health, counseling awards
Published 8:00 am Friday, October 3, 2025
Suffolk Public Schools has received a number of awards, recognitions, and grants since the beginning of this school year. SPS Communications and Community Engagement Officer Anthonette Dickens shared these accomplishments during the Sept. 25 School Board meeting.
SPS has partnered with Harbor Hope Center to become part of one of the three recovery schools in Virginia. Harbor Hope Center serves high school students in the Hampton Roads area who are in recovery from substance abuse.
“Through this partnership, students gain access to specialized academic programming, therapeutic support services, and community and regional collaboration,” Dickens said. “Our collaboration reflects our commitment as a division to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student has a pathway to academic and personal success, regardless of their circumstances.”
The Bennett’s Creek Service to Mankind (SERTOMA) Club donated $31,000 to SPS to help meet the need for auditory equipment, aiding students who struggle with hearing loss and impairment.
A large portion of the donation will go toward purchasing auditory equipment for Lakeland High School’s auditorium.
“We’re here to let you know that you can let us know what you need, and we’ll try to be there for you,” said Mike Jackson of Suffolk’s SERTOMA Club.
Another one of SPS’s long-term partners, Northrop Grumman, announced a $5,000 increase to its existing SPS science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) grant. The money will help provide food to participants of the K-12 STEM programming and enhance existing resources within food security programs.
Forest Glen Middle School was named a 2024-2025 National Beta School of Distinction — an honor for Beta clubs that strive for academic achievement, exemplary character, leadership, and service.
“The recognition reflects a school-wide culture of excellence where students are encouraged to take initiative, act with integrity, and contribute positively to their school and their community,” Dickens said.
The Virginia Department of Education recognized Colonel Fred Cherry Middle School and Hillpoint Elementary School for their school counseling programs. Hillpoint was named a Virginia School Counseling Showcase School, and Colonel Fred Cherry was chosen as a model site for a comprehensive school counseling program.
Colonel Fred Cherry is the only middle school to receive the recognition this year.
Both schools are now included on a state-wide list, providing school counselors across the Commonwealth an opportunity to visit Suffolk and learn from the schools.
Three more schools were recognized by Erika’s Lighthouse — a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness in schools — for their commitment to mental health education and a positive school culture.
Kilby Shores Elementary School received the 2025 Peggy Kubert Model School Award, which recognizes schools that are committed to promoting good mental health by focusing on prevention and early identification.
John Yeates Middle School and King’s Fork Middle School both received the 2025 Peggy Kubert Four Pillar Award for following the four pillar model, implementing programs across education, student leadership, family engagement, and staff training.
“We’re extremely proud of the administrative teams, faculty, staff, and students at all three schools for their dedication to fostering a positive school climate where mental health and well-being matter,” Dickens said.
At a division level, SPS received honorable mentions for educating students, engaging families, and equipping staff with mental health education and resources.
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