Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on April 28, 2026, link to article HERE.
Berkeley County Schools celebrated teachers, service personnel, administration and school counselors at their annual Spring Recognition event at Musselman High School where they announced the 2026 Teacher and Service Person of the Year on April 23. This event is dedicated to recognizing the amazing staff that dedicate themselves every day to teaching students and making the Berkeley County community a better place.
This year they recognized Jamie Griffin from Eagle School Intermediate as the New Teacher of the Year, Lewis Ruddek from Hedgesville High School as the School Counselor of the Year and Alicia Riggleman from Musselman High School as the Principal of the Year. Penny Houck, secretary and accountant at Hedgesville Elementary School, was named Service Person of the Year while Todd Frye, Transportation Department Bus Operator, was the runner-up. Rachel Nauman from Musselman High School was named the Teacher of the Year finalists with Joanna Kane from Inwood Primary School as the runner-up.
Nauman has been working at Musselman High School since 2015 as the Career and Technical Education Baking and Pastry teacher. As a Musselman graduate herself, she was inspired by her teacher Susan Bucey, who taught her to love both baking and teaching. Nauman wanted to bring that same passion and love to her students. For Nauman, earning the title Teacher of the Year isn’t just about her but her students and her school.
“I am representing a lot of people,” Nauman said. “It’s not just me, and I did this to show my students and my school how much they do for everyone and how much we mean to other people. Basically, I’m representing them. So it’s not just me winning this award. It’s them.”
Nauman is passionate about being a good role model for her students and having a positive impact on their everyday lives. Simply saying good morning or good job can make a difference and she hopes that she inspires them to also be the difference for others.
Houck started out as a cook at Hedgesville Elementary School in 2003 and now serves as the secretary and accountant. She is often the first face people see as they walk in the door, and she greets them with a smile on her face. Throughout the summers she’s involved in food programs to help feed students when they're not in school and even stepped up to do the same during the pandemic. Her passion can be seen through the dedication she has for her school family.
“I just want to say thank you,” Houck said during the ceremony. “I love my school. Those who know me at school know that’s home. That’s my other family and I hold them dear to my heart.”
Riggleman is finishing her fifth year as the seventh principal at Musselman High School. She started as a school counselor, later working her way up to assistant principal. She never saw herself in administration, but as her career continued, she wanted to play a part in making Musselman a great school for every student. Riggleman said that being recognized as principal of the year reflects on the staff and students and everything they do.
“Musselman High School has an amazing foundation built on everything they do,” Riggleman said. “I truly feel blessed to be a part of it.”
Superintendent Ryan Saxe ended the evening by thanking the awardees for their dedication and passion and recognizing all the amazing staff at Berkeley County Schools. It’s because of them students can continue to learn and thrive.