PHHS Teacher Named Teacher of the Year

Patrick Henry High School Teacher Named Teacher of the Year
Posted on 01/27/2025
Lauren Davis with Mr. Steve Ikenberry and Dr. Lisa PennycuffLauren Davis, an English teacher at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS), has been named this year's Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Davis, a Lynchburg College alumna who completed the University of Richmond’s teacher licensure program, is in her 12th year of teaching in HCPS, including the past six at PHHS. She teaches English 9, Advanced English 10, and International Baccalaureate English Literature.

“I am a proud Patrick Henry graduate myself and so I am both humbled and honored to have been awarded this recognition by my colleagues and my community,” she said. “This honor reflects not just my own dedication, but the unwavering commitment of our entire 'PH'aculty. Daily, I am inspired by the ways they show up and make a difference in the students' lives, and in each other's.”

Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Interim Superintendent of Schools, made the surprise announcement on Wednesday, January 15 during a special staff meeting at the high school as Mrs. Davis’ co-workers and family cheered on.

Mrs. Davis, whose husband is also an HCPS teacher and whose children attend Hanover schools, previously completed the school division’s Teacher Leadership Institute and the Teacher Leader Certification Program. She also co-leads a cohort of teachers in the Hanover Action Research Team in a partnership between HCPS and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mrs. Davis said that she is a teacher because she is a learner at heart.

“I want to share with students the transformative joy of curiosity and learning. Each day in my classroom, I am inspired by the diverse perspectives my students bring – whether that be a fresh interpretation of a text I've read a dozen times before or an innovative strategy they share with their peers,” she said. “But perhaps even more important than the curriculum are the connections we make along the way. At Patrick Henry, we spell 'family' with a 'PH,' and this community spirit truly embodies who we are as a school. In partnership with the surrounding community, we are committed to empowering resilient young people who make coming to work each day feel less like a 'job' and more like a second home.”

PHHS Principal Chris Martinez said the school is incredibly proud of Mrs. Davis’ recognition.

“In my almost 20 years in education, Mrs. Davis is by far one of the most impactful, thoughtful, caring, and influential educators I have had the pleasure of working alongside,” he said. “There is no doubt in my mind that she is so deserving of all the accolades she has and will receive.”

Mrs. Davis will now compete for the Virginia Department of Education Region I Teacher of the Year award.

HCPS employs approximately 1,446 teachers. Each year, the division selects one teacher for this distinguished award who is actively and meaningfully involved in the school and community and can serve as a role model and ambassador for teachers in the division.
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