On June 8th, superintendents and school board representatives from WHRO’s 18 owner school divisions gathered for the presentation of this year’s Geddy Awards. The Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Award was established by WHRO’s Board of Directors in April 2004 to recognize regional public schools perceived as most effectively integrating technology into the curriculum, as well as increasing overall school efficiencies and student performance. The award was named in honor of the former Williamsburg attorney and Mayor, whose advocacy for education and commitment to the region are well known. He served for many years on the WHRO Governing Board of Directors and was a charter member of the WHRO Foundation.

Congratulations to this year's winners!!

2010 Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Award Elementary Category

Riverside Elementary School
Newport News Public School Division

The 2010 Elementary School Geddy Award was presented to Riverside Elementary School in the Newport News Public School Division. At Riverside Elementary, students as young as five years old are using technology. From iPods and video conferencing tools for the students, to computers and webcams in the main office, Riverside is bursting with technology. Riverside distinguishes itself as an incubator of innovative education, as a home for forward-thinking educators and leaders, and as an advocate for using technology to meet the diverse needs of 21st century students.

2010 Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Award Middle School Category

Princess Anne Middle School
Virginia Beach Public School

In the Middle School category, the Geddy Award was presented to Princess Anne Middle School in the Virginia Beach Public School Division. Technology tools and digital resources are regularly used by Princess Anne teachers to engage, inspire, motivate, and hook students to go beyond the ordinary and improve learning. Teachers use SharePoint websites, personal websites and SchoolNet websites to open lines of communications with students and parents, with more parent portal registrants than any other school at the Beach.

2010 Vernon M. Geddy, Jr. Award High School Category

First Colonial High School
Virginia Beach Public School

The Geddy Award in the High School category was presented to First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach. While they boast an impressive list of available digital tools and resources, it is the outcomes that helped First Colonial become this year’s choice for High School. Teachers are demanding more equipment, and students are participating in more contests and achieving more competencies. Their list of community partnerships and their collection of awards and grants show that this is a school that uses its technology in every way possible.