Holly Ridpath Honored For Going ‘Above And Beyond’ To Inspire Young Learners

Holly Ridpath, a first-grade teacher at Ronceverte Elementary School in Greenbrier County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award for October 2024, which recognizes the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. WVPB’s Education team surprised Ridpath with the award during a classroom visit. She received a monetary award and a signature Blenko Glass blue apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, facilitator of the SMART529 college savings program, sponsors the award.

Jessica Bailey, a parent and fellow educator, highlighted Ridpath’s dedication in her Above and Beyond Award nomination. “She goes above and beyond to meet each student’s unique needs,” Bailey said. “Whether it’s modifying lessons, helping students manage their emotions, or inspiring a love of learning, she gives every child the tools they need to succeed.”

Ridpath’s enthusiasm for teaching shines through in her efforts to foster meaningful relationships with her students, prioritize their emotional well-being, and encourage a love for reading. “I love teaching first grade because teaching reading is my passion,” she shared. “I get to be the person who teaches children how to read, and I hope to instill a love for reading in them as well. When my students leave my classroom, I want them to have strong reading skills that prepare them for the future and a lifelong love of books.”

Her classroom features engaging literacy centers designed to captivate young learners. At her writing center, students become authors. “My writing center helps students be creative as they write and illustrate their stories,” she explained. “I conference with them one-on-one to give feedback, and they can even share their work in the author’s chair.”

Ridpath’s efforts extend beyond her own classroom. As a mentor to new teachers, she provides guidance and encouragement, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued. She collaborates with peers in the Greenbrier County ELA Cadre to share best practices in literacy education and is pursuing National Board Certification in Literacy to further refine her skills.

Ridpath is deeply committed to supporting her students’ emotional well-being. To support them, she took the initiative to introduce calm-down corners in classrooms throughout the school. These spaces give students a chance to take a moment, reflect, and manage their emotions. “Having a safe space where my students can calm themselves has made a big difference,” she explained. “They usually rejoin the group after a short time, and I’ve noticed far fewer disruptions to the learning environment.”

For Ridpath, building relationships with her students is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. “They know they are loved when they are with me,” she said. “They will always be loved and have me cheering for them throughout their lives.”

Each month, WVPB’s esteemed panel of judges selects one deserving teacher who goes above and beyond for the students in West Virginia. Do you know a teacher who inspires and uplifts their students? Click here to nominate them for the Above and Beyond Award.