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This week, in author Willie Carver, Jr.’s new book, he reconsiders a negative childhood experience with a neighborhood girl who might have just been looking for a friend. Also, a southwestern Virginia community rang the alarm after more and more of its children were diagnosed with cancer. A local journalist is trying to unravel the cause. And, the city of Asheville has a new crusading reporter. He’s a puppet.
Jill Stemple, an elementary school teacher from Upshur County, has earned WVPB’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes excellence and creativity in West Virginia teachers.
Stemple was honored by WVPB at the Upshur County Board of Education where she was presented with a monetary award, our signature Blenko Above and Beyond blue apple paperweight, a certificate of recognition, and a host of other special gifts made possible by the sponsorship of Advantage Technology.
Stemple teaches pre-K students at Rock Cave Elementary and was nominated by Sandra Kraynok, a colleague and friend who mentored Stemple at the beginning of Stemple’s career. “Thank you for acknowledging the work that West Virginia teachers do,” Stemple said. “My school ‘family’ is supportive. Our teachers work hard to always put children’s learning first. All are deserving of recognition such as this. I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work at Rock Cave Elementary with the staff, students and their families.
“I would like to thank WVPB for the educational programming it provides for young children and their families and thank Advantage Technology for sponsoring such a thoughtful program. I would also like to thank Mrs. [Sandra] Kraynok who nominated me; Mrs. [Amanda] Craig, our principal; Dr. [Sara] Lewis-Stankus, superintendent; and Dr. [Debra] Harrison, assistant superintendent; for their encouragement,” Stemple said.
WVPB Education Director Kelly Griffith said it was a pleasure to meet and highlight the work that Stemple does. “Her sweet disposition and dedication to the field is the perfect combination for her young learners. Early childhood development is such a crucial part of a child’s foundation. Any child would be fortunate to be in the care of Jill Stemple.”
Harrison Evans
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West Virginia Public Broadcasting
WVPB Education Director Kelly Griffith congratulates Pre-K teacher Jill Stemple of Rock Cave Elementary in Buckhannon.
Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, superintendent of Upshur County Schools, was present to celebrate with Stemple for this recognition. “Mrs. Stemple is an excellent example of a teacher who goes ‘above and beyond.’ She is an educator who is very dedicated to her pre-K students at Rock Cave Elementary,” Stankus said.
Stemple served as state chairman for Alpha Delta Kappa’s “The Longest Day” fundraising team for the West Virginia Alzheimer’s Association, which recognized her team as the top fundraising team for 2020 and 2021.
Lewis-Stankus is proud of the work Stemple has demonstrated in her career. “Through love and high expectations, she encourages [students] to reach their full potential while building a strong foundation for their educational success. We are very fortunate and proud to have Mrs. Stemple as an excellent educator in Upshur County.”
To nominate an outstanding West Virginia teacher, visit wvpublic.org and look for the blue Above And Beyond apple logo on the right side of the screen.
Add WVPB as a preferred source on Google to see more from our team
Join WVPB for the opportunity to put being a caring neighbor into practice with community service, as we put together sensory care kits for Exceptional Possibilities of West Virginia. These kits will be distributed to children with disabilities across West Virginia.
The West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Teacher Award is in honor of educators from all grade levels (K-12) and disciplines who go the extra mile. These teachers are known for paving the way for academic achievement, using new and innovative strategies to reach students, or simply making a difference in the lives of their students every day.
Watch the "America250 Ceremony" at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex on July 4, 2026 at 6 p.m. with West Virginia Public Broadcasting's live video stream.
