Henrico board highlights student equity ambassadors, REB awards, librarians and proclaims Environmental Literacy and Mental Health months

The Henrico County School Board used its April 30 meeting to spotlight student and staff accomplishments and to issue several proclamations.

Tiffany Lewis, chief of Empowerment, Development and Opportunity, described the Equity Ambassadors program and introduced student ambassadors from multiple high schools who spoke about activities including culture days, a community closet, inclusivity week and events designed to amplify student voice. "Equity ambassadors have a pivotal role in organizing events where differences are celebrated and in leading discussions where all voices and points of view are valued," Lewis said.

Eileen Cox, the division’s chief of communications, presented REB Foundation awards for teaching excellence and announced monetary grants to selected educators and principals. Rebecca Harden recognized elementary and secondary librarians of the year, and Mike Kalafatis concluded the recognitions by presenting student artists featured in the division's art show.

On proclamations, the board read a resolution recognizing April 2026 as Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Month in Henrico County Public Schools, noting commitments to reduce carbon footprint, support clean energy technologies including solar where appropriate, and to integrate environmental literacy aligned with Chesapeake Bay watershed goals. The board also proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month for the division, citing HCPS’s reach to more than 50,000 students and the prevalence of youth mental health concerns.

Board members thanked students, staff and community partners for their leadership. Details about next steps for the division's environmental or mental health initiatives were not specified in the transcript.