Jefferson County Teacher of the Year Jennifer Cogle was recognized by Chamber of Commerce President Chris Puller. Toni Milbourne

CHARLES TOWN — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed new educators at their annual New Teacher Recognition Luncheon held Tuesday at the Charles Washington Inn. Chamber members, educators and guests also took the opportunity to recognize Jefferson County’s Teacher of the Year and Service Personnel of the Year.

Chamber President Chris Puller welcomed all in attendance, offering them sincere thanks for choosing to join the staff of educators in Jefferson County.

Also on hand to welcome 44 of the newly hired 54 professionals was Superintendent Bondy Gibson.

“People come here for the quality of life. That quality of life is driven by people. Your role is to raise another generation of people who bring the same,” Gibson said, thanking each new employee for bringing their time and talents to the county.

Puller then called Jennifer Cogle to the podium to present her with a plaque honoring her selection as Teacher of the Year for Jefferson County. A teacher at Shepherdstown Middle School, Cogle was born and raised in Jefferson County.

Heather Pindell was honored by Chamber President Chris Puller as Service Personnel of the Year. Pindell placed in the Top 10 Service Personnel in the state. Toni Milbourne

“I remember being in your shoes,” Cogle told the new teachers gathered. She went on to offer them words of encouragement as they head into their first year with Jefferson County Schools.

“You are not alone. There are plenty of veteran teachers in your schools who will help you,” Cogle said, encouraging them to speak up and bring their ideas to the system.

Puller also called on Heather Pindell to come forward to receive a plaque honoring her selection as Jefferson County’s Service Personnel of the Year. Pindell, who drives a bus for the school system, has been employed here for 32 years.

“I still love my job today,” Pindell told those at the luncheon.

Despite the last couple of years being crazy, Pindell commended county employees for working together.

“Jefferson County stood as a team and took care of our kids,” Pindell said, adding she is so proud to represent Jefferson County at the state level.

Pindell is among the finalists for the 2021-2022 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year, taking a place in the state’s top 10 honorees.

Chamber of Commerce President Heather McIntyre expressed that she was pleased the Chamber could return to an in-person welcome for the new teachers this year. In 2020, the Chamber decided against the gathering in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic; however, McIntyre said they did provide goodie bags to each new teacher despite being unable to gather.

This year’s lunch was sponsored in part by Chamber Bronze Sponsor, the Jefferson County Development Authority. Lunch was catered by Chick-fil-A of Ranson.