MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — On May 18th, graduating seniors from Martinsville City Public Schools (MCPS) gathered at its Big M Luncheon to honor teachers that influenced them with an unforgettable moment.

On Thursday, Big M Trophy winners, graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, each read an essay they wrote dedicated to the teacher who had the biggest influence on them, presented that teacher with a framed copy of the essay, and gave them a trophy.

MCPS says this emotional ceremony is known to be one of MCPS’ favorite traditions.

Here is a list of the 2023 Big M Trophy recipients and their most influential teachers:

  • Marcaisa Jenee Becker, most influential teacher Amber Corns
  • Demitri Keyvon Blackwell, most influential teacher Katarina Childress
  • Hayden Elise Calfee, most influential teacher Elizabeth Lynch
  • NiJe’l Malik Cook, most influential teacher Katarina Childress
  • Christian Alexander Scott Eames, most influential teacher Kathy Harned
  • James Demetrius Farris, Jr., most influential teacher Katarina Childress
  • Nadia Jazmin Flores, most influential teacher Elizabeth Lynch
  • Zane Mills Gardner, most influential teacher Jason Gibson
  • Matthew Gabriel Gilbert, most influential teacher Keri Soqui
  • Trenati Cherkara Hairston, most influential teacher Lynne Deckel
  • Katherine Marie Hall, most influential teacher Jenny Whittaker
  • Natalia Janae Martin, most influential teacher Elizabeth Lynch
  • Eyad Abdelnaser Mohamed, most influential teacher Shannon King
  • Amanda Maris Mosser, most influential teacher Kathy Harned
  • Faith Elena Munoz, most influential teacher Katarina Childress
  • Joseph Hunter Nguyen, most influential teacher Tanner Sweitzer
  • RG Vincent Olea, most influential teacher John Allen
  • Ashlynn McKenzie Patten, most influential teacher Ronnie Wray
  • Myia Shante Pettie, most influential teacher Katarina Childress
  • Ciara Monique Ramey, most influential teacher Alisha Bennett
  • Papion Jolie Ritenour Shelton, most influential teacher Samantha Spencer
  • Kayla Marie Solomon, most influential teacher John Allen
Big M Trophy winners (Photo Courtesy: Martinsville City Public Schools)