CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The 2022 West Virginia Teacher of the Year and State School Service Personnel of the Year both officially received their awards on Wednesday in a ceremony at the state Capitol Complex.
Brian Casto, a West Virginia Studies teacher in the 8th Grade at Milton Middle School in Cabell County, and Katherine Miller, cafeteria manager at Wayne High School in Wayne County were each honored in front of state education officials, local education officials, friends, families, and sponsors of the program.
Miller, who has 19 years of experience as a cafeteria manager at Wayne High School, told the crowd Wednesday that she didn’t realize the impact she was having on the school until she saw who reached out to her about receiving the award.
“There has been former superintendents, principals, kids that years ago I did not have an idea I had an impact on, that have sent me well wishes through calls, cards that has really touched me. I really appreciate everything,” Miller said emotionally.
She is also involved in the school’s meal pick-up program, school improvement days and preparing pre-game meals for the football team. Additionally, she participates in fundraising dinners for Hospice of Huntington and is involved with the Wayne County Special Olympics.
Casto has 13 years of experience in education. His efforts in the classroom include creating two-minute animated videos focused on West Virginia history and culture. He also serves on the school’s leadership team and as West Virginia Quiz Bowl coach.
“It’s humbling and I am super excited to have all the people to support me today. I am excited to be an advocate for both students and teachers in the state,” he told the media.
2022 West Virginia Teacher of the Year and State School Service Personnel of the Year sponsors and awards include:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. – Use of Sienna for one year for Teacher of the Year
Horace Mann Insurance – $5,000 to the Teacher of the Year and $2,500 to the Service Personnel of the Year
Highmark West Virginia – $5,000 to the Teacher of the Year
American Federation of Teachers (AFT WV) – $500 to the Teacher of the Year
West Virginia Education Association (WVEA) – $1,000 grant for the Teacher of the Year
West Virginia School Service Professional Association – $500 to the Service Personnel of the Year
West Virginia Lottery – $300 grant for classroom supplies for all county winners
West Virginia State Parks – A two-night stay at Chief Logan State Park for the Service Personnel of the Year
Blenko Glass – West Virginia-embossed suncatchers for all county winners
Casto and Miller were named winners in Sept. following a selection of finalists. Casto will represent West Virginia on several national platforms, including the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington D.C.
We want to thank our sponsors for helping to celebrate these amazing individuals. @HoraceMann Insurance of WV presented $5,000 to the #WVTOY2022, $2,500 to the #WVSPOY2022 and $300 classroom grants to the Teacher of the Year Finalists. #WVEd pic.twitter.com/D8DUzwGlfe
— West Virginia Department of Education (@WVEducation) January 19, 2022