Past Award Winners

Dr. Jennifer Parish, Peake Childhood Center

The Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC) proudly honors Dr. Jennifer Parish with the 2026 Outstanding Service to Young Children Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and lasting contributions to early childhood education in Virginia.

Dr. Parish currently serves as Executive Director of the Peake Childhood Center, following a distinguished career in public education as a Principal and Curriculum Leader with York County Public Schools and Superintendent of Poquoson City Schools. Her work bridges public education, community partnerships, and early childhood systems to expand access to high-quality, affordable care for families.

A champion for equity and affordability, Dr. Parish builds strategic partnerships with city agencies, donors, and corporate supporters, and works to expand services in underserved communities.

At the state level, Dr. Parish serves on Virginia’s Early Childhood Advisory Committee, advising the Board of Education on the unified early childhood system. She is a tireless advocate for increased funding, higher wages for early childhood educators, and expanded access to quality programs statewide.

Dr. Jennifer Parish’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have made a profound and lasting impact on young children, families, and the early childhood profession—embodying the spirit of VAAEYC’s Outstanding Service to Young Children Award.

1974 – Columbia Winn
1975 – Dorothy McDiarmid
1976 – Alice M. Powell
1977 – Katura Whitehurst
1978 – Norman Sisisky
1979 – Jane Moncure
1980 – Charles Caldwell
1981 – Jane Goldman
1982 – Mildred Dickerson
1983 – Kathleen Wampler
1984 – Margaret Miller
1985 – Margaret McIntyre
1986 – Jane Shields
1987 – Harmor Booker
1988 – Gerald Baliles
1989 – Shirley Farrier
1990 – Mary Steinhardt
1991 – Martha Gilbert
1992 – Marian Houck
1993 – Grey Ritchie
1994 – Clarene Vickery
1995 – Helen Richardson-Mitchel
1996 – Stanley C. Walker
1997 – Victoria R. Fu
1998 – Katherine Kersey
1999 – Steven Fairchild
2000 – Mitchell VanYahres
2001 – Johnnie Humphrey
2002 – Peg Spangethal
2003 – Lucille Everhart
2004 – Carole Whitener
2005 – Lisa Collis
2006 – Jo Lynne DeMary, Ph.D
2007 – Ivy Mitchell
2008 – Judith Rosen
2009 – Governor Tim Kaine
2010 – M.A. Lucas
2011 – Jorn R. Morgan
2012 – Ann Janney-Schultz
2013 – Adele Robinson
2014 – Mary Landis
2015 – Sue Hutchinson
2016 – Chris Spanos (post-houmous)
2017 – Sharon Veatch
2018 – Toni Cacace-Beshears
2019 – Betty Wade Coyle
2020 – Anne Holton
2021 – Jane Plum
2022 – Pamela Northam
2023 – Rae Pica
In 2024 the VAAEYC Board voted to have TWO Outstanding Awards
2024 – Bonnie Graham, Lorri Moench
In October 2024 the Board voted to change the criteria of the Awards and add two additional.
2025 – No Award
2026 – Dr. Jennifer Parish

2005 – WHRO TV15, WHSV TV3 – Bob Corso
2011 - Stacy Hawkins Adams
2012 - Cathy Lewis - WHRO, Janie Bryant – The Pilot, Theresa Brown – FM Radio 95.7, Kerri Furey – WAVY TV10 Kids Talk
2013 – Kavitha Cardoza & Lisa Guernsey
2015 - Katie Brooke – ABC13 - WSEF, Navine Fortune, Janet Trent
2017 – Kerri Furey, Cathy Lewis, Cherise Newsome, Quniana Futrell
2018 – Pat Victorson for the work she did with Public Policy
2019 – Catherine Read
2021 – Emily Griffey & Chloe Edwards, Voices for Virginia’s Children
2022 – Kathy Glazer, VECF
2023 – Chazz Lewis, Mr. Chazz Mr. Chazz
In 2024 the Board voted to eliminate this award and create two new categories.