Martinsville is a division steeped in history and tradition. Of those many traditions, the Big M Trophy Luncheon is universally loved by staff and students alike as one of the most meaningful. Not only is it a chance to celebrate senior Big M Trophy recipients who are graduating with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, it is also a time for those students to celebrate the teacher who they feel has made the biggest impact on their lives.
During a heartfelt ceremony, each of this year's honorees stood in front of friends, family, and division staff to recognize their most influential teacher with a trophy as a token of their love and gratitude.
MHS Principal Dr. Dixon shared some words of inspiration with this year's honorees:
You are part of a legacy that's nearly 50 years old, recognizing academic excellence. You are here because you endeavored to work hard, put your nose to the grindstone, to make the grades you did.
The same things that got you here—grit, tenacity, sacrifice—will be the same things that make you successful in your career and in life. You've already proven you can do it. That's why you're here today.
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Superintendent Dr. Zeb Talley encouraged the students to use their knowledge to make the world better. "You have the wisdom. You have the talent. We're counting on you," he said. "You have greatness in you. I'm so proud of each of you."
2026 Big M Trophy recipients and teachers
This year's Big M Trophy recipients and their most influential teachers are:
- Aubrey Elizabeth Blankenbaker (East Tennessee State University): Shannon Harrell
- Jemea Leshay Craghead (Patrick & Henry Community College): Brian Joyce
- Kamori Re Yanna Dillard (North Carolina A&T State University): Shauna Hines
- Zaniah Ariana Dillard (Patrick & Henry Community College, University of Virginia): Katarina Childress
- Chekiya Kailyn Galloway (Danville Community College, Sovah School of Health Professions): Kathy Harned
- Layla Renay Garrett (Old Dominion University): Kathy Harned
- London Mylan Hairston (Radford University): Kathy Harned
- Ja'Kayla Shakirra Harris (Virginia Commonwealth University): Margie Mills
- De'Nyiran Tyjuahn Hodge (Hampden-Sydney College): Taylor Johnson
- Ny'Asia Hood (Norfolk State University): Amber Corns
- Jahrine Ezekiel Jones (Old Dominion University): Nicholas Stewart
- Aerran Elysia Kellam (Old Dominion University): Shannon Harrell
- Myasia Kimiya Long (Randolph College): Margie Mills
- Nyasia K Long (Randolph College): Kathy Harned
- Jordan Christeen Martinez (Coastal Carolina University): Kathy Harned
