BCS Insider
July 2024
Rachel Nauman, Baking & Pastry teacher at Musselman High School, has been named Teacher of the Year, honoring her outstanding commitment to students, innovation in Career and Technical Education, and lasting impact on the school community.
“Great teachers operate much like elite athletes,” said Jason Kamlowsky, Executive Director of Human Resources. “They prepare with purpose, adapt with resilience, and elevate everyone around them through their work.”
Nauman exemplifies that mindset every day in her classroom, where she has built a program centered on real-world learning and student empowerment. A Musselman High School graduate herself, she returned to her alma mater determined to create meaningful opportunities for students to develop both technical skills and professional confidence.
“One of the most impressive things about Mrs. Nauman is her ability to take a vision and turn it into something fully realized,” Kamlowsky said. “She didn’t just build a class—she built an experience that mirrors the real world.”
At the heart of her program is the Sweet Apple Café, a student-operated business that has grown into a daily café, weekly bakery, and catering service serving both the school system and the broader community. Since its official launch in March 2025, the café has become a point of pride for Musselman High School and a model for hands-on learning.
“What Rachel has created goes far beyond baking and pastry instruction,” Kamlowsky added. “She has built a culture where students learn responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their work.”
Inside the classroom, students function in a structured, professional environment that includes job roles, certifications, and workplace expectations. Nauman challenges her students to meet high standards while supporting them every step of the way.
Her influence extends well beyond her own classroom. Colleagues and students alike describe her as a mentor who leads with encouragement, consistency, and belief in every learner’s potential.
“At the core of her success is her belief in students,” Kamlowsky said. “She sees what they can become before they see it in themselves—and that changes everything.”
With consistently high student demand for her courses and a program that continues to grow, Nauman has built something rare: a learning environment students actively choose and deeply value.
Rachel Nauman’s recognition as Teacher of the Year highlights not only her accomplishments, but also the powerful impact she has made on student growth, school culture, and community connection.
“Mrs. Nauman represents the very best of Berkeley County Schools,” Kamlowsky said. “When you invest in educators like her, you are investing in the future of our students and our community.”
Penny Houck, secretary at Hedgesville Elementary School, has been named Service Person of the Year in recognition of her longstanding dedication, professionalism, and commitment to students, staff, and families.
Houck serves as both enrollment and finance secretary, overseeing critical daily operations that help the school run smoothly. As one of the first faces families meet when entering the building, she is widely recognized for her welcoming presence, steady support, and ability to keep things organized behind the scenes.
“Penny represents the very best of what service personnel bring to our schools every day,” said Karen Hensell, Director of Service Personnel. “She is dependable, kind, and consistently goes above and beyond without ever seeking attention.”
Her work often happens quietly in the background, but the impact is felt in every corner of the school," added Hensell. "Families feel it, staff rely on it, and students benefit from it every single day.”
Houck’s career with Berkeley County Schools began in 1994, where she has served in multiple roles, including cook and cafeteria manager, before moving into school office leadership. She has worked at Hedgesville Elementary since 2003, transitioning from the cafeteria to the front office while continuing to expand her impact.
“If you look at Penny’s career, it’s a model of growth, resilience, and service,” Hensell said. “She has consistently stepped up wherever she was needed, including during challenging times when she helped support food distribution efforts for families across the community.”
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Houck is also recognized for her commitment to learning and perseverance, having earned an associate degree later in life while continuing to serve full-time in schools.
Colleagues describe her as a steady, positive force who helps keep daily operations running efficiently while maintaining a supportive environment for everyone she works with.
BCS families are invited to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, activities, and local vendors at an upcoming community celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The event will take place from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at War Memorial Park, located at 500 N Tennessee Avenue in Martinsburg. Guests can look forward to live music, engaging activities, and a variety of vendors offering food, goods, and services.
Designed for all ages, the event promises a welcoming atmosphere where families and community members can come together to enjoy a fun-filled spring afternoon.
Mark your calendar and bring the whole family out for a day of connection, entertainment, and community spirit.
Spring into Action: Importance of Goals
