Legends of CCPS - Volume 3

Legends of CCPS highlights our longest serving employees and captures the stories of their dedication over the years.

With more than 80 years of combined service to Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS), Rosa Lee Stanley and Linda Gray are more than just paraeducators, they are legends. Their careers, rooted deeply in the halls of Farmington Elementary School, are woven with dedication, love for students, and a tireless passion for education that has touched generations of families in Culpeper.

Rosa Lee Stanley: A Farmington Fixture Since 1984

Born and raised in Culpeper, Rosa Lee Stanley has always called this community home — and for the last 41 years, she has called CCPS her professional home. Her journey with CCPS began as a volunteer in her son’s class at Pearl Sample Elementary. When a paraeducator position opened at F.T. Binns, she took it, and was there for six months, then transferred to Farmington Elementary in 1984.

“When I started, Farmington was a K-3 school, and I was the only para,” Rosa Lee said. “I supported 16 teachers, one day with first grade, the next with second. I did everything: laminating, copying, covering lunch duty. You name a duty, I had it.”

In her time with CCPS, she has worked under five principals, embraced countless changes in technology, and witnessed Culpeper grow from a small town into what she calls “a little city.” From ditto machines to fancy Xerox copiers, from a tiny library to a full media center and gym, she has seen Farmington evolve and she's evolved with it.

Today, she works in reading intervention with first and fifth grade students, while still helping with car-rider pickup, lunchroom coverage, and wherever else she's needed. “You never know when you might have to step in if a sub doesn’t show up,” she said.

If you ask Rosa Lee what inspires her to do this work, she says, “I love working with the kids and being able to see them grow.” She continued, “It’s inspiring to see former students you taught, and now you're teaching their children. I have run into former students in the grocery store who thank me, they are thankful for the impact I had on them. One called me ‘Mom.’’ That’s how strong the bond is between Rosa Lee and the children at Farmington.

Despite being eligible for retirement, Rosa Lee has no immediate plans to leave. "As long as the Lord blesses me, I'll keep working. I love working with a great staff,the students and being a Farmington Fox".

Outside of Farmington, Rosa Lee enjoys spending time with family, shopping and going on vacation.

Linda Gray: Full Circle at Farmington

Like Rosa Lee, Linda Gray is a Culpeper native and graduate of Culpeper County High School. Her career began in the fall of 1977, just after CCHS graduation, at the Piedmont Regional Program for exceptional children, and two years later, she made her way to Farmington, a place that would always feel like home.

“I was 20 years old when I started here,” Linda recalled. “I was scared, but when I came here, I met Gail Brewer, she was an awesome mentor for me.” Over the years, Linda supported students with emotional disabilities and special needs across multiple schools. She followed the program from Farmington to Sycamore Park in 1991, then to Yowell when it opened in 2008, and eventually returned to Farmington in 2010, a full-circle moment she cherishes.

“I’ve always worked with students with special needs,” she said. “Right now, I support fifth grade students with intellectual disabilities in reading and math. Whatever the teachers need, I do.”

Linda’s compassion doesn’t stop at the school doors. Her life is rooted in family, a husband retired from General Motors, a son, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, one at Duke University, the other a senior at Woodberry Forest, heading to Virginia Tech in the fall. She also shares the care of her mother with her sister, balancing family responsibilities with work.

Even with decades of experience, Linda continues to bring energy, humor, and heart to her work. “Russell Houck, one of my principals, used to call me his utility player. I was always willing to help, to sing at events, to host talent shows, he gave me opportunities to shine, and I want to do the same for our students.”

Her favorite memories include community-based instruction at Sycamore, where students learned life skills by shopping with mock grocery lists and managing real bank accounts. “We even had a garden and made salads for the staff,” she recalled.

Linda retired from Farmington’s daycare program earlier this month, but she remains in the school as a paraeducator and isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. “I love my job. I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Maybe I won’t be here quite as long as Rosa Lee, but I’m not done yet.”

Two Legends, One Heartbeat

Whether it's Rosa Lee cheerfully manning the copy room or Linda stepping in wherever she’s needed, both women have had a profound influence on Farmington Elementary and the Culpeper community. Earlier this year, Farmington custodian Billy Anthony honored them with custom jackets and hats to recognize their four decades of service, a simple gesture for two extraordinary careers.

Between them, they’ve worked with generations of students, supported countless teachers, and brought heart and humor to every hallway. “It’s a great opportunity to be at Farmington and work with the students here. I’m proud to be a Fox,” said Rosa Lee — a sentiment echoed by Linda Gray, who, like her longtime colleague, continues to serve with heart, purpose, and pride.

Together, these two legends have shaped generations, leaving a legacy that will live on in the halls of Farmington and in the hearts of all who know them.