Starting in January of 2024, Loudoun County created the Spotlighting Heroes in Education (SHINE) Award to help “shine light on the wonderful things happening” throughout the County. This award can be given to any staff member that has done something unique, gone above and beyond to help someone, utilized innovation, or been a light to their school community. Each month, one person is chosen via a submission sheet and they receive recognition as well as a $500 prize. Woodgrove’s very own Mr. Jeff Schutte, the school’s Activities and Engagement Coordinator, was chosen to receive this SHINE award in January of 2025.
Schutte was nominated under the category of a unique idea for his dedication to chronic absenteeism within Woodgrove. Through his working closely with admin, his ideas have helped absenteeism to drop from 22 percent to 13 percent in under a year. He shared his concept of a detailed, tabbed spreadsheet that tracks student data with Discover Elementary School, whose principal, Chris Painter, nominated him for the award. Loudoun Now also recognized Woodgrove as being a model of reducing absenteeism. Through working with other Woodgrove admin, Schutte has created a system to track attendance and also strengthen communication among parents and administration.
Schutte’s diligence to Woodgrove is another contributing factor for this award. Staff member Mrs. Brianne Allis has worked at the school for 10 years and has known Schutte for all of them. Allis is the senior class sponsor and works closely with Schutte on all things seniors, their biggest task being graduation. For such a big event, there are many moving parts. “From a teacher’s perspective, Schutte is known for his insanely amazing organizational skills,” Allis explained. While Allis deals with the more senior student oriented tasks of graduation, Schutte uses his planning skills to make the event day run smoothly. “The seamless event that is our graduation is because of his organizational skills and all pieces being in the proper place,” Allis commented. Not only has she noticed Schutte’s proficiency in just that one project, but she also explained, “Any activity here, he is a part of them in some way.” Schutte’s ability to help students and staff members and his punctuality in planning and executing aided in his deserved nomination.
The SHINE award embodies a staff member who has gone above and beyond to not only support the school community but also the students. Schutte’s diligence and impact on the school community have not gone unnoticed by the student body. The Student Council Association senior members are appreciative of his support to them. Senior Brienza Marraccini is grateful that Schutte allowed the pep rallies for this school year to be longer, and he created an additional schedule for those events. She also believes that his best characteristic is his organization. “I think every school should have a Mr. Schutte. Without him, we wouldn’t thrive, and he makes everything happen,” stated Marraccini. Senior Whitney Hess commented on his character, adding, “He is always very positive and energetic.” Students also notice his positive demeanor that supplements his efficiency. Senior Caty Jewell mentioned, “When you see him in the hallways, he always has a smile, and he’s always on a mission.”
Whether walking down the hallway with a smile on his face, or working behind the scenes to make events happen, Schutte works efficiently and effectively to help Woodgrove. Congratulations Mr. Schutte on your SHINE-y award, and thank you for all you do!