Chickahominy MS Principal Receives R.E.B. Leadership Award
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Mark Beckett, the principal at Chickahominy Middle School (CMS), is the Hanover County Public Schools winner of the 2025-26 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership by The Community Foundation. As a recipient, Mr. Beckett will receive a $30,000 grant – a $10,000 unrestricted cash grant and $20,000 to be used for school initiatives.
One principal from each school division in the counties of Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield, as well as the City of Richmond, receives the award annually. It serves to recognize principals who “go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment.” The school community and the public submit the nominations.
“I am honored to share this recognition with the entire CMS staff and community. My role and accomplishments would not be possible without the support and dedication of the people around me,” said Mr. Beckett, who is in his 15th year as principal at CMS.
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools, surprised Mr. Beckett on March 20 with the news of the recognition at his school.
“Mr. Beckett exemplifies the kind of leadership that makes a lasting difference for students and staff alike,” said Dr. Pennycuff. “His commitment to student success and his ability to mentor and develop a pipeline of future leaders across Hanover County make this recognition especially well deserved. I am grateful for his years of service and the leadership he continues to provide.”
Mr. Beckett said his favorite part of being a principal is “seeing the impact of your leadership on others—helping teachers grow into confident educators, supporting students as they figure out who they are, and building a school culture where people feel valued, supported, and successful.”
“Middle school is such a pivotal time, and I get a front-row seat to that transformation every day,” said Mr. Beckett, a Marshall University and Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus.
Mr. Beckett plans to use the grant funds to create an outdoor shaded learning space to support students, staff and the community.