On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Emerald Hill Elementary School Assistant Principal Maci Lane was surprised with a special recognition ceremony after being named the Virginia Outstanding Assistant Principal by the Virginia Elementary School Principals Association (VAESP).
Lane was presented with the honor during a carefully coordinated surprise gathering of students, staff, school division leaders, and special guests who celebrated her dedication to the Emerald Hill community and her commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families. Pulling off the surprise required extensive planning to bring together the entire school, Lane’s family members, her former principal, and representatives from VAESP, all while keeping the recognition a secret from Lane until the moment it was announced.
Special guests included her parents Jimmy and Donna Dyer; her sister, Meagan Dyer; her husband, Ken Lane; and her daughters, Jordan and Peyton Lane. Also in attendance were her former principal from Madison County, Mike Coiner, as well as board members of the Virginia Elementary School Principals Association Krista Arnold and Davis Roberts.
The Virginia Outstanding Assistant Principal Award recognizes assistant principals across the Commonwealth who demonstrate exceptional leadership, foster positive school cultures, and support high levels of student achievement. Lane was selected from nominees statewide for her collaborative leadership style, strong advocacy for students, and ability to build meaningful relationships within the school community.
Lane was nominated for the award by Emerald Hill Elementary Principal Tori Gelbert, who praised Lane’s leadership and dedication to the school community. “Mrs. Lane consistently takes initiative and willingly assumes increasing levels of responsibility to support the success of our school,” Gelbert said. “Additionally, Mrs. Lane places a strong emphasis on school climate and culture. She leads and helps plan staff celebrations, recognition efforts, and morale-building activities, ensuring that all staff members feel valued and supported. Her dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative school environment is evident in her daily interactions and long-term planning.”
Lane joined Emerald Hill Elementary as assistant principal in July 2022, where she quickly became known for her hands-on approach and visible presence throughout the school. Whether greeting students in the morning, supporting teachers in the classroom, or helping coordinate school initiatives, Lane has earned the respect and appreciation of the entire school community.
Gelbert organized the surprise presentation and revealed the news to the assembled crowd. As the announcement was made, Lane’s family members stood in front of the gymnasium holding a large banner congratulating her on the statewide honor.
Two of the special guests also shared remarks during the celebration. Krista Arnold, Executive Director of VAESP, spoke about the significance of the award and the rigorous selection process used to identify outstanding assistant principals across Virginia.
The second speaker was Culpeper County Public Schools Division Superintendent Tony Brads, who shared that he first met Lane in 2017 when he taught her during her education leadership program, prior to her joining CCPS. Brads congratulated Lane on the recognition, praised the leadership and commitment she demonstrates each day at Emerald Hill, and said he is grateful that she chose to bring her talents to Culpeper County Public Schools.
Lane said she was deeply honored by the recognition and grateful to be part of the Emerald Hill community. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but the real reward is serving the students, families, and staff of Emerald Hill Elementary each day. I’m grateful to be part of a team that is so committed to supporting every child. I’m also thankful that Culpeper County Public Schools took a chance on me in my career and for the incredible team I have at Emerald Hill. This recognition is possible because of the people I work alongside every day,” she said.
As the Virginia Outstanding Assistant Principal, Lane will represent Virginia in the National Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP) program, which recognizes assistant principals from across the country who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to their schools.
