Jamestown Public Schools honored a longtime employee and coach with its inaugural Pillar of the Year Award, recognizing Jamestown High School Home/School Coordinator Arrick Davis for his commitment to students, families, and the broader school community.

Jamestown Public Schools honored a longtime employee and coach with its inaugural Pillar of the Year Award, recognizing Jamestown High School Home/School Coordinator Arrick Davis for his commitment to students, families, and the broader school community.

Davis, who serves as the Home/School Coordinator for Jamestown High School’s Fashano Technical Academy, was selected as the first-ever recipient of the award from a group of employees recognized throughout the year as part of the district’s Pillars of JPS employee recognition program.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JHS principal Allyson Smith, and assistant principal and head football coach Tom Langworthy surprised Davis during a special ceremony that included his wife Chellie, and students whose lives have been impacted by his mentorship, leadership, and support.

“These are the people who stand out there through the rain, the snow, the harsh weather, and the challenges that come forward, and they still stand firm to hold up our school district and take care of our kids,” Whitaker said. “You are that pillar. Anybody who had to describe who you are would say you’re somebody behind the scenes who, no matter what’s going on, takes care of kids first.”

For many students and families, Davis has become one of those behind-the-scenes pillars.

As Home/School Coordinator for the Fashano Technical Academy, Davis works closely with students and families, helping remove barriers to success and ensuring young people have the support they need both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond his formal responsibilities, he is known throughout the district as a mentor, advocate, coach, and role model who routinely invests his time and energy into helping students succeed.

“Coach Davis does such a great job,” Langworthy said. “He’s involved in our extracurriculars, he’s helping families, and he never asks for recognition. He does a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure our district runs smoothly. He represents what Jamestown Public Schools is all about, which is working for children.”

Smith said Davis has earned a reputation as someone who can always be counted on to support students and families, regardless of the challenge.

“Mr. Davis is one of those people that when you ask him to do something, he doesn’t say no,” Smith said. “You can always depend on him. Whether it’s taking students to Albany, working with young people in different settings, or helping connect with families who are difficult to reach, he does it all with a smile on his face. He truly is a pillar of our community.”

Davis was humbled by the recognition.

“It’s an honor. I’m truly humbled,” Davis said to the gathered colleagues and students. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for people like Coach Langworthy, Allyson, and my beautiful wife. It’s an honor and a privilege to live vicariously through (the students).”

Throughout the school year, the Pillars of JPS program recognized employees from every building, department, and employee group across the district. The program received 681 nominations, with more than 460 employees receiving at least one nomination from colleagues.

Eligible recipients for the 2025-26 Pillar of the Year Award included September Pillar Cathy South (Lincoln Elementary School), October Pillar Kim Cordova (Washington Middle School), November Pillar Nicki Mellors (Jefferson Middle School), December Pillar Arrick Davis (Fashano Technical Academy), Fall/Winter Semester Pillar Patrick Cunningham (Love Elementary School), January Pillar Donald Rhinehart (Bus Garage), February Pillar Beth Johnson (C.C. Ring Elementary School), March Pillar Tracy Grey (Bush Elementary School/C.C. Ring Elementary School), April Pillar Leland Boyd (Jamestown High School), Bonus Pillars Gail Rensel (Persell Middle School), Sarah Mudge (Fletcher Elementary School), Taylor Bellardo (Lincoln Elementary School), and Donnelle Conti (Jamestown High School), May Pillar Sue Cunningham (Bush Elementary School, Fletcher Elementary School, and Jefferson Middle School), and June Pillar Nichole Mason (Bush Elementary School).

The name “Pillars of JPS” comes from the ornate columns found throughout Jamestown Public Schools’ historic buildings and reflected in the district’s logo. The program was designed to recognize employees who “hold others up” and provide strength and stability to the district. Gifts presented to Davis were made possible through the generosity of Crown Street Roasting Company, Lakewood Golf Center, and Ecklof Bakery and Foote Avenue Freeze.

The Pillars of JPS program also received national recognition this year from the National School Public Relations Association, earning a Golden Achievement Award as part of the organization’s 2026 National School Communication Awards. The award recognizes outstanding strategic work in school public relations, communication, marketing, and engagement. NSPRA judges entries individually against established criteria and selects winners from among more than 30,000 school communication professionals nationwide.