Graphic celebrating Eastern View High School educator Melessa Suder being named the 2026 VAAE Teacher Mentor of the Year. The design features a professional headshot of Suder centered on a black background with blue circular accents and the word “Congratulations!” across the top. Text on the right reads “2026 VAAE Teacher Mentor of the Year,” and a banner along the bottom identifies “Melessa Suder” and “Eastern View High School.”

Melessa Suder Honored for Excellence in Agricultural Education Mentorship

Eastern View High School

May 8, 2026

Eastern View High School agricultural educator Melessa Suder has been named the 2026 Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators (VAAE) Teacher Mentor of the Year. The award recognizes Suder’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting and mentoring fellow agricultural educators across Virginia.

The recognition was announced by LaVeta Nutter of the Virginia Department of Education as part of the VAAE’s 2026 award honorees. In her announcement, Nutter praised recipients for their “dedication, creativity, and service” and for the lasting impact they make on students, schools, and the future of the agricultural industry.  Suder will receive the award at the teacher conference this summer. 

Culpeper County Public Schools congratulates Suder on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the positive impact she continues to make at Eastern View High School and within agricultural education throughout the Commonwealth.