Centreville High Staffer Named Top School-Based Professional Employee

CENTREVILLE, VA — Blair Smith, assistant director of student activities at Centreville High School, was named Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee in the Fairfax County Public Schools system for the 2021-22 school year.

Smith was recognized at the FCPS Honors event held June 8. The event, sponsored by Educate Fairfax, was hosted at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.

Six FCPS employees, including Smith, were among the finalists for Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee in 2022.

Smith was described by his colleagues as "genuine" and "good-hearted," with a positive energy that is contagious.

In addition to his own position, he has taken on the responsibilities of multiple leadership positions at Centreville High School, excelling in each role.

"He’s worked countless hours fostering a collaborative environment with all stakeholders ensuring student-athletes were given the time, space, support, and resources necessary to safely return to play during seasons impacted by rapidly changing COVID guidelines and protocols," FCPS said.

More than 700 employees in both instructional and operational roles are recognized through the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Program. This year, 71 finalists representing 12 categories were recognized during the special award ceremony.

Among the finalists this year, FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand said in his opening comments at the ceremony that there seems to be a common thread among the award winners: adaptability in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the return to classrooms and offices.