In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Jessica Hanthorn, English teacher and yearbook advisor at Kecoughtan High School. Hanthorn shares her unique journey from journalist to educator, including teaching across the world as a Navy spouse in places like Hawaii, Seattle, and Bahrain. She discusses how storytelling, writing, and real-world experiences shape her classroom, helping students discover their voices and confidence. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of building readers, writers, and strong connections especially with military-connected students.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Hampton City Schools’ student representatives to the School Board, Kaleb Lucas of Phoebus High School and Saige Holden of Bethel High School. They discuss student leadership, community service, and what it means to represent their peers across the division. From balancing academics and extracurriculars to inspiring future leaders, these students show how the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate comes to life in action.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Ashley Winfield, English teacher at Phoebus High School and Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 High School Teacher of the Year. A proud Bethel High graduate, Winfield shares her journey into education, her passion for supporting students with disabilities, and the teachers who inspired her along the way. She discusses how the Academies of Hampton make learning more relevant, her creative use of technology in the classroom, and the importance of mentoring new teachers. This conversation highlights the lasting impact of building relationships, embracing innovation, and helping students connect their education to future goals.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Stacey-Ann Facey, Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 Middle School Teacher of the Year from Lindsay Middle School. Facey shares her journey from Jamaica to Massachusetts to Hampton, her passion for teaching English language arts, and the relationships she builds to help students see their value and potential. She reflects on her humble approach to teaching, the importance of collaboration, and how educators shape students’ lives far beyond the classroom. This inspiring conversation highlights the heart of teaching and the powerful impact of educators on future leaders.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Shante Jackson, Hampton City Schools’ 2025–2026 Division Teacher of the Year and first grade teacher at Bassette Elementary School. Jackson shares her journey from Georgia and Germany to Hampton, her passion for teaching young learners, and the joy she finds in their honesty and curiosity. She talks about creating engaging classroom traditions like “Starbucks Day,” building strong partnerships with families, and mentoring new teachers. This inspiring conversation highlights the impact of elementary educators in laying the foundation for a child’s love of learning.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Kristin Jennings, pharmacy manager, and Misha Hack, wellness coach, about the Hampton City Schools Employee Pharmacy and Health and Wellness Center. They share how these resources save employees money on prescriptions, provide affordable over-the-counter items, and offer vaccines on site. Heck discusses her work with stress management, nutrition, and wellness coaching to help staff build healthy, sustainable habits. Together, the pharmacy and wellness center highlight HCS’s commitment to supporting employees’ health and well-being year-round.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Betsy McAllister, STEM Teacher Specialist for Hampton City Schools and Educator-in-Residence at the National Institute of Aerospace. McAllister shares how she connects classrooms with real-world science and technology through partnerships with NASA, environmental projects, and hands-on learning opportunities. She reflects on building a STEM ecosystem that supports teachers, excites students, and aligns with the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate. This conversation highlights how STEM education empowers young learners to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Andre Griffin, a Hampton native and graduate of Phoebus High School who has returned home to teach at Machen Elementary School. Griffin shares his unique journey from working in professional sports with the Houston Rockets to finding his passion in education. He reflects on the teachers and experiences that shaped him, the importance of building relationships with students, and his excitement about making a positive impact in his community. This inspiring conversation highlights the value of giving back and the power of education to transform lives.