Mr. Lewis Longenecker and Mr. Matthew Gold, teachers for Cumberland County Public Schools, were both recognized by the Cumberland School Board for their achievements at the meeting held on September 4, 2025.
Lewis Longenecker, a history teacher at Cumberland Middle School with over twenty years of teaching experience, currently serves as the History Master Teacher for Cumberland County Public Schools. His teaching portfolio includes world geography, Virginia/United States History, civics, economics, and United States History II. Beyond the classroom, he has contributed to curriculum development for organizations such as the Library of Virginia, Virginia Humanities, Virginia School Consortium for Learning, New American History, and the AMMD Pine Grove Project. He was also honored as one of Virginia Humanities' "Humanities Heroes," recognized for inspiring students to engage in historical research about their local community, and for helping sponsor proposals for historical markers across Virginia.
Longenecker was recently named the 2025 Virginia History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This prestigious recognition places him among 53 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, who have been described as visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
Matthew Gold, who teaches third-grade science, social studies, and writing at Cumberland Elementary School, was also the recipient of an award. Each year the Virginia Association of Conservation Districts (VASWCD) recognizes the outstanding conservation education efforts of Virginia’s teachers. Gold was recognized by the Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District (PFSWCD) for his outstanding efforts to ensure that students are aware of conservation education through exposure to multiple conservation agencies. He was particularly commended for his science field day held on May 19, 2025, which helped carry out the mission of the PFSWCD. The PFSWCD is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is responsible under State Law for soil and water conservation work within the boundaries of Buckingham and Cumberland Counties. The District’s purpose is to encourage and initiate land use practices that help improve water quality and reduce soil erosion as well as educating the community in protecting our natural resources.
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Mr. Lewis Longenecker was recognized for being named the 2025 Virginia History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Mr. Matthew Gold was recognized by the Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District for his outstanding efforts to ensure that students are aware of conservation efforts.