HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg High School teacher Anna Henkel was recognized for being awarded the 2025 Recognition in Science Education Award in Biology by the Virginia Association of Science Teachers during last night’s school board meeting. 

Harrisonburg High School principal Dr. Melissa Hensley described Henkel inside and outside of the classroom. 

“This is more than teaching it’s mentorship, it’s heart, it’s transformation,” said Dr. Hensley. “Because of Anna, students don’t just learn biology, they gain confidence, community and hope.”

Dr. Hensley continued by giving examples of what students have shared in their experiences with Henkel. 

Examples included students going to class for her, she’s making learning fun and that she believes in them.