Matthew Lindsay, head custodian at Jeter-Watson Elementary School, is among 14 Virginians featured in the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2026 Products of Public Education publication. A 2013 Covington High School graduate, Lindsay returned to the local school division to serve the community that helped shape him. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS’ ‘Mr. Matt’: Former Student Now Giving Back    Covington, VA (Oct. 1, 2026) - For Matthew Lindsay, giving back to the school division that shaped him has become more than a career; it's a way to serve the community he calls home. Lindsay, a graduate of Covington High School and Jackson River Technical Center, is featured in the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2026 Products of Public Education publication, which celebrates students and alumni from public schools across the Commonwealth and the many ways they contribute to their communities. A 2013 graduate of Covington High School and 2016 graduate of Jackson River Technical Center, Lindsay began his career with Covington City Public Schools before joining Alleghany Highlands Public Schools in 2022. His career with the local school division has grown alongside a historic change in public education in the Alleghany Highlands. In 2022, Covington City Public Schools, Alleghany County Public Schools and Jackson River Technical Center merged to create Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. Because of his years of dependable service, strong work ethic and genuine commitment to students and staff, Lindsay was named head custodian at Jeter-Watson Elementary School in July. “Matthew's dependability is remarkable, and inspires much respect,” said Kim Halterman, superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “He is an example of working hard for an institution that once served him, a shining example of giving back to his community.” Lindsay's dedication was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when he served as Covington City Schools’ main point of contact for school sanitization efforts. His attention to detail and commitment to keeping schools safe helped support students and staff during an unprecedented time. His work has also earned recognition beyond the school division. The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism named Lindsay Jeter-Watson Elementary School’s School Support Staff Member of the Year in 2026. Lindsay credits his mother, mentors Gary Wayne Twitty and Toby Allen, and the many teachers and school leaders who encouraged and supported him throughout his years in public schools. Allen, the head custodian at Covington Middle School, has been an important mentor to Lindsay, showing him the value of maintaining a school while also building relationships with students and staff. Lindsay also has a strong connection to Twitty, the former head custodian at Covington Middle School, who retired in 2025 after decades of service in public education. Twitty played an important role in Lindsay’s hiring and helped open the door for him to begin his career in the school community. Today, Lindsay carries that connection forward through his work with the Jeter-Watson Elementary School staff. At Jeter-Watson, Lindsay is affectionately known to students and staff as “Mr. Matt.” His connection to the school community has remained strong through changes in school leadership. Cindy Morgan, who served as Jeter-Watson’s principal before becoming AHPS director of instruction in July, said Lindsay’s story reflects the connections that exist within the local school community. “Matthew grew up in these schools, and now he is helping take care of the schools and students who come after him,” Morgan said. “It is meaningful to see someone who was once a student here continue to invest his time and talents in the community.” Dee Ann Tickner, who became Jeter-Watson’s principal in July, said Lindsay remains a familiar, positive presence for students. “Mr. Matt has a way of connecting with our students and being a familiar, positive presence in the building,” Tickner said. “He cares about Jeter-Watson and the people who are part of this school. It’s great to have someone who knows our community and takes pride in serving it. Since stepping into his new position, Matthew has demonstrated an even greater sense of pride and commitment to the school. He frequently returns to the building in the evenings to check in on newer custodians, offering support and making sure they are doing well.” Lindsay is one of 14 individuals featured in the 2026 Products of Public Education publication. The honorees represent a range of careers, accomplishments, and life experiences that reflect the role Virginia’s public schools play in preparing students for life beyond graduation. “Matthew’s story is a great example of what it means to be part of a school community,” said David Rooklin, AHPS chief of infrastructure and operations. “He came through our schools as a student and later returned as an employee, giving back to the same community that helped shape him. That kind of connection is something we value, and we are proud to have Matthew as part of the AHPS family.” The Products of Public Education publication can be viewed at www.vsba.org/vsba-products-of-public-education/.

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