Winchester Public Schools and the Winchester Education Foundation held a special naming ceremony on October 22 at the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center to officially dedicate the Carpentry Lab as the Jimmy Robertson Carpentry Lab.

The ceremony honored Jimmy Robertson, a longtime John Handley High School construction and carpentry teacher and tennis coach, whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact on generations of students. Robertson was instrumental in shaping the idea that ultimately became the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center — a state-of-the-art facility designed to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for Winchester Public School students.

In his remarks, Dr. Jason Van Heukelum, Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools, highlighted Robertson’s early advocacy for the creation of a modern CTE center and noted the success the center has achieved since its opening in 2019.

The Winchester Education Foundation, under the leadership of then–Executive Director Russ Potts, Jr., played a key role in building community support and securing the financial resources needed to make the Innovation Center a reality. Funding for the Carpentry Lab naming was generously provided by Mr. Douglas Toan, a longtime supporter of WPS and a strong advocate for enhanced career and technical education in the Shenandoah Valley.

Mr. Robertson expressed his appreciation during the ceremony, reflecting on the progress that has been made since the carpentry program’s early days in the basement of John Handley High School.

The dedication of the Jimmy Robertson Carpentry Lab celebrates not only one educator’s enduring legacy but also the continued collaboration between Winchester Public Schools, the Winchester Education Foundation, and community partners who share a vision for excellence in career and technical education.