Who am I?
A Story of Hard Work, Gratitude, and Dedication to Education By J.B. Heslip
At 59 years old, I’ve seen a lot in life. My journey has been one of hard work, faith, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. I am profoundly thankful to Buckingham County Public Schools for giving me the opportunity to use my education, grow as a person, and become the best version of myself.
For more than 30 years, Buckingham County has been both my work home and my purpose. Over the decades, I have had the privilege of serving in many roles — Special Education Teacher, Reading Coach, Direct Instruction Teacher, Football Coach, Physical Education Teacher, Summer School Principal, Assistant Principal, Principal, and now Director of Facilities, Nutrition, Capital Improvement, and Safety.
Each role has brought new challenges, new lessons, and new opportunities to serve others. More importantly, each role has introduced me to remarkable students, dedicated staff, and supportive community members who have shaped my life in countless ways.
But my story didn’t begin in a classroom or an office. It began on a quiet mountainside in Southwest Virginia — a little place called Kirby Drive.
I grew up in a small collection of trailers on the side of that mountain. My father struggled with alcoholism, and my family didn’t have much. But we didn’t think of ourselves as poor — everyone around us was in the same boat. What we did have was love, strength, and two remarkable women — my mother and my grandmother — who taught me the meaning of resilience, faith, and hard work.
At six years old, my older brother introduced me to two things that would change my life: football and boxing. Those sports gave me discipline, direction, and a way to channel my energy into something positive. Football eventually carried me to Concord College in West Virginia, where I played at the collegiate level. Later, my passion for boxing evolved into kickboxing under the legendary Dr. Jerry Beasley in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those experiences taught me how to fight — not just in the gym or on the field, but for my goals, my students, and my community.
Through all of life’s turns, I’ve never thought of myself as more than what I truly am — an undersized middle linebacker who was given a chance to make a difference through education. Buckingham County Public Schools believed in me, supported me, and allowed me to grow in ways I could never have imagined.
What I Believe
I was raised by strong women and shaped by adversity. I faced challenges as a student, both personal and academic, but I learned that perseverance, mentorship, and faith can transform a life. After injuries ended my football career, I returned home, earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Radford University, my teaching licence and administration degree from Longwood and began my lifelong career in education with Buckingham County Public Schools.
Through these years, I have come to understand what makes a great teacher, administrator, or director. It’s not titles or accolades — it’s heart.
A great educator:
At the end of the day, that’s what drives me: the opportunity to make a difference. From the boy on Kirby Drive to the Director of Facilities for Buckingham County Public Schools, my journey has always been guided by faith, perseverance, and gratitude.
Education changed my life — and every single day, I do my best to pass that gift forward.
At 59 years old, I’ve seen a lot in life. My journey has been one of hard work, faith, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. I am profoundly thankful to Buckingham County Public Schools for giving me the opportunity to use my education, grow as a person, and become the best version of myself.
For more than 30 years, Buckingham County has been both my work home and my purpose. Over the decades, I have had the privilege of serving in many roles — Special Education Teacher, Reading Coach, Direct Instruction Teacher, Football Coach, Physical Education Teacher, Summer School Principal, Assistant Principal, Principal, and now Director of Facilities, Nutrition, Capital Improvement, and Safety.
Each role has brought new challenges, new lessons, and new opportunities to serve others. More importantly, each role has introduced me to remarkable students, dedicated staff, and supportive community members who have shaped my life in countless ways.
But my story didn’t begin in a classroom or an office. It began on a quiet mountainside in Southwest Virginia — a little place called Kirby Drive.
I grew up in a small collection of trailers on the side of that mountain. My father struggled with alcoholism, and my family didn’t have much. But we didn’t think of ourselves as poor — everyone around us was in the same boat. What we did have was love, strength, and two remarkable women — my mother and my grandmother — who taught me the meaning of resilience, faith, and hard work.
At six years old, my older brother introduced me to two things that would change my life: football and boxing. Those sports gave me discipline, direction, and a way to channel my energy into something positive. Football eventually carried me to Concord College in West Virginia, where I played at the collegiate level. Later, my passion for boxing evolved into kickboxing under the legendary Dr. Jerry Beasley in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Those experiences taught me how to fight — not just in the gym or on the field, but for my goals, my students, and my community.
Through all of life’s turns, I’ve never thought of myself as more than what I truly am — an undersized middle linebacker who was given a chance to make a difference through education. Buckingham County Public Schools believed in me, supported me, and allowed me to grow in ways I could never have imagined.
What I Believe
- I believe in being completely honest and impeccable with my word.
- I believe in seeking truth in what others say — even when it’s hard to hear — and not taking things personally.
- I believe in asking questions and never being afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer to that… yet.”
- And above all, I believe in always doing my very best at any task I am given.
I was raised by strong women and shaped by adversity. I faced challenges as a student, both personal and academic, but I learned that perseverance, mentorship, and faith can transform a life. After injuries ended my football career, I returned home, earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Radford University, my teaching licence and administration degree from Longwood and began my lifelong career in education with Buckingham County Public Schools.
Through these years, I have come to understand what makes a great teacher, administrator, or director. It’s not titles or accolades — it’s heart.
A great educator:
- Treats others with honesty and respect — whether anyone is watching or not.
- Supports fellow staff members through kindness and teamwork.
- Communicates with parents with openness and compassion.
- Represents the school with integrity in the community.
- And most importantly, loves and respects their students.
At the end of the day, that’s what drives me: the opportunity to make a difference. From the boy on Kirby Drive to the Director of Facilities for Buckingham County Public Schools, my journey has always been guided by faith, perseverance, and gratitude.
Education changed my life — and every single day, I do my best to pass that gift forward.