10/21/2026
ACPS Celebrates Dale Spilker as a Featured Participant in VSBA’s Products of Public Education
ACCOMAC, VA – October 21, 2026 – Accomack County Public Schools (ACPS) is proud to announce that Dale Spilker, a graduate of Chincoteague Combined School, is featured in the Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) 2026 Products of Public Education publication.
This special publication celebrates the students and alumni of Virginia’s public schools and highlights the many ways public education helps prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities, the Commonwealth, and beyond.
Mr. Spilker is featured in the publication for demonstrating the impact career and technical education can have on a student who may not initially see their own potential. Through mentorships, hands-on learning, and opportunity, public education helped shape a student who once struggled academically into an educator dedicated to helping others find confidence, purpose, and success.
Originally, welding was simply a second-choice program. At the time, his interest in the trade came from wanting to build skateboarding obstacles for himself and his friends. However, once Mr. Spilker entered the welding classroom, he met his welding instructor, who immediately saw potential in him that he had never recognized in himself.
“We are incredibly grateful for Mr. Spilker and the impact he has made as a true homegrown educator. His success reflects not only his passion for welding and technical education, but also his deep commitment to helping students discover their potential and become the very best versions of themselves. Whether he is teaching skills in the welding classroom or offering guidance that shapes character, confidence, and work ethic, Mr. Spilker inspires students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. He is a tremendous asset to our school division and a wonderful example of the lasting difference a dedicated teacher can make in the lives of students and the community he calls home.” (Dr. Gennifer Miller, Superintendent of Accomack County Public Schools)
VSBA’s Products of Public Education publication showcases individuals from public school divisions across Virginia who demonstrate the lasting impact of public education. The 2026 publication features students and alumni representing a variety of careers, accomplishments, and stages of life.
Mr. Spilker is one of 14 people featured in this year’s publication.
The full publication can be found here:https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026VSBA_ProductsofPublicEducation.pdf
# # #
