Former student finds lifelong inspiration in her middle school teacher — and asks her to officiate her wedding

When Sarah Hudgins walked into Holley Scheffel’s seventh-grade classroom at Parkside Middle School, she didn’t know she was meeting someone who would change her life forever. Hudgins, now a kindergarten teacher at Sudley Elementary, credits Scheffel—her former special education teacher—with inspiring her to pursue a career in education.  

Recently, Hudgins took that admiration one step further: she asked Scheffel to officiate her wedding. 

“Mrs. Scheffel was my safe space,” Hudgins said. “She wanted to know me beyond academics. That sense of belonging she gave me stuck with me.” 

Scheffel, the current dean of students at Marsteller Middle School, transitioned into teaching after her son’s health challenges required her to leave her job at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She found her calling in special education through a career-switcher program offered by Prince William County Public Schools. 

“I hope my greatest legacy is that my kids always knew they were truly loved, respected, and supported when they were in my care,” Scheffel said. 

The bond between teacher and student was forged through shared interests—soccer, country music, and cowgirl boots—and deepened by Scheffel’s unwavering support during a difficult time in Hudgins’ life. 

“She never gave up on me,” Hudgins said. “Her commitment to her students is unmatched and inspiring.” 

Scheffel taught Hudgins in both math and language arts classes, often working one-on-one to help her grasp challenging concepts. But it was the personal connection that endured long after middle school. 

Over the years, Hudgins kept in touch with Scheffel, seeking guidance through college, requesting recommendation letters, and even sharing summer visits at Smith Mountain Lake, where both families have homes. 

“When my current or former students need something from me, I hope they know the answer will always be yes,” Scheffel said. 

That promise held true when Hudgins needed a wedding officiant. Scheffel, who had recently become a certified marriage celebrant, was honored to be asked. 

“I woke up one day just feeling called to do this,” Scheffel said of her decision to become an officiant. “Just as I was waiting to be sworn in by the Circuit Court, one of my former students posted on Facebook, ‘Does anyone know a wedding officiant?’ I responded that I was, and the rest is history.” 

For Hudgins, the choice was clear. 

“Mrs. Scheffel’s love, dedication, and commitment to her students is something everyone should know,” she said. “She’s the kind of person who will always be there for you, no matter what.” 

As Scheffel stood beside Hudgins and her husband at the ceremony, she wasn’t just officiating a wedding—she was celebrating a full-circle moment of mentorship, love, and legacy.