Special Thanks to our 2020 event sponsors PRESENTING
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Dear Friends:
Welcome to the 2020 Spirit of
Community Awards Virtual
Celebration. We are delighted to have you join us as the Central Maryland
Chamber salutes the accomplishments of outstanding civil servants in our community. We appreciate your patience and are happy to finally be able to celebrate with you.
Since 1962, at a variety of events and venues, we have honored noteworthy individuals in our community. We are lucky to have a strong history of people serving in our community with distinction and dedication, and we take great pride in recognizing them today.
We appreciate your support of the Spirit of Community
Awards and the Chamber’s other programs. We are committed to continuing our efforts to make this region the best place to live and work!
Sonja Gladwin Kristi Simon
Chair, Board of Directors President & CEO Anne Arundel Community College Central Maryland Chamber
Thanks to our 2020 Virtual Event Hosts:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Bormel, Grice & Huyett, P.A.
Epoch, Inc.
Eric Harris of Marathon Financial
Fort Meade Alliance
Revere Bank
Stone Circle Associates Tax and Accounting
These companies help underwrite the cost for our nominees and their guests to attend, so we can hold a first class event. Awards Public Safety
Military
Elementary School Educator
Middle School Educator
High School Educator
Administrative Support Staff
School Administrator
2020 Award Nominees Public Safety
Corporal Richard Brookman – Anne Arundel County Police Department Corporal Brookman is a standout employee and thirteen year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and is currently assigned as a “Police and Community Together” (PACT) officer. In the past two years, Corporal Brookman has become an intricate part of the creation and development of Southern District PACT. He is the lead liaison between the communities and the Southern District Police Station of Anne Arundel County and works closely with members of the community to mediate community complaints, assists with their needs and provides educational support. Corporal Brookman has strengthened his relationship with the community by becoming a DARE Officer and provides drug prevention education to the youth of the community and provides formal in school training to students with the DARE curriculum. Corporal Brookman has created several programs to assist with building bonds inside the community with law enforcement and children – “Lunch Buddies” and “Ice Cream Socials”. “Lunch Buddies” are pre arranged dates and times with local elementary schools where officers can attend lunch and create positive interactions and build positive relationships with the children in a low stress environment. “Ice Cream Socials” are community events where PACT and uniformed officers have positive interactions with the children and provide free ice cream to the community. Corporal Brookman’s latest endeavor is serving as a Law Enforcement Representative with a new non profit organization– South County Bridges, whose mission is to improve life pathways or help the community prevent youth substance abuse and to increase awareness and educate the community.
Sergeant Charles Boswell – Laurel Police Department As a member of the Laurel Police Department since 2007, Sergeant Boswell was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013 and runs the Community Policing Division. This division is responsible for organizing events for the public, is well known in the city, and is almost always in attendance at every city and public event. Sgt. Boswell and his officers often assist and visit local businesses, home owner’s association meetings, and apartment complexes meetings in order to listen to concerns and help resolve issues. In addition to his duties as the community policing supervisor, Sgt. Boswell is also the supervisor of the Crash Reconstruction Team and the Evidence Technician Team. He serves in an on call capacity for both teams and responds for serious crimes and serious and/or fatal accidents. Sgt. Boswell oversees and manages the agency’s State Highway Association grants which include DUI Checkpoints, aggressive driving and seatbelt enforcement. Sgt. Boswell is also the agency’s administrator of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program and oversees the agency’s fleet. He is also a Firearms Instructor and an Armorer for the agency. One of the most successful community events Sergeant Boswell created for the citizens of Laurel and the Laurel Police Department is “Skate with a Cop”. Citizens young and old join officers and skate on the basketball courts and are eagerly awaiting the return of such events to the calendar.
Corporal Michele Goodman – Office of the Sheriff, Anne Arundel County Corporal Michele Goodman has dedicated nineteen years of service to the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office and is a K 9 handler assigned to the Security Operation Bureau and a member of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. Along K 9 Chase, Corporal Goodman ensures the safety of all employees and visitors of the Circuit Courthouse located on Church Circle in Annapolis. Corporal Goodman and K 9 Chase sweep each section of the courthouse and surrounding area on a daily basis. Her skills and knowledge are continually called upon to assist with high risk trials and major events. She renders immediate assistance to secure events within the courthouse to include assisting citizens in need, responding to fights, and making arrests for subjects with active warrants. In addition to her regular duties, Corporal Goodman assists in training new K 9 handlers. As part of the office K 9 unit, Corporal Goodman and Chase are well known to the citizens of Anne Arundel County for their community service. In 2019, Corporal Goodman performed seven K 9 demonstrations; many of which were for local schools during Career Day. She volunteered to provide security for the 2019 Military Bowl and for several Navy football games, participates in National Night Out which promotes healthy relationships between first responders and community members and has volunteered to assist in the annual Annapolis Santa Run. Corporal Goodman exemplifies what it means to be a public servant.
Michelle Claycomb and Tonia Beaty – Anne Arundel County Crossing Guards Michelle Claycomb and Tonia Beaty are the Arundel High School Crossing Guard team stationed on Route 175 at the school’s main entrance at morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Michelle and Tonia keep traffic moving in and out of Arundel High School each and every day. Some mornings, they utilize illuminated flares so that they can be seen. Michelle and Tonia are responsible for controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the entrance to Arundel High and they do a fabulous job. Traffic flow is critical. If the crossing guards are not effectively managing vehicular traffic, the whole school is gridlocked. They ensure that parents are able to drop off/pick up students, buses are able to access the school to make their drop offs and pick ups and student drivers with parking permits are able to access their parking spot and arrive to school in a timely manner. They work in all types of inclement weather extreme cold and brutal heat, rain, sleet, and snow. Once they are finished with arrivals and dismissals at Arundel High, they depart for their next assignment at a local middle school and then elementary school. Michelle and Tonia are truly unsung heroes who impact hundreds of people each and every day.
Captain Paul Supko – Anne Arundel County Fire Department Captain Paul Supko is a twenty eight year veteran on the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and is currently assigned as the company commander of the Jones Station Fire Station in the Severna Park area. Captain Supko is in charge of the physical upkeep of the fire station, multiple pieces of apparatus, supervising four shifts of personnel as well as the additional responsibilities that come with the designation as a Special Operations fire station. Captain Supko has played an integral role in adding two important pieces of equipment to the Department – a 21 foot rigid hull inflatable rescue boat, stationed at Jones Station but used throughout the county for boating emergencies and searching for victims; and a new rescue engine that will serve as a Technical Rescue Unit county wide as well as a standard rescue unit for the Severna Park area. His management, vision and inclusiveness with personnel assigned to his station, resulted in acquiring a piece of appa- ratus that is multi functional, adaptable to future tool/equipment developments and will serve the Department and community very well for many years. Captain Supko is committed to Special Operations (hazardous materials response, confined space rescue, marine operations) and pursues the multiple disciplines with Special Operations with equal passion and enthusiasm continually searching for the newest method, tool, or widget to keep the Special Operations Team moving forward and at the forefront of the latest tech- nology, standards and training. His team is highly trained, skilled and effective in managing the most complex and challenging incidents in Anne Arundel County and his enthusiasm, passion and devotion to public service set the tone for the Special Operations Division. Zachary Zwicker – Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. Zach Zwicker hails from Warrington, Pennsylvania and joined Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) in 2017. Zach completed over 300 hours of training to obtain his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter II in Anne Arundel County and continues to pursue new training opportunities. Zach is a very active member of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, riding two 12 hour shifts each week and responding on 158 emergency calls in 2019. He is an active member of the honor guard and serves as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors. Zach is a supporter of the Stephen Sillers Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides handicap accessible homes for our nation’s wounded veterans and pays the mortgages of fallen first responders. He organized and chaired the Baltimore Tunnel to Towers Climb and participated as a member of Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s team. Zach co captained the OVFC team in two stair climbing events in Baltimore and Delaware. Through his efforts, the OVFC team was recognized as the top fundraiser in both events and the team was invited for the 17th Annual Steven Sillers Tunnel to Towers Run during the 9/11 Memorial weekend in New York City. Zach is a valuable member of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company and serves as both role model and mentor to other members with enthusiasm and commitment.
Staff Sergeant Jacob W. Huffman – Security Operations Center, National Security Agency, U.S. Army, Fort George G. Meade Staff Sergeant Jacob Huffman holds himself to the highest standards of personal and technical competence, developing both his subordinates and superiors to achieve the National Security Agency’s goals while adapting to every challenge he encounters. SSG Huffman currently serves as the Deputy Senior Enlisted Leader for Sensor Infrastructure and Operations and as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for the Security Operations Center. He is responsible for the administration and management of 124 joint service military, contractor, and civilian network security professionals in defense of Computer Network Exploitation (CNE) missions and covert operational networks. His work enables full spectrum incident response and 24/7 threat mitigation supporting Computer Network Operations (CNO) as it levies a $1.5 billion dollar infrastructure to conduct CNE ops against national defense priorities. SSG Huffman is a tireless advocate for the professional and personal development of those around him. He serves as an active member of the NSA’s Joint Service Color Guard and his impeccable military bearing and attention to detail ensured appropriate honor was rendered to the national and organizational colors for over thirty military and civilian ceremonies during both duty and non duty hours. To increase his own leadership and technical effectiveness, SSG Huffman completed 294 hours of Professional Military Education; completing the NSA Emerging Leaders Program and the Military Cryptologic Continuing Education Signals Analysis COMINT Phase One program. SSG Huffman is a forward leaning and highly engaged exceptional leader whose stellar reputation, commitment to service, respect for people, and personal and professional efficacy, proficiency, and composure set him apart from his peers and makes him highly deserving of the Central Maryland Chamber’s Military Service Member of the Year award.
Education Awards Elementary School
Edison Cabrera Manalo – ESOL Teacher, Monarch Global Academy Edison Cabrera Manalo goes above and beyond everything you can imagine helping the students at Monarch Global Academy. He is devoted to the students at Monarch and believes strongly that all students can learn, no matter what. Edison began as a part time English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher and part time language arts teacher. As the ESOL population increased, he began teaching ESOL full time and now leads a team of three teachers. Edison utilizes engaging strategies that are timely and relevant to his students and has complete and positive classroom management. He developed International Nights, which have become the most widely attended and fun evenings in the school year. He utilizes his talents as photographer and videographer to enhance the student’s school experience. Edison is currently completing his second master’s degree in School Administration with an emphasis in ESOL and willingly shares what he is learning with others. He is an integral member of the Academic Team and supplies staff relevant articles and engagement strategies to help with ESOL students. Edison mentors several ESOL students who he would meet with before and after school pre COVID, helps students with homework and has even developed a soccer team! Edison is a great role model for students and the impact on their academic performance has been remarkable. Sandra Chedick – 2nd Grade Teacher, Pershing Hill Elementary School Sandra Chedick is a master teacher and her knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching makes her an exemplary teaching professional. Sandra recently completed her Master’s degree at McDaniel College and has applied her learning directly to the classroom. She demonstrates exceptional skills with challenging learners and fosters an inclusive classroom that meets the needs of students who sometimes struggle academically and socially. As a member of the school improvement team and as the second grade lead teacher, Sandra contributes to all aspects of instruction, adding eCoach to her resumé this year. Through her efforts, teachers at Pershing Hill Elementary School have spent significant time working on ways to integrate technology into their teaching. As the veteran teacher on the second grade team, Sandra has built a happy, hardworking, and productive group of educators. She is a team builder, mentor, role model with a vibrant spirit, energy, infectious positivity and her teammates consider her an asset to their team!
Mallory Cramer – 1st Grade Teacher, Waugh Chapel Elementary School Mallory Cramer is part of a highly effective, first grade collaborative team that works together daily in order to maximize instructional time and focus on student engagement and needs. Upon joining the Waugh Chapel Elementary team four years ago, Mallory quickly fell into the role of being the teacher who effectively works with students with special needs in an inclusive setting. Her classroom is a safe, calm environment where the students feel confident and safe in meeting the curriculum at their readiness level. Students in her class enjoy an atmosphere perfect for social emotional learning, as well as academic learning and they are encouraged and celebrated when they take risks and move forward with their own growth. Student work is differentiated to make sure that all students are exposed to rigorous content and material. Mallory uses a wealth of strategies that support students of all abilities and is always looking to grow her toolbox of strategies to try in her classroom.
Middle School
Heather Carter – 6th Grade Science Teacher, Bates Middle School As a science teacher at Bates Middle, Heather Carter serves as a model for facilitating relationships, practicing effective pedagogy, and serving as instructional leader. Heather approaches instruction with the intent to grow each and every one of her students and incorporates strategies that will allow students to access concepts and express their understanding in varied ways. She creates multiple frameworks that encourage students to read and write like scientists. Heather and her 6th grade science team are actively engaged in Mission14/Student Spaceflight Experiment Proposal, in which student scientists collaborate and create proposals to persuade officials to send their experiments to the International Space Station. Relationship building is at the heart of education and Heather’s commitment to her students is unshakeable –believing in their ability to learn and helping them traverse the minefields of middle school. She is an intentional, reflective and humanistic educator.
Tiffany Grove – 6th Grade Science Teacher, Arundel Middle School As a 6th grade science teacher at Arundel Middle, Tiffany Grove demonstrates great skill in engaging students in learning by employing a variety of instruction techniques including interactive technology, hands on learning, and differentiated techniques that meet student needs. On any given day her students might be acting out a science lesson, developing a science fair project or participating in a scavenger hunt. She consistently demonstrates a positive outlook that sets the tone for her students as well as her fellow teachers. Her service is not limited to science students but extends to children across the whole school. Tiffany is one of the first to volunteer to supervise a student dance or celebration where help is needed. This year she co sponsored the school’s drama performance of Annie Jr. for the community after a year without a drama program. Tiffany is currently working on finishing her Master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction with an Administrative certification. Through her leadership, supervision, participation in student activities and her community advocacy, Tiffany Grove provides a significant contribution to the positive spirit of the Arundel Middle School community.
Sherise Webb – AVID Instructor (6th,7th & 8th grades), MacArthur Middle School Sherise Webb is a part time educator who has helped the AVID program at MacArthur Middle School develop into a program that could rival any AVID program in the country. She has helped guide and has worked with the AVID coordinator for the past five years. The students understand the AVID entry process and have access to the opportunity to visit various college campuses. Most importantly, the AVID program is now providing college and career readiness advisory lessons to the entire student body. Sherise has taken on the challenge of supporting Kids at Hope students. In 2018, MacArthur’s PAARC Math scores were low. Sherise enlisted her church congregation to help kick off efforts to improve scores and offer additional support to a group of students and their parents by providing breakfast and words of encouragement. Scores improved and thus blossomed a caring and supportive academic environment for the students. Sherise is a passionate part time educator who values being a mother to her son, Isaiah, and a wife to her husband, Damon.
High School
Amber Boyd Miller – Media Specialist, Old Mill High School No matter how busy the media center get, you will likely never find Amber Boyd Miller in an unpleasant mood. Her typical day reflects the diversity of the Old Mill community. One minute she will be teaching a freshman English class about evaluating internet resources, and then later she will lead a workshop on storytelling for Child Development upperclassmen who work in the preschool. In February, she guided nearly 1000 history students through the research process for a National History Day project and helped support the mission as an IB World school by developing students’ research skills to meet international standards. Amber facilitates instructional technology for teachers and staff, leads professional development so staff can create more dynamic learning opportunities for students, and coordinates the technology schedules to make the most of the building’s resources. Students know that the media center is a safe and welcoming space for students of all backgrounds, but they also have a plethora of learning materials available to them because of her diligence and passion for learning. Whether working individually with a teacher or student, teaching a class or coordinating with a department, Amber Boyd Miller continually works to build community within Old Mill High School.
Tuesdai Ingulia – 9th 12th Grade Social Studies Teacher & Social Studies Department Chair, Chesapeake Science Point Tuesdai Ingulia is one of the pillars of Chesapeake Science Point. Deemed a “lifer” of the Chesapeake Science Point community, Tuesdai has served not only as an educator, but also in leadership roles such as Department Chairperson, Equity Liaison, and Beginning Teacher Liaison. Teachers often seek out her advice to perfect their craft because of her knowledge base and students reminisce about her as an AP US History teacher. She uses her gift of perception to help teachers plan for students who are struggling; Tuesdai is always able to pinpoint the struggle area for students and is an expert strategist for their success. She currently teaches the newly established Global Community Citizenship course as she believes in the mission of the course and the opportunities it provides to the students. Tuesdai often steps up to make sure the kids have what they need to make their school experience fun – providing holiday hats for senior Carol Grams, planning prom single handedly to hosting breakfast for her AP US History students on the day of the AP Exam. In the past, Tuesdai has planned school field trips to Washington DC connected to multiple curricula. Tuesdai Ingulia is a champion for everyone in the community.
Dr. Gary Van Essen – 9th – 12th Grade Math Teacher & Math Department Chair, Arundel High School Dr. Gary Van Essen is an invaluable asset to Arundel High School. Gary joined the staff in 2014, progressing from math teacher, to content team leader to department chair. Gary consistently demonstrates his commitment to increase student achievement through his pursuit to learn about and facilitate quality instruction as a teacher, mentor and coach. He possesses exceptional people skills and a strong commitment to helping students find success. Gary has created a collaborative community within the math department that has spread beyond to the whole school. What stands out most about Gary is the relationships that he builds with his students. He is a caring, kind, good natured, positive, empathetic, and thoughtful educator. When you see Gary interact with students, it is evident that he values and cultivates relationships. Gary has a reputation among the students for helping struggling learners make connections in a failure free environment. On his own time, Gary offers after school and weekend tutoring for all AP Statistics students. Gary demonstrates his commitment to student success with patience, persistence and an inability to give up. His enthusiasm and dedication to the study of math ignites excitement for math and learning in general with all of his students. Gary has an excellent rapport with students and staff; and his strategies and positive learning environment ensures students remain engaged and motivated to learn. His colleagues consider him an invaluable resource an mentor and the Arundel High community cherishes his enthusiasm, passion, expertise and constant support. Administrative Support Staff Ann Autry – Principal’s Secretary, Waugh Chapel Elementary School You would think with the title of Principal’s Secretary that it would be an individual working for the principal, however, when it comes to Ann Autry, she’s literally working for the entire school. Ann is adept at making sure all things are managed and organized in a way that keeps the school functioning and growing. Not only is she 100% accessible to the principal, she also makes sure that she can help any stakeholder in the community or within the school get what they need in a timely manner. She greets all visitors with friendship, compassion, community and love. When a teacher or staff member comes to her with an issue or problem, she immediately works to find a solution. Ann has recently taken on the task of being a leader of the Sign Language Club in order to help the students communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing. This is a great love and personal passion for Ann and she teamed up with another staff member to implement. Ann’s hours are hard to define because she is often staying well beyond them to fill in a gap or help with a hole in the office or the school itself. The staff of Waugh Chapel almost unanimously voted to nominate Ann for this award. Ann has her eyes and ears on everything and makes it a top priority to not only make the principal’s job easier, but to make everyone’s day a little bit easier and she is a gift to the school and community.
JoAnn DeGreenia – Counseling Secretary, Old Mill High School JoAnn DeGreenia is the first person you meet or interact with when you come to the School Counseling Office at Old Mill High School. She greets everyone with a warm smile and a genuine offer to help. She is kind and helpful to students, parents, staff, and community members of Old Mill High School. JoAnn performs all of her required duties as the Counseling Secretary with ease, whether it is keeping college visits organized, sending transcripts, or helping the school counselors with mailings, Naviance tasks, or preparations for lesson. She remains calm and gets students what they need, especially in a time of need. JoAnn is a team player – filling in and helping out wherever needed to keep the Old Mill High School office and programs running smoothly. For the last two years, she has volunteered to take over the training and supervision of the main office student aide program. She takes these students under her wing and gives them valuable work experiences during the school day. JoAnn consistently goes above and beyond to help all staff members. For the past five years, she has helped organize the school wide PBIS student incentive events and serves as the informal “data coach”. Her technological expertise is unmatched with Access, Excel, PowerSchool and other programs and data- bases. Each year, JoAnn is an integral part of the graduation planning team and assists with almost every aspect of preparations. In 2019, she was the class sponsor working with the class to fundraise, plan events and host prom for the senior class. JoAnn’s dedication to her job and her love for our students and school is evident in every interaction she has with Old Mill’s stakeholders. Ghislenny Gonzalez – Administrative Secretary, Monarch Global Academy Laurel Ghislenny Gonzalez currently serves as the school secretary but has worked in various capacities with the school community including classroom teaching assistant and behavioral support. In each of these roles she has always given 110% of her heart. She is a founding member of the school and has an integral part in supporting school operations on a daily basis. As one of the first people that parents, students, visitors and employees encounter entering the building, Ghislenny exudes warmth and welcomes visitors into the building with a smile and positive attitude. She recognizes that the cornerstone of being effective at her job is building relationships that are fostered through teamwork. Ghislenny works very closely with the administrative team, ensuring that all tasks are accomplished well and in a timely fashion. Being bilingual, she brings another aspect of support to her job and enables staff to connect with families on a more personal level and makes them feel comfortable that she can help bridge the gap between their native language and English. Whether called into a meeting to translate information for parents or making a newsletter come to life in Spanish, she does it without complaint and is highly committed to the students, staff and families at Monarch Global Academy.
Charm Herring – Principal’s Secretary, Crofton Elementary School Charm Herring is the principal’s secretary and is the glue that holds Crofton Elementary together. She is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of human resources, finance and administrative duties. She supports teachers and staff with scheduling, payroll decisions and procedural details in and efficient and professional manner. She has built relationships with every single staff member and coordinates and supervises the performance of all secretarial and clerical tasks relative to the efficient daily operations of the school office ina positive, constructive and optimistic manner. If she doesn’t have the answer to a question, she knows who to call to find out. Charm Herring is Crofton Elementary. She has close relationships with many parents that enter the front office daily. She jokes, inquires and laughs with parents making them feel at ease and happy when they visit the school. Charm has attended over 90% of the weekend and evening school functions and supports the PTA programs as well as school based activities. She attends community events alongside staff and administration and volunteers to support activities that parents usually sign up to do. Charm is committed to the growth and progress at Crofton Elementary. During meetings and conversations, she is the one that tactfully reminds staff that they are there for students and keeps the focus on the goals of a safe, nurturing academic environment for the students. Charm tactfully screens visitors to the building and welcomes them warmly, but also supports school safety and immediately acts when necessary to ensure that all students and staff members are in a safe environment. Crofton Elementary is blessed to have Charm Herring supervising the front office.
Shafeqah Mordecai – Registrar, Arundel High School Typically, a high school registrar is an administrative professional whose duty includes the maintenance of school records. At Arundel High School, Shafeqah Mordecai is so much more than an administrative professional and registrar. She is a mentor, a coach, a cheerleader and a teammate. When she meets a student, she takes a personal interest in them. She develops a relationship with that student and lets that student know that they have met a trusting adult in the building who truly cares about their welfare. As a mentor, she is always willing to offer her advice and her own experiences with students. She is also not afraid to tell students that they need to focus on their academics. But instead of just advising them to focus, she takes the time to help them set goals and shows them how much they can accomplish by applying themselves. She is also there as a cheerleader to encourage these students when the going gets tough and to give them much deserved praise when they reach their goals. In addition to the students, Shafeqah establishes positive relationships with faculty, parents, colleagues, administrators and community members. She models an appreciation of cultural diversity, individual differences and the exceptionalities in people. In addition to her full time job, Shafeqah volunteered to be the Vice President for the PTSO for the past two years. Within this organization, she initiated three senior student scholarships based on character. As a teammate, Shafeqah is always willing to roll up her sleeves to help another colleague and consistently shares her talent, knowledge skills and expertise. Shafeqah connects with people in an intentional and understanding way, goes above and beyond her roles as an administrative professional, and is an asset to Arundel High School and the community. Administrator
Paul DeRoo – Principal, Bates Middle School Paul DeRoo has been the principal at Wiley H. Bates Middle School for 8 years and during his tenure has created a welcoming and inclusive environment for which students from all over the county apply to be a part of. As a Performing & Visual Arts (PVA) school, students can apply to the performing and visual arts program. Bates is also an Integration school which allows all of the students to benefit from instruction with art integrated throughout all content areas. The school population is extremely diverse representing many different cultures and socio economic classes and Mr. DeRoo ensures that all students are provided engaging and exciting opportunities to learn. As principal, Mr. DeRoo wears many hats; he meets with teachers, parents and students. He is the liaison between the county and the school. He oversees the Bates campus. He is not only growing students and teachers, but helping grow leaders throughout the community. His leadership team is empowered to make decisions regarding positive incentives for students to make good choices as well as logical consequences for students when they do not. There is consistency in implementing the “Bates Way” which encourages civility, hope, respect and responsibility. Mr. DeRoo welcomes staff and students to Bates by welcoming them to the family. When you work at or attend Bates, you become part of the Bates family. Mr. DeRoo exemplifies what it means to be an administrator as he leads by example in his actions and his words. Mr. DeRoo retired from Anne Arundel County Public Schools at the end of July.
Wendy Slaughter – Assistant Principal, Arundel Middle School Wendy Slaughter inspires the teachers, staff and students at Arundel Middle to build meaningful relationships with one another. She promotes schoolwide initiatives that foster good health and builds a positive culture throughout the building. She builds bridges between adults and students to facilitate a nurturing atmosphere and foster a caring community. Ms. Slaughter assists teachers in building effective instructional techniques to support struggling students and demonstrates a positive outlook that sets the tone for all stakeholders. She serves as an effective leader to her grade level staff focused on making all students successful. She not only manages, but actively supports co curricular programs including Drama club. She is a key member of the School Improvement Team and supports school initiatives that go beyond her immediate responsibility. She is an active PTA member, attends meetings with the principal, and readily contributes to needs as they arise. Ms. Slaughter proactively reaches out to the community to ensure that Arundel Middle has ample substitutes to cover classes when teachers are out. While always warm and upbeat, she takes her role as an instructional leader seriously and proactively engages in difficult conversations with staff who need to raise their performance and has done so with collaborative action plans with selected teachers in order to support and improve effectiveness. Ms. Slaughter works diligently to continue her success in and out of the classroom and her positive impact is felt in the building and community. Kim VerMerris – Assistant Principal, Pershing Hill Elementary School Kim VerMerris is an amazing administrator who has had significant impact on the students, staff and the community over the past three years. As a former math teacher, Ms. VerMerris came to Pershing Hill with a strong background in math instruction and has used this knowledge to grow the skills of the teachers. Her ability to get teachers to “do the math” has strengthened instructional practices and there have been noticeable increases in confidence levels of the teachers. Ms.VerMerris also plays a major role in guiding and supporting the special education teams. Through effective hiring and mentoring practices, she has built a cohesive team focused on supporting students with special needs. With her guidance, the special educators have grown in their ability to meet the needs of students who sometimes struggle academically and socially. The staff and parents of Pershing Hill think very highly of Ms. VerMerris calling her one of the most supportive administrators – listening to concerns and frustrations and offering encouraging words and strategies to overcome struggles. She hasn’t forgotten what it is like to be in a classroom and therefore is highly effective in supporting teachers in both academic and professional endeavors. Her open door policy creates a positive team culture and teachers know they can rely on her steadfast support. Ms. VerMerris works tirelessly to ensure that each student reaches his or her potential. Regardless of the reason students have been called to her office, they walk out feeling loved and supported.
Eugene Whiting– Principal, MacArthur Middle School Eugene Whiting has transformed from a seasoned assistant principal to a dynamic principal. The transition is not an easy one and Mr. Whiting has spoken of past mistakes. At the start of the last school year, Mr. Whiting actively encouraged every staff member to do better and be better by getting to know the kids and allow the students to get to know the staff. Every morning as the students are entering the building, Mr. Whiting walks through the hallways with his portable speakers bringing a smile to every person he encounters. It doesn’t matter if he is playing a song from Mariah Carey, Diana Ross or the Ojays, the students light up with smiles and the occasional dance moves before starting their day. Mr. Whiting is always pumped up and excited about the possibility of success within the students, but his enthusiasm for the Kids at Hope student group is evident through the time and resources he devotes. He meets with every Kids at Hope student individually and addresses each student by name. He continues to mentor students at his 2nd Annual Kids at Hope breakfast. Mr. Whiting has connected with several prominent community leaders within the Meade feeder cluster to have them meet and mentor the MacArthur Kids at Hope students. Mr. Whiting opened a fully operational barbershop and beauty salon in MacArthur this year so that students can feel a sense of pride about themselves. Several barbers in the community volunteer their services and provide haircuts to any student who has parental permission. Mr. Whiting is constantly thinking of ways to build confidence and pride within the students. Mr. Whiting’s selflessness is a quality that is rare in most and it sets him aside from other principals and administrators. Mr. Whiting will do anything to help his students and staff grow into strong human beings.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and to our 2020 Spirit of Community Award recipients. Thank you for your patience with the adjustment of dates so that we could celebrate the accomplishments of our civil servants who make this region truly special. We hope that 2021 will welcome the return of in person events and we look forward to celebrating our 2021 nominees and awardees. Special Thanks to our 2020 event sponsors PRESENTING
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