HCPSS Names 2025 Principal and Teachers of the Year

April 30th, 2025

HCPSS Superintendent William J. Barnes on April 23 announced the recipients of the school system’s annual principal and teachers of the year award:

• Principal of the Year: Lisa Smith, Hammond Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Tyrone Page, Oakland Mills Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Natalie Pretzello, Hammond Middle School

Each recipient was named during surprise visits at their respective schools, and will be recognized at an upcoming Howard County Board of Education meeting. The three also serve as the HCPSS nominees for Washington Post Principal of the Year, Washington Post Teacher of the Year (Page) and Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year (Pretzello).

2025 Principal of the Year: Lisa Smith, Hammond Middle School

Lisa Smith began her career in education as a reading and English teacher at Patuxent Valley Middle School. She later served as assistant principal at Dunloggin, Hammond and Lime Kiln middle schools before becoming principal of Clarksville Middle School in 2020. Smith returned to Hammond Middle School (HMS) in 2022 as principal, a role she continues to serve today.

Smith was nominated for Principal of the Year for a variety of reasons, including her strong leadership skills, collaborative approach, and willingness to step in to help whenever it is needed. Having arrived at HMS in what one of her nominator’s described as “a post-pandemic blur,” Smith worked with students and staff to “set a new course for HMS” that has resulted in improved academic outcomes, positive staff morale, as well as a shared set of HMS values.

Smith also was lauded for her strong communication skills. “Her willingness to engage in honest dialogue creates a culture of trust,” observed one of her nominators. “She attentively listens and does not hold back from expressing what we need to hear,” said another.
Smith’s constant physical presence in the school also set her apart. “She can rarely be found in her office, because she is somewhere in our school,” said one of her nominators. “She is in classrooms, in Student Services, in the hallways, in the cafeteria, outside for bus arrival and dismissal, talking to our kids and protecting their safety … She is on the move.”

In addition, Smith was recognized for her ability to understand and connect specifically with middle school-aged students. As one nominator wrote, “She understands and cares deeply about the needs of our students, who are in the throes of adolescence and undergoing so much change. She understands that these years are critical to students’ growth and she is deeply invested in their success.”

During his visit to HMS to surprise Smith, HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes remarked, “With her strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, as well as her collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting student success, Lisa Smith possesses all the characteristics that result in her being such an outstanding principal. I am proud to have her as a colleague and leader in our school system.”

2025 Teacher of the Year: Tyrone Page, Oakland Mills Middle School

Tyrone Page’s career at HCPSS began in 2015, when he served as an elementary and secondary band intern at Centennial Lane Elementary and Clarksville Middle School. He went on to intern, teach, and conduct in several Baltimore-area schools and music programs. In 2018, he returned to Howard County as the director of Bands at Oakland Mills Middle School. An accomplished saxophonist, Page also runs a private saxophone studio.

Among the many factors that distinguished Page as a Teacher of the Year is the sense of belonging he has instilled among his students. “His ability to build a sense of belonging within his band program, encourage school participation, and foster a strong sense of pride in his students has shaped a generation of students who are confident, engaged, and eager to contribute to their school community,” observed one of his nominators. “There is a strong sense of camaraderie in his ensembles that is truly special, and it’s a testament to the kind of teacher he is,” added another nominator.

Page’s willingness and ability to lead by example also help distinguish him, as did his commitment to supporting students in and outside the classroom. “Whether offering one-on-one lessons, providing advice on personal or academic challenges, or simply lending a compassionate ear, Mr. Page goes above and beyond to ensure that his students not only succeed in music but also grow as individuals,” wrote one nominator, while another wrote, “He creates a supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive personally and academically.”

“Tyrone Page brings incredible energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to all that he does,” noted Superintendent Barnes. “In doing so, he creates a vibrant, welcoming, and rich learning environment for his students to thrive in. His passion and joy is evident in the students that participate in his classes and ensembles and I am grateful he is part of our team.”

2025 Teacher of the Year: Natalie Pretzello, Hammond Middle School

Natalie Pretzello joined HCPSS’ music program as a teacher in 2015, and currently serves as the Band director and related arts instructional team leader at Hammond Middle School. She also serves as percussion director for HCPSS Elementary Honor and G/T Bands and High School Honor Band. In addition, she co-conducts Hammond High School’s Summer Band Camp.

Pretzello’s ability to build positive relationships with her students was one of several reasons she was selected as a Teacher of the Year. As one of her nominators noted, “Mrs. Pretzello takes the time to understand each student’s unique strengths and challenges, tailoring her
instruction to meet their needs.” Another noted that “Mrs. Pretzello has been more than a band teacher, she has been a trusted mentor and positive presence in my child’s life.”

Pretzello also was recognized for efforts to build a vibrant and supportive music community at HMS and for her collaboration with HMS’ feeder schools. In addition, she was honored for her successful efforts to foster a positive learning environment, where students are not only excited to participate, but are also encouraged to take risks, push boundaries and strive for excellence.

Superintendent Barnes added, “Natalie Pretzello has had such a positive impact on the Hammond Middle School band program. Thanks to her passion, service, and leadership, that program has grown by 30% and provided students with countless opportunities to build their musical literacy, critical thinking skills, teamwork, and self-confidence and showcase their achievements. We are so fortunate for Natalie’s impactful influence on the students in her school.”