HCPSS Staff and Students Recognized in February 2019 with G/T Education Awards

March 4th, 2019

Seven HCPSS staff members and two students recently received G/T education awards from the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education and the Maryland State Department of Education Gifted and Talented Office, as part of Maryland’s Gifted and Talented Education Month.

Debbie Blum was honored in the Gifted & Talented Program Coordinator category as someone who has made significant contributions to HCPSS’ G/T programming and services, and shown leadership in G/T education beyond the school system.

Six teachers were recognized in the Teacher as Leader category for demonstrating leadership in G/T education by providing professional development, writing curriculum, leading co-curricular and community outreach activities, and more. The recognized teachers included: Beth Dungey, Long Reach High School; Melissa L. Kiehl, Ed.D. Mt., Hebron High School; April Lerner, Hammond High School; Eric Pellegrino, Centennial Lane Elementary School; Lori Speelman, Hollifield Station Elementary School; and Tracy Spillman, Lime Kiln Middle School.

Atholton High School student Liza Goldberg was honored with an Outstanding Student Accomplishment in Gifted & Talented Education, and Centennial High School student Megumi Fukuzawa placed first at the high school level in the Maryland Coalition for Gifted & Talented Education Essay Contest.

The staff members were celebrated during the HCPSS Board of Education meeting on February 28.