Teacher of the Year New Car Presentation Highlights Apple Ford Partnership Event

May 3rd, 2019

Apple Ford, Inc. President Chip Doetsch and Superintendent Michael J. Martirano surprised Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Teacher of the Year Sylvia Hennessie with the keys to a new Ford EcoSport on Friday, May 3 at Guilford Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland. The event highlighted the launch of a new partnership between HCPSS and Apple Ford to provide recognition for staff and expose students to industry insights, which was formalized with an official partnership agreement signing.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, Apple Ford will provide a free two-year lease on an Apple Ford vehicle for the Teacher of the Year, and will show its appreciation for all dedicated HCPSS employees by joining the HCPSS Staff Discount program to offer car purchase and repair discounts to school system staff members.

In addition, Apple Ford will participate on the Superintendent’s Program Innovation Advisory Board and the Automotive Technology Career Academy Advisory Council. HCPSS Career and Technology Education staff will collaborate with Apple Ford to provide automotive internships and apprenticeships for high school students and to expose students to new automotive and business technology as part of their learning experiences.

In March, HCPSS announced two teacher of the year awards. Hennessie was named Howard County Teacher of the Year, and Mt. Hebron High School teacher Greg Murach was identified as HCPSS candidate for Maryland Teacher of the Year, an honor that conveys many benefits that may include participation in state-sponsored functions, opportunities to network and advocate for teachers throughout the state and nation, cash and other awards.

“Apple Ford’s generous gesture of support for our Teacher of the Year underscores the importance of this valuable program in recognizing our exceptional educators,” said Martirano. “We are so proud of Ms. Hennessie, Mr. Murach, Principal of the Year Josh Wasilewski, and our many other outstanding teachers and staff, whose dedication and skills provide the foundation for our students’ success and well-being.” On May 7, Martirano will join the Bright Minds Foundation in honoring staff and alumni recipients of the Work Hard Be Kind awards at the HCPSS Night of Honor.

Howard County Board of Education members Vicky Cutroneo, Jennifer Mallo and Chao Wu; HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, Chief Communication; Community/Workforce Engagement Officer Jahantab Siddiqui; Chief School Management and Instructional Leadership Officer Monifa McKnight and Guilford Elementary School Principal Jonathan Davis joined Apple Ford Chairman George Doetsch and President Chip Doetsch to sign the formal partnership agreement at the May 3 event.

Established in 1986, Apple Ford offers customers a broad selection of new and used vehicles for Columbia area drivers. Apple Ford provides support throughout the ownership experience by offering a comprehensive parts and service department.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.