HCPSS Staff Recognized for Outstanding Achievements

August 9th, 2021

Superintendent Michael J. Martirano recognized the following staff achievements in the past several months.

Lynn Rashid, media specialist at Marriott Ridge High School, was named the Maryland History Day High School Teacher of the Year. Rashid was recognized for engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, in fostering historical thinking skills through active learning strategies, and for supporting participation in the National History Day Contest.

HCPSS’ Food and Nutrition Service team, under the leadership of Mr. Brian Ralph, was honored for achieving a major milestone by serving over six million Grab-and-Go meals while schools were closed due to the COVID pandemic. Additionally, school nurses and other health personnel were recognized for providing extensive support for students, staff and community throughout the pandemic, including administering COVID vaccines and tests and supporting contract tracing efforts in partnership with the Howard County Health Department.

Centennial High School world language teacher Hui Liang was named this year’s Maryland Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association. Ms. Liang has been teaching high school Chinese language for 24 years, during which she has become a professional leader not only in Howard County schools, but at the national level as well.

Wilde Lake High School science teacher and instructional team leader Jamie Proctor was named a STEM Educator of the Year by the Maryland Tech Council. This award honored Ms. Proctor’s commitment to STEM education and the extraordinary dedication demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

River Hill High School’s music teacher Richard McCready and Centennial High School director of bands David Matchim, were named quarter finalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award™, presented by the Recording Academy® and GRAMMY Museum®. The Music Educator Award honors current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.

Kerry Johnson, a first year dance teacher at Hammond High School, received the 2021 Emerging Leader Award from the Maryland Dance Education Association in recognition of her hard work, dedication and service as a positive role model for all students.

Learn about some of the many other HCPSS staff who have recently been recognized for outstanding achievements: