Board of Education Recognizes 2025 Friends of Education Honorees

April 10th, 2025

The Howard County Board of Education honored Lizz Hammon and the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County (AACR) as recipients of the 2025 Friends of Education Award at its April 9, 2025 meeting. The award recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, organizations, or associations for their support for the school system’s mission of ensuring academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student.

Awards were presented to Hammon and Dr. Tracey Williams, the latter of whom serves as the president of AACR and accepted the honor on behalf of the organization.

“Lizz Hammon is a tireless advocate for all students in HCPSS,” Board member Ms. Jacky McCoy said, citing Hammon’s participation in numerous HCPSS committees and advisory boards. “Her dedication to ensuring equitable access to education has been instrumental in creating a more just and equitable system. Her commitment to student empowerment and her efforts to amplify student voices are creating a lasting legacy of engaged and inspired learners.”

Board members additionally celebrated the contributions of the AACR, whose financial contributions and investment in human resources,“foster academic success and create positive, lasting change for students and the broader school community.”

The African American Community Roundtable of Howard County is “recognized as a leading authority within the African American community, effectively guiding parents to the resources they need within the school system. This role has been pivotal in fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students,” Board member Ms. Antonia Watts added.

The Board also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Friends of Education Award nominees Gloria Baer, Kathleen Hughes, Dr. Corinne Happel, Ginger Segala, and Branch Out! Howard County Chapter.

“The Board is proud to honor both the Friends of Education 2025 recipients and nominees, and to express our deep appreciation for valuable contributions to our school system and students,” concluded Ms. Watts.

Watch the full awards presentation and learn more about the Friends of Education Award online.