HCPSS Visual Arts Educators Recognized for Excellence

June 10th, 2025

In collaboration with the Maryland Art Education Association (MAEA), the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) recently recognized nine HCPSS art educators for their exemplary work with students and their commitment to excellence in art education. The educators were nominated and selected in alignment with MAEA’s mission to advance visual arts education through advocacy, leadership, professional development, and collaboration.

The HCPSS educators are:

• Jillian Roper (Howard High School) – HCPSS Career High School Art Educator of the Year
• Samantha Hunt (Wilde Lake Middle School) – HCPSS Career Middle School Art Educator of the Year
• Jamila Denkeli (Clemens Crossing Elementary School) – HCPSS Career Elementary Art Educator of the Year
• Amy De Leon (Oakland Mills High School) – HCPSS Novice High School Art Educator of the Year
• Hannah Avery (Lime Kiln Middle School) – HCPSS Novice Middle School Art Educator of the Year
• Amanda Aristidou (Northfield Elementary School) – Novice HCPSS Elementary Art Educator of the Year
• Caro Appel (River Hill High School) – HCPSS Advocate for Inclusivity Through Art Educator of the Year
• Monique Johnson (Reservoir High School) – HCPSS Outstanding National Art Honor Societies (NAHS) Sponsor of the Year
• Jacqueline Bates (Thomas Viaduct Middle School) – HCPSS Outstanding NAHS Sponsor of the Year

“These educators’ work reflects the very best of what it means to empower student voice, nurture creativity, and foster a love of learning through the arts,” says HCPSS Fine Arts Coordinator Gino Molfino. “Their dedication not only enriches the classroom experience for our students, but also uplifts the entire community through the power and promise of arts education.”