The Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) awarded six outstanding Greenbelt public school educators during their 25th ceremony on May 28. It was a virtual event this year, available on YouTube largely due to the efforts of Public Information and Communications Coordinator Beverly Palau.
As explained by ACE Chair Melinda Brady, awardees were nominated by each school’s administration and could be any member of a school team, including teachers, counselors and staff, who have made “exceptional contributions to Greenbelt schools.”
Springhill Lake Elementary
ACE Treasurer Janet Mirsky began the awards with Springhill Lake Elementary (SHLES) kindergarten teacher, Corenne Harris. Said Mirsky, “Harris is an organized, compassionate and enthusiastic teacher, both in general and special education. Harris is also the grade level chair and the after-school coach of the Step Team.” Mirsky expects Harris will “continue to make exceptional and positive contributions to her school and community.”
Harris thanked both her administration and teachers “for supporting and backing me in all my endeavors.” Of her students, she said, “I love them. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible.”
SHLES Principal Trena Wilson said that Harris is an exceptional teacher, as well as an “advocate for students, mentor to other teachers and a leader in our building.” She added that “the sky is the limit” for Harris.
Greenbelt Elementary
Greenbelt Elementary School (GES) awardee, Ashley Wallace, was introduced by ACE member Don Rich. Though Wallace is currently her school’s instructional lead teacher, she has also taught second and third grade. Said Rich, she is “a tremendous support for students, teachers and administrators.” As a teacher, her classroom was an “organized, engaging and caring community.” She also co-sponsors the Destination/Imagination Team and supervises the Homework Club.
Wallace said, “I’ve worked really hard over the years to do the best I can.” GES is “a great school” that supports its students. She hopes to continue to do “what I love.”
GES Principal Dr. Monica Gaines, said that Wallace is an extraordinary educator who goes above and beyond in every task related to teaching and learning.
Magnolia Elementary
The awardee from Magnolia Elementary (MES) was Donica Sutton. Said ACE’s Brady, this “exceptional educator” looks for her students to triumph and become “everyday champions.” Her mantra for her students is “dare to lead in all settings” and she has aimed to infuse respect, kindness, tolerance and generosity into all her efforts throughout her 30 years of teaching.
Sutton, who will retire in July, said that she has enjoyed “every single minute” of her career and looks forward to any future adventures. This award is for her the “icing on the cake.”
MES Principal Dr. Phyllis Givens described Sutton as dynamic, nurturing, intelligent and creative. Not only is she “a phenomenal educator,” but also “a beautiful person.”
Dora Kennedy
Martha Leighty, from Dora Kennedy French Immersion (DKFI), was introduced by ACE member Katherine McElhenny who declared that Leighty is “an exemplary middle school language arts teacher.” In her three years at the school, Leighty is a “proven tremendous asset” to the team, where she has created, established and modified many extracurricular activities such as student council and school beautification.
Leighty was “a little surprised” about being nominated, as she is part of a “very strong faculty.” She said her school is in many ways a family that succeeds because everyone is working together.
DKFI Principal Cynthia Rodgers stated that this outstanding teacher is loved by her students, for she answers every question from a place of calm. Rodgers remarked that it is not uncommon to see her “rustling around in the bushes” before school begins, in her efforts to make sure the school stays beautiful.
Greenbelt Middle
Dr. Robin Keys received the award for Greenbelt Middle School (GMS), from ACE member Veronica Martin Austin. Over a career of 43 years, 10 of which were spent at GMS, Keys has exceeded her duties every day through her dynamic work in the classroom, and tutoring and mentoring after school, said Austin.
Keys said that “it is an honor to teach in Prince George’s County schools” and she wouldn’t want to work any place else. She credited her administrators and staff, like Assistant Principal Dr. Crystal Caballero, who are “supportive of what we do.”
Caballero said that Keys is the epitome of an amazing teacher and leader, who goes well out of her way to make herself available to students, parents, teachers and fellow peers before, during and after school.
Eleanor Roosevelt High
Assistant Principal Avery Taylor from Eleanor Roosevelt Senior High School (ERHS) was presented by ACE member Jon Gardner. Taylor, said Gardner, is an inclusive and good listener, who displays “gusto and determination” when required. As a “natural leader,” he comes through with a thoughtful decision, where everyone is considered and respected.
Taylor thanked ACE for recognizing “all the hard work I’ve put in over the past 23 years,” and was grateful to students and staff for the opportunity to work with them for so many years.
ERHS Principal Reginald McNeill said of Taylor that “he always sees the big picture” in order to find a way to get the job done. He added that “when things get tough, it’s great having you as part of the team.”
Accolades
Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd Turner congratulated all the awardees for their work during this challenging time. He asserted that teachers have a special place in everyone’s lives, for their ability to “guide us to become the people we are today.”
Maryland State Delegate Nicole Williams thanked all the educators “for what you do day in and day out in training our future leaders of tomorrow,” noting their adaptability to teaching in the midst of the pandemic.
Mayor Pro Tem Emmett Jordan said, “We take great pride in our city schools,” extolling the virtues of the huge, and at times unheralded efforts and sacrifices teachers make and their role in defining the characters of each school.
Councilmember Judith Davis, who herself retired from teaching in 1999, recognized the myriad, daily struggles that all teachers face, noting that they all do more than just their job.
Councilmember Leta Mach stressed how important it is “to raise young people to be adults who understand how to live in a democracy” and that a good educator, like these awardees, helps young people think and ask questions.
Councilmember Silke Pope felt blessed by all the awardees “for everything you do,” and hopes to have a more public ceremony in the near future.
ACE’s Brady ended by saying, “Greenbelt educators are doing truly wonderful things” and that “we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate them.”