On March 18, the city’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) presented its 30th Educators Awards, according to ACE chair and awards host Janet Mirsky, “to recognize school-based adults who have made an exceptional contribution to our schools.” Nominees can be teachers, guidance counselors or other professional, support or building staff. Awardees are nominated by the administrations of each of Greenbelt’s public schools.
ACE was formed in 1994, and according to Mirsky, “serves as a link between the community and city council to promote high quality schools for Greenbelt.” In addition to these yearly awards, ACE offers grants for school-based projects not addressed by the Board of Education, such as field trips, guest speakers and afterschool clubs, as well as yearly awards to Greenbelt students.
ACE members at the meeting also included Stephenie Arcido, Treasurer Denna Lambert and Gulnura Rakhyshova, who served as presenters. The introductory remarks were provided by Mirsky. Also present were members of the Greenbelt City Council and District Four County Council Member Ingrid Watson, all of whom also bestowed awards.
Magnolia Elementary
The first award went to Tamia Perry from Magnolia Elementary School. Perry is a Title 1 resource teacher and math ambassador. Said Mirsky, Perry is “always working – whether it be modeling a lesson for novice teachers, co-facilitating collaborative planning, covering a class,” as well as many others things, all done with a smile. Mirsky cited her “commitment to carrying out a task and the ability to always find the bright side in every situation.”
Perry thanked God, her family and friends, colleagues and the Greenbelt community. She declared her abiding love of education, and that she is fueled by a “love for working with students and teachers.”
Greenbelt Elementary
Janna Robinson, a kindergarten teacher and former Grade 1 Level Chairperson, received the award from Greenbelt Elementary School. Mirsky characterized her as “a beacon of inspiration and dedication,” adding, Robinson “consistently invests time in ensuring every student believes in their own abilities and strives beyond them,” acting as a model of “punctuality, preparation and prudent decision-making,” encouraging risk-taking and maximizing learning opportunities. She also serves outside the classroom as an American Sign Language sponsor and mentor teacher.
Robinson said that this is the first such award she has received in her 18 years of teaching, citing it as “an honor.”
Springhill Lake Elementary
Springhill Lake Elementary’s Danielle Todd-Jones, a special education resource teacher for multiple grades, was next honored. Mirsky said “she collaborates and inspires teachers with her kind and positive attitude” and is “passionate about doing what is in the best interest of all our students.” This year, she has taken on a new role as special education co-chair, performed with “patience, collaboration and efficiency.” She also leads the school’s Green Team and is a founding member of the Annual Stream Cleanup.
Todd-Jones extolled the many mentors in her career as essential to her success, praising her “amazing colleagues” for their support, drive, assistance and emotional availability, declaring that one “can’t find that at every school.” She applauded her students for their daily willingness to learn and always give their best.
Dora Kennedy French Immersion
Diarra Dieng was the recipient from Dora Kennedy French Immersion School. A first-grade teacher since 2021, Mirsky said Dieng “has found her stride quickly through determination, patience, resourcefulness and open-mindedness.” Of Senegalese origin, she speaks Wolof, French, English, “with a spark of Spanish.” Mirsky said that “in three years, she has become one of our most remarkable educators.” Diverging from an initial career path in business administration and human resources, Mirsky said that Dieng is “infinitely patient, gentle but firm, resourceful and full of team spirit.”
Dieng extolled her school, saying that she “would not be able to do any of it,” without its support; thanking all “from the bottom of my heart.”
Greenbelt Middle
Jamon McEwan was the awardee from Greenbelt Middle School, where he serves as Student Advocate. According to Mirsky, he “has a deep passion for supporting students to not only be strong instructionally, but to build honor and class to our community,” helping “shape the futures of children.” His efforts have led to a 30 percent drop in the school’s suspension rate, where he instills “resolution skills for students though restorative practices.” McEwan also acts as the school’s basketball coach.
McEwan thanked God, without whom “none is possible,” as well as his principal Marcellus Clement, who “shows the way and leads by example.” His daily mission and wish for his students is to “try to be better today than we were yesterday.”
Roosevelt High
The evening’s last award went to Anne Zhu from Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Mirsky cited her “exceptional commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environment for all students,” praising her “unwavering commitment to student success, innovative teaching methods, and dedication to professional growth.” Her unique focus on language acquisition, vocabulary development and speaking, listening and writing skills, especially with recent newcomers to the United States was highlighted. Mirsky noted her “patience, creativity and a strong belief in every student’s potential to succeed.”
Zhu, a teacher for 37 years, thanked her father, a math professor, for his essential support for her career path. She lauded her 150 fellow teachers for their common passion for teaching, stating that it drives her and them to want to “teach another 57 years.”
