PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 6, 2009

Zina McGowan-Thomas , Public Information Officer, 301-475-5511, ext. 193

REYNOLDS NAMED AGNES MEYER WINNER

LEONARDTOWN , MD – Ms. Kimberly Reynolds, a mathematics teacher at Leonardtown High School , was recently named St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ recipient of The Washington Post 2009 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

The Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award was established more than 22 years ago by The Washington Post Company Education Foundation to recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in the teaching profession and is named after Agnes Meyer, a staunch supporter and defender of public education, and the wife of Eugene Meyer, who purchased the paper in 1933.

“Ms. Reynolds is very deserving of this award” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano , superintendent of schools. “She has a sincere concern for all students, regardless of their ability level, and is able to reach them through her infectious spirit displayed daily in her classroom.”

Ms. Reynolds, who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Towson State University, and her Master of Science degree in curriculum and instruction from McDaniel College, began her teaching career in 1998 as a seventh grade math teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School.  In 2004, she began teaching high school math at Leonardtown High School where she also serves as an algebra HSA lead teacher.

“Ms. Reynolds has done an exceptional job of employing new technology and strategies to reach the struggling student,” wrote Leonardtown High School Principal David O’Neill in his nomination letter for Ms. Reynolds. “I have seen her turn students around where other teachers could not.  She feels personally vested in their success and holds them to high expectations.  Often the student comes out of Ms. Reynolds class with a better understanding of math, and more importantly, of themselves.”

Ms. Reynolds and the other recipients, representing 19 local public school districts and one representing the area private schools, will be recognized on May 12, 2009, at a ceremony hosted by The Washington Post.