St. Mary's County
Public Schools
Outstanding Employees Recognized - 2025
Post
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- Press Releases
SMCPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 25, 2025
Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32178
Dr. Joseph Beavers, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32135
LEONARDTOWN, MD – Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, would like to announce the outstanding employees who have been recognized for their service and dedication to St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS).
Ms. Mallory Evans, Front Office Secretary at Spring Ridge Middle School, and Ms. Vivian Johnston, Contract/Fiscal Specialist in the Department of Design and Construction at the Division of Supporting Services, have been chosen as the Educational Support Professionals of the Year award winners. The Educational Support Professional of the Year award was established in 2009 to recognize the essential role support staff have in the school system’s success by fostering a positive learning environment for students. Ms. Evans has been employed by SMCPS for five years, and Ms. Johnston has been employed by SMCPS for seven years.
Ms. Tylita Butler, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Esperanza Middle School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Maryland Teacher of the Year program. Ms. Butler has been employed with SMCPS for seven years. She will compete against other teachers from across the State of Maryland for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Butler holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from Norwich University.
Mr. Hunter Martin, a Band/Fine Arts Teacher at Leonardtown High School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year program. Mr. Martin has been employed with SMCPS for ten years. He was a finalist for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award, competing against other teachers from public and private schools throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Mr. Martin holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Frostburg State University.
Dr. Deborah Dennie, Principal of Leonardtown Middle School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary's County Public Schools for the Washington Post Principal of the Year program. Dr. Dennie has been employed with SMCPS for twenty-four years, the last nine in the principal role at Leonardtown Middle School. She was a finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year Award, competing against other principals from public and private schools throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Dr. Dennie holds a Doctorate’s Degree in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Walden University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Towson University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Ms. Kelly Bridges, Assistant Principal of Leonardtown High School, has been selected as the Leader of Excellence award winner. The Leader of Excellence award was established in 2018 to recognize the essential role administrative or supervisory staff has on the school system’s success by fostering cooperation between the school or school system and the community. Ms. Bridges has been employed with SMCPS for sixteen years, the last three as Assistant Principal. Ms. Bridges holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Vincent College. She is currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program in Literacy Studies at Salisbury University.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2025, we thank our teachers, principals, and administrative and support staff. Every employee makes an important contribution to the success of our students. Ms. Evans, Ms. Johnston, Ms. Butler, Mr. Martin, Dr. Dennie, and Ms. Bridges will represent the school system along with all nominees for the Educational Support Professional of the Year and Outstanding Educator and other St. Mary’s County Public Schools staff at our Staff Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. For a complete list of all school and site nominees, visit https://www.smcps.org/offices/strategic-initiatives/award-nominations
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