Outstanding Employees Recognized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 31, 2023

Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32178
Dr. Maureen Montgomery, 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 that have been recognized for their service and dedication to St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS).

Ms. Stacey Brown, Human Resources Generalist, in the Department of Human Resources, and Ms. Wanda Fenwick, Secretary to the Principal, at Lexington Park Elementary School, has 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 has in the school system’s success by fostering a positive learning environment for students. Ms. Brown has been employed with SMCPS for two years and Ms. Fenwick has been employed with SMCPS for six years.

Ms. Alisha Swann, English Language Arts 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. Swann has been employed with SMCSPS for eight years.  She will compete against other teachers from across the State of Maryland for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award.  Ms. Swann holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescent Education and English Literature from Elmira College.   

Ms. Julie Morrison,  5^th Grade Teacher at Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year program.  Ms. Morrison has been employed with SMCPS for twenty-three years.  She 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.  Ms. Morrison holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Shippensburg University.

Ms. Glenna Edwards, Principal of Margaret Brent Middle School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary's County Public Schools for the Washington Post Principal of the Year program.  Ms. Edwards has been employed with SMCPS for twenty-four years, the last seven in the role of principal. 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. Ms. Edwards holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Computer Technology from Towson University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science Education from Frostburg State University.

Ms. Kelsey Kiehlmeier, 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. Kiehlmeier has been employed with SMCPS for ten years, the last five in the role of Assistant Principal.  Ms. Kiehlmeier holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Educational Leadership from Towson University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies with a Minor in Spanish and History from The Pennsylvania State University.    

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2023, we thank our teachers, principals, and administrative and support staff.  Every employee makes an important contribution to the success of our students.  Ms. Brown, Ms. Fenwick, Ms. Swann, Ms. Morrison, Ms. Edwards, and Ms. Kiehlmeier 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 2, 2023.  For a complete list of all school and site nominees, visit https://www.smcps.org/offices/strategic-initiatives/award-nominations