Teacher, Principal Of The Year Honored Alongside Other Educators

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — School officials celebrated the 2026 honorees recognized at the Harford county Public Schools' Celebration of Excellence in Education ceremony held recently.

Nearly 500 guests, including school system leaders, educators, staff, students, families, elected officials and community sponsors, gathered to recognize the award winners.

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“Each of these individuals has made a real and lasting impact on our students, schools and community. Whether they’re in the classroom, supporting day-to-day operations, creating safe and welcoming spaces, or providing essential services, their dedication helps ensure our students have what they need to succeed,” said Dr. Dyann Mack, interim superintendent of HCPS.

The event opened with the induction of William Ekey and Alice Puckett into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame. Ekey served HCPS for 33 years, from 1973 to 2006, as a secondary teacher, administrator and director. Puckett dedicated 33 years to HCPS from 1983 to 2016 as a secondary teacher and field hockey coach, school officials shared.

This year's award winners are:

• Teacher of the Year: Michael James, English teacher, North Harford High School

• Principal of the Year: Jennifer Gasdia, Old Post Road Elementary School

• Assistant Principal of the Year: Caitlin Sieracki, Bakerfield Elementary School

• Education Support Professional of the Year: Tara Lloyd-Laurence, paraeducator, Bakerfield Elementary School

• Student Services Professional of the Year: Karen Cunningham, school counselor, Edgewood Elementary School

• Operations Professional of the Year: Christopher McKelvey, school safety liaison, C. Milton Wright High School

• General Education School Bus Driver of the Year: Kimberly Bennett, Bus 720

• Special Education School Bus Driver of the Year: Dawn Mahaley, Bus 323

• Bus Attendant of the Year: Elizabeth Cole, Bus 474

To learn more about each award winner, click here.