Finalists Announced In HCPS 2024 Celebration Of Excellence In Education Awards Program

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The finalists in the 2024 Celebration of Excellence in Education recognition program have been announced by Harford County Public Schools.

A surprise announcement for each award winner will take place at the Celebration of Excellence in Education event, scheduled for April 9.

Below are the finalists of each award, in alphabetical order:

Teacher of the Year

1. Verna Hiser, Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School

2. Jennifer Knapp, First Grade Teacher, Red Pump Elementary School

3. Erica Richardson, Social Studies Teacher, Joppatowne High School

4. Jennifer Selke, Teacher Specialist-Reading, Emmorton Elementary School

5. Jill Truszkowski, Foreign Language Teacher-Spanish, C. Milton Wright High School

Principal

1. Lisa Minutoli, Churchville Elementary School

2. Laurie Namey, Magnolia Middle School

3. Ronald Wooden, Old Post Road Elementary School

Assistant Principal

1. Melissa McKay, Southampton Middle School

2. Erin Morring, Magnolia Elementary School

3. Tara Sample, Riverside Elementary School

Educational Support Professional

1. Noel First, Administrative Support Specialist-Lead, Deerfield Elementary School

2. Dwayne Howell, School Safety Liaison, Magnolia Middle School

3. Beth Iampieri, Paraeducator, Forest Hill Elementary School

Food and Nutrition

1. Faiza Ansari, Food Service Worker, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School

2. Charles Coakley, Distribution Center Associate, Business Services

3. Anne Garner, Satellite Kitchen Assistant, Emmorton Elementary School

Facilities

1. Anthony Frassetto, Boiler Technician, Facilities

2. Donald “DJ” Smacher, Crew Chief-Plumbing and Heating, Facilities

3. Ralph Williams, HVAC Technician, Facilities

Technology

1. Todd Floros, Printer I, Office of Technology

Custodian

1. Vickie Brenza Preston, Custodian, Havre de Grace Middle School

2. Harvey Cage, Chief Custodian Level IV, Havre de Grace Middle School

3. David Johnson, Custodian, Ring Factory Elementary School