HCPS Special Announcement
February 24, 2026
HCPS Announces Finalists for 2026 Celebration of Excellence in Education Awards
Nominees from Across the School System Recognized
Each nomination underwent a thorough review and scoring process by a panel of judges to determine this year’s finalists. We are honored to congratulate these dedicated professionals, whose names are listed below in alphabetical order by award category.
The winners will be revealed during a special surprise announcement at the annual HCPS Celebration of Excellence in Education, taking place on April 16 at Edgewood High School.
Please join us in celebrating our remarkable finalists and wishing them the very best as we prepare to announce this year’s winners!
Principal of the Year*
*The HCPS Principal of the Year was announced at the Harford County Education Foundation's Excellence in Education Breakfast in October and will be honored during this event.
Jennifer N. Gasdia, Old Post Road Elementary School
Assistant Principal of the Year
- Lauren M. Cody, C. Milton Wright High School
- Sara E. Collis, Bel Air High School
- Latika J. Diggs, Meadowvale Elementary School
- Caitlin L. Sieracki, Bakerfield Elementary School
- Stacey L. Zengel, Fallston High School
Teacher of the Year
- Nathan L. Armstrong, Fifth Grade Teacher, Hickory Elementary School
- Michael B. James, English Teacher, North Harford High High School
- Brad D. Martin, Trades and Industry Teacher, Harford Technical High School
- Meredith A. Miller, Second Grade Teacher, Ring Factory Elementary School
- Kelli S. Parker, Special Education Teacher, Darlington Elementary School
Educational Support Professional of the Year
- Cassandra “Cindy” J. Horton, Paraeducator, Fountain Green Elementary School
- Tara L. Koppenhaver, Inclusion Helper, Havre de Grace Elementary School
- Tara Y. Lloyd Laurence, Paraeducator, Bakerfield Elementary School
Student Services Professional of the Year
One student services winner will be chosen from the subcategory finalists named below.
School Nurse
- Kimberly R. Bandy, Meadowvale Elementary School
School Counselor
- Karen J. Cunningham, Edgewood Elementary School
Social Worker
- Carrie L. Dalton, Edgewood Middle School
Pupil Personnel Worker
- Sarah Q. Lumbard, Magnolia Elementary School
School Psychologist
- Adriana A. Pizzadili, Edgewood High School
Operations Professional of the Year
One operations winner will be chosen from the subcategory finalists named below.
Facilities
- Kenneth H. Earle, Custodial Services Coordinator, Operations (Hickory Annex)
Safety/Security
- Christopher N. McKelvey, School Safety Liaison, C. Milton Wright High School
Food Services
- Eric C. Rhodes, Food and Nutrition Coordinator, Food and Nutrition Services
Custodian
- Michael W. Serrini, Custodian, Meadowvale Elementary School
Technology
- Stephen M. Shaw, Network Engineer, Office of Technology (posthumous)
Transportation Professionals of the Year
Three transportation winners will be chosen, one from each of the subcategories below.
General Education Drivers
- Kimberly Bennett, Bus 720
- Thelma Brown, Bus 918
Special Education Drivers
- Maranda N. Johnson, Bus 464
- Dawn M. Mahaley, Bus 323
Bus Attendants
- Elizabeth Cole, Bus 474
- Terry L. Lecuyer, Bus 326
