Montgomery County Public Schools Celebrates Outstanding Contributions to Education at Annual Honors Ceremony

The Montgomery County Board of Education and (MCPS) presented the 2026 Distinguished Service to Education Honors, recognizing the profound and lasting impact of individuals dedicated to enriching our school communities. During a special ceremony, 22 awards were presented to exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the success of MCPS.

Michelle Elie, English teacher at Montgomery Blair High School, was named the 2026-2027 MCPS Teacher of the Year. A National Board-Certified Teacher and founder of Blair’s African American Studies Academy, Elie has been praised for nurturing student talent, fostering inclusive communities and empowering marginalized voices through poetry, literature and advocacy. Elie will now represent MCPS as the nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award. 

Oscar Alvarenga, a newcomers transition coordinator with the Department of International Admissions, was named the 2026 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This award celebrates a supporting services employee who has made an exceptional contribution to the success of MCPS.

The Montgomery Board of Education Community Partner Award was presented to Donald Williams and the Game Changers Conference Committee. This award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has, within the past three years, provided sustained service, support and commitment to public education in MCPS.

A number of other MCPS staff members and community members were also honored for their excellence and dedication to public education during the event.

• Raj Awasthi, Junior at Montgomery Blair High School, Board of Education Student Service Award
• DARCARS Automotive Group – Jamie Darvish, Board of Education Legacy Award
• Delia Dunlap, Middle School Teacher of the Year
• Addison Finlay, Student-Athlete, Northwood High School, R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year
• Michael Foxwell, SEIU Maintenance Chapter Employee of the Year
• MilliporeSigma – Odalys Hernandez, Board of Education Business Partner
• Kayla Jackson, MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year
• Michelle Li, SEIU Food Services Chapter Employee of the Year
• Aaron McFarland, SEIU Paraeducators Chapter Employee of the Year
• Bryan Nance, SEIU Media and Technology Chapter Employee of the Year
• New Orchestra of Washington (NOW), Board of Education Community Partner Finalist
• Rhoshanda M. Pyles, Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision
• Residents at The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, Board of Education Community Partner Finalist
• Jackeline Stella Rivas, SEIU Security Chapter Employee of the Year
• Santos Rivera Hernandez, SEIU Transportation Chapter Employee of the Year
• Kim Saphire, Board of Education School Service Volunteer
• Alvaro Silva, Elementary School Teacher of the Year
• Alicia Vargas, SEIU Building Services Chapter Employee of the Year
• State Delegate Gregory Wims, Board of Education Legislator of the Year: Champion of Public Education

This year’s honorees are recognized for their leadership within a school system built to meet the diverse and complex needs of Montgomery County at a scale few other districts can match. They embody the MCPS core values of Learning, Respect, Relationships, Excellence, and Equity, representing the very best of our educational community.

Learn more about the individuals honored Tuesday evening here.

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Watch a replay of the evening.

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