Legislator of the Year: Champion of Public Education

Delegate Gregory Wims

A Gaithersburg High School graduate and proactive legislator, Delegate Greg Wims bridges local needs and state law by championing Board of Education priorities in Annapolis. His most notable success has been supporting the most vulnerable students, newcomers who do not have enough time to earn a high school diploma, by requiring that individuals be permitted to take all sections of the GED exam in Spanish. This change has enabled more than 15 Career Readiness Education Academy (CREA) students to graduate after previously facing language barriers. In 2026, Delegate Wims also supported initiatives to improve financial accessibility for advanced programs, provide flexibility in the school calendar and modernize graduation requirements. Beyond policy, he remains actively engaged in the MCPS community, regularly attending school system events and meetings to stay connected with students, families and staff.

Board of Education Business Partner

MilliporeSigma (Odalys Hernandez)

Over the past three years, MilliporeSigma, a leading supplier of lab materials, technologies and services for research, development and pharmaceutical manufacturing, has increased its investment in MCPS' biotech and medical bioscience programs. MilliporeSigma has provided support to students through internships, hosted career panels, conducted mock interviews and offered hands-on lab training. The company has contributed to curriculum development, hosted students for specialized training, and donated $10,000 to $15,000 annually to expand access to biotech education for more students. Its employees are actively involved in academic and community events, reinforcing long-term engagement with students. Students have gained confidence by interacting with professionals and seeing themselves reflected in the workforce. The company's impact has helped improve student outcomes, diversity and equity within biotech programs.

Board of Education School Service Volunteer

Kim Saphire, Harmony Hills Elementary School

Drawing on her experience as a former teacher and current substitute, Kim Saphire identified struggling readers at Harmony Hills Elementary School in Silver Spring and created a 1:1 after-school reading tutoring program. Saphire developed the program by preparing materials, recruiting and training volunteers, and assessing student reading levels. The Let's Read Tutoring Club now serves 16-17 students with three hours of personalized weekly tutoring, coordinated by 34 volunteers and tailored to each student's progress. The program has improved students' reading skills and confidence, with teachers noting measurable progress. By engaging community volunteers and creating a sustainable support system, this work benefits not only individual students, but also the school, MCPS and the broader community, shaping the future of Montgomery County's young learners.

Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision

Rhoshanda M. Pyles, Principal at Rockville High School

This award honors an MCPS administrator or supervisor who exemplifies the commitment to service, leadership and excellence demonstrated by Dr. Edward Shirley, MCAAP's first full-time president. Rhoshanda M. Pyles was selected for her purposeful leadership, strong instructional focus and exceptional interpersonal skills. She consistently fosters the growth of others, manages resources strategically to support student success, and actively engages families and community partners in meaningful ways. Staff shared that Pyles has high expectations, believes in her staff and goes out of her way to help students. Parents note that she is the glue that holds the school community together. And, students say she immerses herself in the student experience, has great respect for them and has changed their lives.

Board of Education Student Service Award Winner

Raj Awasthi, Montgomery Blair High School

A Montgomery Blair High School junior, Raj Awasthi founded BetterPlanet4Kids when he was in 7th grade. His work engages students in environmental action, civic participation and educational support while providing them with meaningful service-learning opportunities. His podcast, YouthRUs, amplifies student voices and encourages leadership, advocacy and civic engagement, connecting young people with prominent thought leaders. In the last three years, Raj has made sustained, systemwide contributions through campaigns, such as Safer Roads 4 Kids, leadership on the MCPS Student Climate Action Council, and large-scale environmental service projects, such as MLK Day and Earth Day cleanups. He has organized voter pledge drives, led fundraising for educational resources, and advocated for state legislation on recycling. Through this work, he has created opportunities for students to earn hundreds of SSL hours and empowered them to participate in civic and environmental initiatives.

MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year

Kayla Jackson, Montgomery Knolls Elementary School

Now in her fifth year teaching, Kayla Jackson is in her first year teaching first grade after four years in kindergarten. A dynamic teacher, she fills her classroom with celebrations of achievements, and has taught students a system for tracking their own data, encouraging students to achieve goals they set for themselves. She seizes every moment to teach students to be writers, explicitly modeling craft and honoring student voice. Jackson regularly positions students as the "teacher," intentionally disrupting traditional power dynamics so students build confidence and leadership skills. In 2024-2025, her data-informed instruction led to measurable success, reflected in increasing MAP growth achievement for Hispanic students from 38% to 63%, and growth in reading proficiency for all students from 63% to 88%.

Board of Education Legacy Award

DARCARS—Jamie Darvish

Through his leadership of DARCARS Automotive Group, Jamie Darvish has strengthened partnerships with MCPS and the Automotive Trades Foundation, helping to align education with real-world industry needs. Darvish has expanded workforce development through the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association and its training programs. He has supported MCPS through donations of vehicles, engines and equipment, as well as access to industry training, and has created student internships and apprenticeship opportunities. His sustained efforts, along with active employee involvement, have modernized automotive education and strengthened systemwide programming. His impact has improved student access to career pathways, hands-on learning and essential resources. His philanthropic efforts, including eliminating student lunch debt, have addressed critical barriers to learning.

R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year

Addison Finlay, Northwood High School

A premier hurdler in Maryland, Addison Finlay is the 2026 MPSSAA 3A State Champion in the indoor 55-meter hurdles and a New Balance Nationals qualifier. She is respected for her sportsmanship, resilience and commitment to her team, contributing across multiple relay events while fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. Addison is an Honor Roll student in the Montgomery College Middle College program, where she is earning her high school diploma and college credits toward an associate degree. She is a member of the National Honor Society, involved in the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, a leader in her school's STEM Club, and a participant in the 2026 Naval Academy Summer Seminar.

Teacher of the Year Finalists

Elementary:
Alvaro Silva, Laytonsville Elementary School

Colleagues and parents praise Alvaro Silva's ability to create an inclusive environment, particularly for students with significant special needs. He adapted his classroom environment, becoming intentional about offering visual prompts, tactile supports, movement and incorporating Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices for language learners. A Chilean-American, Alvaro, who is pursuing a doctorate in music education at Boston University, uses a mindfulness-based lens to help students develop attentional tools and reach a state of flow during music. He encourages students with fine motor challenges to explore playing instruments, which has led to increased musical engagement and dancing at home. Silva identifies what motivates students, such as a specific interest in jazz or the trumpet, and incorporates those elements into his lessons. He also focuses on literacy and world music to help students become culturally aware musicians.

Middle School:
Delia Dunlap, Silver Spring International Middle School

With over 20 years of experience, Delia Dunlap specializes in civic education, global studies and English language development. She has transformed the Model United Nations elective into a premier program where students engage with real-world issues through research, debate and simulations. As the Student Government Association advisor, she empowers students to see themselves as capable leaders and to take action on issues they care about. Dunlap creates a student-centered classroom that amplifies individual voices and prioritizes project-based, experiential learning. Beyond academics, she acts as a tireless advocate for her students, helping them navigate middle school challenges with a focus on their long-term growth and leadership potential. She has also organized community-building events and mentored staff with a focus on equity and project-based learning.

Media and Technology:
Bryan Nance, Montgomery Blair High School

A 33-year veteran of MCPS, Bryan Nance is described as the giant heart of his school. Colleagues praise his technical expertise in managing audio-visual systems, his proactive problem-solving and his ability to multitask during high-pressure events. He resolved complex audio-visual issues for health and physical education teachers, revamping sound systems in the dance and weight rooms, ensuring they were durable enough to withstand building challenges, such as water damage. Beyond his technical role, Nance has mentored students as a football and track coach for over three decades. He is widely recognized for his reliability, institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment to the Blair community.

Board of Education Community Partner Finalists