Middle School Teacher Receives Milken Award and a $25,000 Surprise

Teacher Madeline Hanington is flanked by Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Family Foundation, and Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown.

A seventh grade MCPS English teacher got a $25,000 surprise today, Nov. 29.

Madeline Hanington, a teacher at Gaithersburg Middle School, received a Milken Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation, which includes a $25,000 prize that she can use however she chooses. Hanington did not even know she was up for the award when she attended an assembly Tuesday morning at the school with Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown, interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky and other dignitaries.

Hangington was not only recognized for the outstanding achievement of her students, but also for her innovative teaching methods, her leadership in the school community and her efforts to engage and involve parents.

"Madeline Hanington is a tremendous example of the outstanding staff at MCPS and the impact great teachers have in the lives of their students," said Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr, who attended Tuesday's event. "Congratulations to Madeline, her students and her colleagues at Gaithersburg Middle School."

Read the full announcement from the Maryland State Department of Education.