MCPS Educators Recognized By the Maryland Arts Education Association
Back: Malina Danowski, Francisca Moraga-Lopez (Glenstone), Anjali Wells, Sara Lucas-driess, Jule Barnes; Front: Emily Thaler, Lenore Hoover
On Oct. 18, the Maryland Arts Education Association recognized several MCPS staff members during its annual conference. The awards include:
Agent of Change, which honors an individual who exemplifies, demonstrates and/or leads social impact or social justice efforts in the work they do within visual arts, design and media arts education and Advocate for Inclusivity Through Art, which recognizes an art educator who does outstanding work connecting students with varying abilities or language backgrounds and special populations through the arts.
- Sara Lucas-Dreiss, Longview School
Career Art Educator, which recognizes educators with five or more years of teaching experience.
- Samantha Nachlas, Greenwood Elementary School
- Emily Thaler, Bannockburn Elementary School
- Lenore Hoover, Silver Creek Middle School
- Emily Aumaitre, Paint Branch High School
- Malina Danowski, Clarksburg High School
Educator as Practicing Artist, which recognizes an art educator who demonstrates exemplary professional art practice outside of the classroom in addition to their teaching duties.
- Megan Maher, Woodlin Elementary School
Emeritus Art Educator, which recognizes retired educators.
- Tony Kalagyros, Francis Scott Key Middle School
- Karen Seebohm, Carderock Springs Elementary School
Outstanding Art Club Sponsor, which recognizes the dedication of an elementary art educator who sponsors an outstanding after-school art club.
- Bridget Adams, Greencastle Elementary School
Novice Art Educator, which recognizes educators with less than five years of teaching experience.
- Julie Barnes, Rosemont Elementary School
- Lorelei Gerstemeier, Montgomery Village Middle School
- Randa Gahima, Paint Branch High School
2025 Linda Popp Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions and professional service to art education.
- Anjali Wells, Fine Arts
