Three Finalists Selected for Supporting Services Employee of the Year

Three supporting services employees have been named finalists for the 2026 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This year’s annual awards, given by SEIU Local 500 and MCPS, are recognizing Oscar Alvarenga, newcomers transition coordinator, Department of International Admissions; Aaron McFarland, paraeducator, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, and Bryan Nance, media services technician, Montgomery Blair High School. The winner will be announced at a celebration in May.

Read more about the finalists:

Oscar Alvarenga

Oscar Alvarenga serves as a newcomers transition coordinator, where he plays a vital role in supporting newly arrived students and their families. Managing the International Admissions and Enrollment Welcome Center, he facilitates the transition of more than 4,000 new students annually, ensuring they receive not just academic placement, but essential access to housing, healthcare and legal resources. He has become known for his unwavering dedication, professionalism and ability to build trust across diverse communities.

A passionate advocate, Oscar approaches every family with compassion and respect, treating their challenges as his own. He has helped expand access to services for vulnerable populations, including students experiencing homelessness, and has strengthened partnerships between schools, community organizations and local agencies.

He has launched crucial programs in multiple schools, organized resource fairs and co-organized the Newcomer Youth Summit twice a year with Montgomery College and other partners. He leverages his community and political relationships to maximize benefits for newcomer families. He is calm under pressure and manages conflict effectively by offering unique solutions and elevating his department’s work, garnering supporting from leadership and the county.

Colleagues describe Oscar as a reliable problem-solver and a calm, steady presence, even in high-pressure situations. Through his work, he continues to redefine what it means to support newcomer communities, ensuring every student feels welcomed, valued and positioned to thrive.

Aaron McFarland

Aaron McFarland is a dedicated paraeducator and student support specialist at Col. Zadok Magruder High School, where he has become a trusted and transformative presence for students and staff. Known for his calm demeanor and strong relationship-building skills, Aaron works closely with students facing significant academic, behavioral and social-emotional challenges, helping them navigate obstacles to reach their full potential.

In his role, he supports Connections classes, oversees in-school intervention and plays a key role in restorative practices, guiding students through conflict resolution with empathy and accountability. Aaron creates a safe, structured environment where students feel heard, respected and motivated to improve. His ability to connect and build rapport with some of the school’s most vulnerable students has led to meaningful growth in their behavior, engagement and self-confidence.

Beyond the classroom, Aaron extends his impact as a football coach, using athletics as a platform to teach discipline, teamwork and perseverance. His mentorship often inspires students to stay focused and succeed on and off the field. He has also been a literal lifesaver. In December 2024, McFarland was recognized by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services for his quick response in providing life-saving assistance to a colleague who suffered cardiac arrest.

A natural leader and problem-solver, Aaron collaborates with staff across the school and supports students beyond school hours. His unwavering commitment, compassion and proactive approach make him an invaluable asset to the Magruder community.

Bryan Nance

Bryan Nance is a media services technician at Montgomery Blair High School, where he has spent his entire 33-year career with MCPS. Known as the "giant heart" of the school, colleagues praise his technical expertise in managing audio-visual systems, his proactive problem-solving, and his ability to multitask, often managing large-scale events, equipment inventories and support for other schools simultaneously. He resolved complex audio-visual issues for health and physical education teachers, revamping sound systems in the dance and weight rooms, ensuring they were reliable and durable enough to withstand building challenges, such as water damage. He provides essential support for specialized programs, including the Blair Network Communications studio, and the performing arts and theater programs.

For 32 years, he has coached football and track, mentoring generations of student-athletes by modeling discipline, integrity and perseverance. A former Division I football player, he leverages his background to develop well-rounded students both in and out of the classroom. He models discipline, integrity, teamwork and perseverance. His deep institutional knowledge and unwavering commitment have made him a beloved figure among alumni for decades.