Hoyer Recognizes Educators from the Fifth District at Annual Luncheon
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) hosted his annual Educators Luncheon in Upper Marlboro recently to honor 17 exceptional educators, teachers, and education professionals in the Fifth District. Honorees included recipients of several leadership awards, including the Washington Post Finalists for the Teacher of the Year and County Educators of the Year Award Winners.
“I am proud to celebrate the outstanding educators and support staff who work hard every day for Marylanders in the Fifth District," said Congressman Hoyer. "America's teachers continue to face challenges of today with grace and resilience – as they have done for many years. Despite the Trump Administration's unprecedented attacks on the Department of Education and higher education, I will continue to fight for the funding needed to ensure all our students – no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status – receive equal treatment under the law and in the classroom. I thank them for meeting with me to discuss our shared commitment to the next generation of Marylanders."
The following education professionals were honored:
Anne Arundel County
1. Heather Garris, George Arlotto Leadership Award, Principal of the Year (2023-24)
Calvert County
1. Bill Voshell, Calvert County Teacher of the Year (2025)
2. Rebecca Bowen, Washington Post Principal Finalist (2025)
3. Wendy Badgley, Educational Support Professional of the Year (2025)
Charles County
1. Alison Cheney, Charles County Teacher of the Year (2025)
2. Georgia Green, Washington Post Teacher Finalist (2025)
3. Nicholas Adam, Washington Post Principal Finalist (2025)
4. Melissa Revell, Outstanding Employee of Charles County Public Schools (2025)
5. Melanie Sokol, Outstanding Employee of Charles County Public Schools (2025)
Prince George’s County
1. Lafiya Tunstall, Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year (2025)
2. Kathy Russell, Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year (2024)
3. Dr. Ryan Daniel, National Distinguished Principal (2025), Washington Post Principal of the Year (2024)
4. Lashawn James, Maryland’s Pupil Personnel Worker of the Year (2025)
St. Mary’s County
1. Hunter Martin, Washington Post Teacher Finalist (2025)
2. Dr. Deborah Dennie, Washington Post Principal Finalist (2025)
3. Vivian Johnson, St. Mary's County Public Schools Educational Support Professional of the Year (2025)
4. Kelly Bridges, Leader of Excellence (2025)