Harford County Public Schools

The annual HCPS Celebration of Excellence in Education recognizes the hard work and dedication of all HCPS staff and the impacts they have on the daily lives of our students, families, and community. Each year we name an assistant principal, bus attendant, bus drivers, education support professional, operations professional, principal, student services professional, and teacher of the year.

Nominees are accepted in the fall/winter for the annual spring event. Nominations are received from students, staff, families, and members of the Harford County community. Nominations are then narrowed down to a small pool of finalists for each category and a winner is chosen by a designated judging committee for each individual category.

Check back in November 2026 for the 2027 Celebration of Excellence in Education nomination window.

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2026

Assistant Principal of the Year

Caitlin Sieracki
Bakerfield Elementary School

Caitlin Sieracki has been an educator for 19 years, proudly serving the students and community of Harford County. Mrs. Sieracki earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Towson University and her master's degree in administration and supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She taught in grades three and four at Old Post Road Elementary and earned National Board Certification for literacy in 2013. Mrs. Sieracki served in a variety of Title 1 leadership roles at Edgewood Elementary before becoming assistant principal in 2022 at Bakerfield Elementary. She is deeply honored to be nominated as Assistant Principal of the Year for Harford County Public Schools.

2026 Finalists

Lauren Cody
C. Milton Wright High School

Lauren Cody is an experienced educational leader currently serving as Assistant Principal at C. Milton Wright High School. With nearly three decades in the field of education, she has held the roles of assistant principal, special education department chair, and special educator across high school and middle school settings. Ms. Cody holds multiple advanced degrees, including a master’s in human resources and leadership, a master’s in secondary education, an Administration I certification, and a Pupil Personnel Worker endorsement. Known for her collaborative leadership, she supports students and families through targeted interventions, restorative practices, and community partnerships.

Sara Collis
Bel Air High School

Sara Collis is an assistant principal who has proudly served the Harford County Public Schools community for 15 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Kutztown University (2011) and a master's degree in educational leadership from Goucher College (2019). A former special educator, Ms. Collis is deeply committed to equitable access and inclusive practices. She serves as the liaison for Special Education, the Classroom Support Program, and English Language Learners, and supports the Senior Class. Her leadership includes participation in the Secondary Special Education Work Group, Student Support Team, and School Performance and Achievement Team.

Latika Diggs
Meadowvale Elementary School

Latika Diggs serves as the assistant principal of Meadowvale Elementary School, where she is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all students. Ms. Diggs attended Towson University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. She also attended Johns Hopkins University, where she obtained a Master of Science in Education. With 19 years of experience in education, Ms. Diggs has worked as a classroom teacher and instructional leader, supporting both academic growth and student well-being. Ms. Diggs has more than 15 years of Title I experience. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff and believes collaboration is key to student success. Ms. Diggs is dedicated to promoting positive school culture, supporting teachers, and helping every child reach their full potential.

Stacey Zengel
Fallston High School

Stacey Zengel is an assistant principal at Fallston High School, serving in her 34th year in education across Cecil and Harford County Public Schools. She has served as a teacher, athletic coach, school administrator, and supervisor supporting professional development, instructional coaching, and new teacher induction. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Health Sciences from Towson University and holds two master’s degrees from Loyola College and Western Maryland College. She holds Administrator I certification, is a Certified Engagement Coach, and a former graduate studies instructor. She serves on her school’s Administrative Team, Instructional Leadership Team, School Performance and Achievement Team, Student Support Team, and partners with the Parent Teacher Student Association and counseling.

2026

General Education Bus Driver of the Year:

Kimberly Bennett
Bus 720

Kimberly Bennett is a lifelong Harford County resident and Bel Air High School graduate (1978) with 39 years of service to HCPS. She currently drives Bus 720 serving North Harford High, North Harford Middle, and North Bend Elementary schools. She comes from a family deeply rooted in school transportation. Known for her warmth and creativity, Ms. Bennett builds strong connections with students—greeting each by name, dressing up for holidays, and creating a joyful, safe environment on her bus. Students and families praise her kindness, patience, and dedication, noting her commitment to both fun and safety. She takes pride in her rural route and the relationships she’s built, often saying she has six biological grandchildren and 66 “bonus” ones from the students she cares for each day.

2026 Finalists

Thelma Brown
Bus 918

Thelma Brown has been a part of Harford County Public Schools since 2000 and currently drives bus 918 serving students at North Harford High, North Harford Middle, and North Harford Elementary schools. Ms. Brown's return to the road this school year is a story that resonated deeply with every family on her route. After stepping away for two and a half years to fight multiple cancer diagnoses, she came back to the job she loves, and her students and families were waiting for her. Known for her punctuality, consistency, and caring nature, Ms. Brown creates a positive environment on her bus—greeting students with a smile and celebrating them with small gifts throughout the year. Her dedication and resilience have made a lasting impact on her community. Ms. Brown calls her nomination an honor and a miracle, and says, "All bus drivers deserve the love." Grateful for her route, supportive colleagues, and the students she serves, her love for her job shows every day.

2026

Special Education Bus Driver of the Year:

Dawn Mahaley
Bus 323

Dawn Mahaley is a lifelong Harford County resident and Edgewood High School graduate who has spent 27 years driving a school bus, the last 15 with Harford County Public Schools. She currently serves students at Joppatowne High, Old Post Road, Deerfield, and Edgewood elementary schools. She brings the same warmth and consistency to every route she has driven throughout her career. Ms. Mahaley's approach to her work is built on communication and adaptability. She advises new drivers to always be willing to learn, to recognize that each child has individual needs, and to keep parents informed so they feel confident their child is safe and well cared for. Her nominators, including colleagues and supervisors, describe her as dedicated, compassionate, and professional in every aspect of her role. She is known for her ever-present smile, her willingness to step in whenever help is needed, and her ability to create a joyful and nurturing environment on the bus. One colleague wrote that her presence alone uplifts those around her. To say she loves her job, Ms. Mahaley notes, is an understatement. Over 27 years she has met many people, some of whom have become her closest friends, but what she values most is the students themselves- watching them learn and grow from one season to the next. Welcoming them in the morning and sending them home at the end of the day, she says, makes getting out of bed almost effortless.

2026 Finalists

Maranda Johnson
Bus 464

Maranda Johnson has spent four years as a special needs bus driver for HCPS, currently serving students at Prospect Mill Elementary and the Harford Tech Future Link program. Originally from Cleveland, NC, she moved to Maryland in 2018 with her husband and three children and found a career that feels more like a calling than a job. Transportation runs in her family—her stepmother drove a special needs bus throughout her childhood, inspiring her love for the work and the students, and her mother is a tractor-trailer driver. She encourages new drivers to put student safety first, take full advantage of training opportunities, and never hesitate to ask questions. Nominators describe Ms. Johnson as patient, kind, and a strong communicator who holds herself to a high standard and speaks often of her students. She consistently goes above and beyond, covering extra runs, participating in the Fourth of July parade, working summers in the garage, and contributing to district video projects—all while excelling in her daily role. What inspires her most are her students: watching them grow, seeing smiles at drop-off, and watching them being greeted at home with hugs each day. She is grateful for the support of her attendant, coworkers, and community, and says she plans to remain with HCPS for the rest of her career.

2026

Bus Attendant of the Year:

Elizabeth Cole
Bus 474

Elizabeth Cole has served Harford County Public Schools for 13 years as a bus attendant, working with students at C. Milton Wright High, Meadowvale, William S. James, and Havre de Grace elementary schools. Originally from Jacksonville, MD, Ms. Cole wakes up every day committed to doing the best job she can and says being nominated for this recognition is truly an honor. Ms. Cole believes that teamwork is at the heart of the job. She advises new attendants to make the most of their time together and to always work as a team with their driver. Her nominators describe her as someone whose investment in her students goes well beyond the daily routine. Over three years, she played a central role in helping one student with special needs move from anxious and uncertain about bus rides to completely comfortable and confident, ultimately no longer needing the special needs bus at all. She worked closely with the family throughout, collaborating on the best pickup and drop-off locations and even initiating the idea of dropping the student at his behavioral therapy center. Ms. Cole says one of the most rewarding parts of her work is staying long enough to watch students grow and move on to new schools. For her, those milestones make every day worthwhile.

2026 Finalists

Terry Lecuyer
Bus 326

Terry Lecuyer brings more than nine years of dedicated service to Harford County Public Schools as a bus attendant for students at Kennedy Krieger High School. A Bel Air native and proud graduate of Harford Vocational High School (1980), Ms. Lecuyer has built a reputation over nearly a decade as someone who shows up for her students, her drivers, and her families every single day. She encourages new attendants to take their time learning their route, to listen to and learn from their drivers, and to view the students in their care as they would their own children. She also acknowledges that difficult days come with the job, but that the good always outweighs the bad, and that those harder moments are what shape a better attendant. Colleagues who have worked alongside her for more than 15 years describe her as kind, attentive, and deeply compassionate. For Ms. Lecuyer, what makes the work meaningful is simple: connecting with children and seeing the world through their eyes.

2026

Education Support Professional of the Year

Tara Lloyd-Laurence
Bakerfield Elementary School

Tara Lloyd-Laurence is a dedicated reading paraeducator at Bakerfield Elementary School, where she supports students in kindergarten through fifth grade. In her role, she leads intervention groups and collaborates with classroom teachers to provide small group instruction tailored to meet each student's needs and foster their growth. Ms. Lloyd-Laurence has been a part of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) since 2017 and joined the Bakerfield Elementary community in 2020. Originally from St. Martin, she brings a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for education to her work each day. As a proud mother of four children who all attended HCPS, Ms. Lloyd-Laurence understands firsthand the impact that strong educators can have on a child's journey. She is passionate about her work and finds joy in helping students discover their potential. One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is igniting a love for reading, watching students gain confidence, curiosity, and excitement as they unlock the power of words. Ms. Lloyd-Laurence truly loves what she does and is committed to making learning meaningful, engaging, and inspiring for every student she serves.

2026 Finalists

Cassandra Horton
Fountain Green Elementary School

Cindy Horton is honored to have served for 23 years as an educational support professional for Harford County Public Schools. Born and raised in Harford County, she feels fortunate to have worked, in various capacities, at the three elementary schools she once attended. Ms. Horton has spent most of her career working in self-contained classrooms within the Strive and Early Learners programs but also has worked for Infants and Toddlers, providing home visits and family support to her beautiful students. Currently, she enjoys her role with the Birth to Five Community Support Team, which allows her to travel throughout the county, collaborate with educators, experience diverse instructional approaches, and build meaningful relationships with students and staff. Mentoring students with Autism from Pre-K to 5 has been a highlight of her career, and she never misses an opportunity to grow and learn. In her downtime, Ms. Horton enjoys keeping up to date with current Autism research, reading, dog training, camping, and riding her Harley Davidson.

Tara Koppenhaver
Havre de Grace Elementary School

Tara Koppenhaver has served as an Inclusion Helper with Harford County Public Schools for four years. Originally from Baltimore County, she graduated from Chesapeake High School in Essex, MD. She loves all things outdoors and spending time with her three children, ages 17, 12, and five. She has also raised her brother since birth, and he is now 22 years old. Ms. Koppenhaver has an immense love for children and could not imagine her life any differently. She has great passion for her job and working with the amazing students at Havre de Grace Elementary School. In the future, she looks forward to seeing the many amazing things that are to come for her students, children, and family.

2026

Operations Professional of the Year

Christopher McKelvey
C. Milton Wright High School

Christopher McKelvey was born in Maryland and spent several years living in Wisconsin before returning to Maryland, where he graduated from Bel Air High School in 2013. He began his career with Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) as a Custodian I at Edgewood Middle School. In 2018, he was promoted to Chief Custodian at Havre de Grace Elementary School. Three years later, he transitioned into the role of School Safety Liaison at C. Milton Wright High School. With a decade of dedicated service to HCPS, Christopher has built a career marked by growth, commitment, and a strong focus on supporting safe and effective school environments.

2026 Finalists

Kenneth Earle
Operations (Hickory Annex)

Ken Earle is a graduate of Bel Air High School with a diverse background in building supply, logistics, and public service. Mr. Earle’s interest in public education grew while volunteering at Forest Lakes Elementary School through his son and daughter’s school activities. As a parent classroom helper, he developed a deep appreciation for the dedication of teachers, building operations teams, and school administrators. He later joined Harford County Public Schools in the roofing department before moving into the role of custodial coordinator assistant. During this time, Mr. Earle earned his Herbicide and Pesticide Applicator licenses through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He also continued his professional development by obtaining his Grade 4 Stationary Engineer license and completing the Foundations of School Business Management Program through the Association of School Business Officials. Today, Mr. Earle serves as a custodial service coordinator for the Central Region of HCPS. He currently holds a Grade 2 Maryland Stationary Engineer license. In this role, he supports daily custodial operations across fourteen schools and administrative buildings and helps support training programs in custodial fundamentals, integrated pest management, aerial lift and forklift safety certification, and the Boiler Plant Operator class for facilities and school-based staff. With nearly nine years of service to HCPS, Mr. Earle is grateful for the opportunity to serve the HCPS community by helping create clean, safe, and well-maintained learning environments where students and staff can thrive.

Eric Rhodes
Food and Nutrition Services

Eric Rhodes is a lifelong resident of Bel Air, Maryland. He graduated from Harford Vocational Technical High School in 1982. For 43 years, Eric has worked for Harford County Public Schools. He has served in the Facilities, Purchasing, and Food and Nutrition departments, holding positions as Summer Painter, Roofing Crew Chief, Warehouseman/Driver, Courier, and currently, Food Services Coordinator. In his current role, Mr. Rhodes schedules appointments; unloads shipments; checks, receives, and stages products in the warehouse and a 0-degree freezer; and rotates product by date. He also coordinates the picking, packing, and shipping of school orders to ensure they are delivered on their scheduled delivery day. Mr. Rhodes has been married for 40 years and has two sons. He enjoys church, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks with the family dog.

Michael Serrini
Meadowvale Elementary School

Michael Serrini currently supports Meadowvale Elementary School as their night shift custodial lead. This is his 17th year with Harford County Public Schools. He was assigned to Aberdeen High School in his first year with the system and, after that, he moved to Meadowvale Elementary School where he has been for the last 16 years. Mr. Serrini is originally from the New Haven area of Connecticut. He is a proud graduate of C. Milton Wright High School, class of 2002. He has two sons and two, soon to be, stepsons. Mr. Serrini will be celebrating his wedding on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Stephen Shaw
Office of Technology

Steve Shaw was a Harford County native, growing up in Fallston and graduating from Fallston High in 2001 where he played a pivotal role on the lacrosse team that won the state championship in 2001. He also still holds the record for the most interceptions by any player on the football team. He was inaugurated into the Fallston Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. Mr. Shaw graduated from Towson University with a Marketing degree but changed career direction in his early 30’s, graduating from University of Maryland, University College with a degree in Information Technology (IT). He began his technology career with Presidio as an IT consultant before finding his home with HCPS. For the past five years, Mr. Shaw was an HCPS network engineer where he served as the primary engineer for the wireless network for the entire organization. Mr. Shaw’s wife, Kim, is also a Fallston-native, and they made Fallston their permanent family home in 2018. They have two sons, Jake (16), a sophomore at Fallston High and Connor (9) a third-grade student at Youth’s Benefit Elementary. Mr. Shaw was a devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend and co-worker, and cherished son. He lost his valiant fight with pancreatic cancer in December 2025 and is greatly missed.

2026

Principal of the Year

Jennifer Gasdia
Old Post Road Elementary School

Jennifer Gasdia is a proud product of Harford County Public Schools and has dedicated 23 years to serving students, staff, and families as an educator and school leader. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Towson University in 2003 and a master’s degree in human resources with an educational leadership track from Towson University in 2009. Mrs. Gasdia served as assistant principal at Havre de Grace Elementary School for seven years and principal for four years. Since September, she has served as interim principal at Old Post Road Elementary School. In October of 2025, she received the Harford Education Foundation Principal Achievement Award in recognition of her leadership. Her work is guided by the belief that “a successful school beats with one heart,” uniting students, staff, families, and community partners to move a school community forward with purpose and shared commitment.

2026

Student Services Professional of the Year

Karen Cunningham
Edgewood Elementary School

Karen Cunningham is a dedicated educator who earned her bachelor's degree in special and elementary education from Marywood College and a master’s degree in school counseling from Loyola University, Maryland. She served Harford County Public Schools as a special educator for 10 years and has been a school counselor for 16 years. Ms. Cunningham is an active member of her school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Team, School Performance and Achievement Team, Student Support Team, Care Team, and Attendance Team, and has mentored 14 interns. She also volunteers with Penn-Mar Human Services and the Stewartstown Food Pantry. Ms. Cunningham is proud that Edgewood Elementary is the only school in Harford County to earn the prestigious American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation for delivering school counseling programs that demonstrate the school’s commitment to supporting both the school and district.

Kimberly Bandy
Meadowvale Elementary School

Kimberly Bandy is a lifelong Harford County resident. This is Ms. Bandy’s 17th year as a school nurse at Meadowvale Elementary School and is dedicated to promoting student health and safety within the education system. She initially received her nursing degree from Harford Community College and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Ohio University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Bandy is a Nationally Certified School Nurse. She is currently an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor for Harford County Public Schools and Upper Chesapeake Medical Center staff. Ms. Bandy enjoys sharing her knowledge with parents, students, and staff and has been a mentor to many new nurses throughout the years.

Carrie Dalton
Edgewood Middle School

Carrie Dalton is currently the school social worker at Edgewood Middle School to which she became a dedicated RAM in 2024. She was born and raised in Lancaster, PA to her greatest support system: her parents. Ms. Dalton completed her bachelor’s degree in social work at Lock Haven University in 2013. She went on to earn her master’s degree in social work with a focus on clinical social work practice at Syracuse University in 2024. Ms. Dalton first found her love for student success as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Shand in Cornwall, PA. At the beginning of her social work career in 2013, Ms. Dalton was a paraprofessional for a high school autistic support classroom before being certified to be a teacher in special education. Between 2020 and 2024, Ms. Dalton worked in service coordination and advocacy for adults with intellectual disabilities to provide resources in the community to support a high quality of life. Ms. Dalton strives to provide resources, opportunities, advocacy, and empowerment for her students at Edgewood Middle School. Outside of her daily responsibilities at her school, Ms. Dalton surrounds herself with her life’s joy: her family, three dogs, and friends. Additionally, Ms. Dalton is an advisory board member of the WillPower boys mentoring group.

Sarah Lumbard
Magnolia Elementary School

Sarah Lumbard earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a certification in secondary education from Nazareth College of Rochester. She went on to complete a Master of Education in school counseling from Loyola College and later earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Organizational Change from Towson University. From 2002 to 2005, Mrs. Lumbard served as a middle school Language Arts and Reading teacher at Kapolei Middle School in Hawaii and at Loch Raven Academy in Baltimore County. She continued her work in student services from 2006 to 2009 as a School Counselor at North Harford Middle School. Mrs. Lumbard then dedicated thirteen years to school leadership, serving as assistant principal at four HCPS middle schools: Bel Air, Havre de Grace, Southampton, and Edgewood. In 2021, she completed the requirements for the Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) endorsement, and in 2022, she transitioned from the role of assistant principal to the role of PPW. Over the past four years, Mrs. Lumbard has proudly served the Magnolia Elementary School community as the Community Schools PPW. Beyond her work with Harford County Public Schools, Mrs. Lumbard has coached youth soccer for the past twelve years through the Fallston Recreation Soccer Program. Of all her roles, the one that she values most is being a wife and the mother of four.

Adriana Pizzadili
Edgewood High School

Adriana Pizzadili is a nationally certified school psychologist at Edgewood High School in her 8th year of service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from James Madison University (2012), a Master of Arts in psychology (2016), and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from Towson University (2018). Adriana serves on multiple student support and leadership teams, including the Student Support Team, School Performance and Achievement Team, 504, Individualized Education Program, Crisis Response Team, Trauma Response Manual Workgroup, and Counseling as a Related Service Workgroup. She is head coach of the varsity field hockey team and a certified trainer in Restorative Practices and Question, Persuade, Refer. Adriana demonstrates a collaborative spirit and strong dedication to ensuring every student and colleague feels supported, heard, and valued.

2026

Teacher of the Year

Michael James
North Harford High School

Michael James has worked in education for more than 30 years. He is a National Board-Certified Teacher and the North Harford High School English Department Chair. He centers his practice on growth for students, teachers, and communities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Washington and Jefferson College (1993) and a Master of Arts in Reading from Towson University (2004). Before starting at North Harford, Mr. James taught in several schools and served multiple communities. He has served Harford County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, curriculum writer, and professional development leader. He works in district work groups on grading, reading, and technology. Mr. James advocates for student voice as the Voices of Equity advisor and editor of Misentity magazine.

2026 Finalists

Nathan Armstrong
Hickory Elementary School

Nathan Armstrong is a fifth-grade teacher at Hickory Elementary School with 12 years of experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in instructional technology from Towson University. He holds certificates in elementary education, middle school science, administration, and environmental education and leadership. He serves Hickory Elementary as science facilitator, Science Attribute Team co-chair, grade level chair, technology support specialist, Safety & Security Committee member, and Ecology Club sponsor. Within Harford County, Mr. Armstrong is a Family Life Education Curriculum Committee member, an EMT and Past President for Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps, and a Master Watershed Steward. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Brad Martin
Harford Technical High School

Brad Martin is a dedicated welding educator with more than two decades of combined industry and teaching experience. He began his career at Bethlehem Steel in 1999 and spent 15 years in the pipefitting and pipe welding trades before transitioning into education in 2014. Mr. Martin teaches welding at Harford Technical High School and developed the Arc Welding Fundamentals curriculum for Harford Community College. He was named the SkillsUSA Region 3 Advisor of the Year for 2018-2019 and received the 2024 Our Community Salutes STEM Educator Award for helping students explore meaningful STEM related career pathways and important future opportunities.

Meredith Miller
Ring Factory Elementary School

Meredith Miller is a dedicated educator with ten years of experience serving students across Baltimore and Harford counties. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood and special education from Towson University, providing dual certification to support diverse learners. Ms. Miller began her career as a first-grade teacher in Baltimore County before transitioning to special education and later returning to the classroom in Harford County. She earned a master’s degree in supervision and leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University, along with her Administrative I certificate, and received the Academic Excellence Award. She has served on the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, School Performance and Achievement, Math, and Reading teams; and co-founded a schoolwide House Program. Ms. Miller leads professional development, actively engages in students’ lives, and coaches youth soccer.

Kelli Parker
Darlington Elementary School

With 21 years of teaching experience, including a decade in HCPS, Kelli Parker has served as a special education lead teacher, IEP chairperson, and Teacher in Charge. Her leadership supports instructional teams, school improvement, safety, crisis response, and student services. Kelli has coordinated statewide assessments, mentored future educators, and promoted data driven instruction as the iReady liaison. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Education from Widener University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati, she advances inclusive practices, equity, and disability awareness, fostering collaborative, safe, and high-achieving learning environments where all students thrive.