Press Release: Seventh Annual Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalists Named
Statewide Winner To Be Announced On May 16
For Immediate Release Contact: Maureen Moran, 410.767.0477
Baltimore, MD (May 6, 2014)
State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery today announced the 24 semifinalists for the 2014 Parent Involvement Matters Award.
The Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA) Program is the nation’s first statewide initiative of its kind – recognizing parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive contributions in their education communities. This is PIMA’s seventh year.
The 2014 Parent Involvement Matters Award will be presented during an evening celebration on Friday, May 16. Five finalists and a statewide winner, selected from the 24 semifinalists detailed below, will be announced during the awards ceremony.
"We know that the most important element in any child's development is the education they receive at home. That is why it is so important that parents and guardians are active partners in shaping a strong educational community for all Maryland children," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "Maryland has achieved the number-one-in-the-nation status five years in a row because of the dedication of both educators and parents. Our State thanks the many parents across our State working tirelessly to build on that success. Together, we can continue to give the next generation everything they need to compete and win in the 21st century global economy."
Dr. Lowery agreed that the parental role is key. “I continue to be inspired by the level of commitment and dedication that parents and guardians across Maryland have for our public schools. I take pride in honoring them because they play a vital role in the education of our future leaders,” she said. “Parent involvement is the single most important factor ensuring that our children succeed.”
The PIMA Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement: Communication; Volunteering; Learning; Decision Making; and Community Collaboration.
Many of the semifinalists from previous years have become parent involvement advocates on the statewide level – serving as members of task forces, presenters at statewide meetings, and participants in education conventions as well as focus groups.
The PIMA Program is supported by the Maryland PTA, Cullins Trucking, Inc., Harvest Enterprises, Inc., The Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc., and Lifetouch Prestige Portraits.
Profiles can be found at
http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/pima/2014_PIMA_Award_Honorees.html
| Allegany County Public Schools Matthew Crawford Flintstone Elementary School |
Anne Arundel County Public Schools Brandy Hoot South Shore Elementary |
| Baltimore City Public Schools Ernestine Richardson-Watts Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts High School |
Baltimore County Public Schools John Jungwirth Joppa View Elementary School |
| Calvert County Public Schools Dianne Kyle Huntingtown Elementary School |
Caroline County Public Schools Nohea Krashoc Federalsburg Elementary School |
| Carroll County Public Schools Aimee Schultz Cranberry Station Elementary School |
Cecil County Public Schools Diana Hawley North East Elementary School |
| Charles County Public Schools Virginia Brown T.C. Martin Elementary School |
Dorchester County Public Schools David Owens Vienna Elementary School |
| Frederick County Public Schools Margaret Osborne Whittier Elementary School |
Garrett County Public Schools Sandy Derato Northern Middle School |
| Harford County Public Schools Julie Buher Ring Factory Elementary |
Howard County Schools Theresa Yodzis and Hina Naseem West Friendship Elementary School |
| Kent County Public Schools Christopher Maier Worton Elementary School |
Montgomery County Public Schools Debbie Boger Sligo Creek Elementary School |
| Prince George's County Public Schools Bart Lawrence Hyattsville Elementary School |
Queen Anne's County Public Schools Peg Donovan Grasonville Elementary School |
| Somerset County Public Schools Benita Rashaw Greenwood Elementary |
St. Mary's County Public Schools Heather Foster Leonardtown Elementary School |
| Talbot County Public Schools Maggie Gowe St. Michaels Elementary School |
Washington County Public Schools Steve O'Farrell Fountaindale Elementary School |
| Wicomico County Public Schools Courtney Deason Wicomico Middle School |
Worcester County Public Schools Brent Gould Snow Hill Middle School |
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