Top SMCPS Educators and Staff Earn Prestigious Awards

LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a significant announcement, Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), recognized the exceptional dedication and service of key staff members, underscoring their vital contributions to the educational community.

At the forefront, Ms. Carmen Santos and Ms. Jessica Young were celebrated as the Educational Support Professionals of the Year. Santos, a dedicated Kindergarten Paraeducator at Lexington Park Elementary School, and Young, the Coordinating Administrative Assistant in the Division of Supporting Services, have been lauded for their pivotal roles in enhancing the learning environment. This accolade, established in 2009, shines a spotlight on the indispensable support staff who underpin the school system’s achievements.

In the realm of teaching excellence, Ms. Lauren Runkles, an ESOL Teacher at Great Mills High School, stands out as SMCPS’s nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year program. Runkles, with an eleven-year tenure at SMCPS, is acclaimed for her educational prowess, holding advanced degrees in Secondary Mathematics Education and a rich academic background from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Similarly, Ms. Kathy Sheehan, an English Language Arts Teacher at Leonardtown Middle School, has been selected to represent SMCPS in the Washington Post Teacher of the Year program. With a 25-year commitment to the school system, Sheehan’s finalist status in the prestigious award underscores her significant impact on student learning and achievement.

Highlighting leadership within the schools, Mr. Jeffrey DiRenzo, Principal of Park Hall Elementary School, and Ms. Denise Coyne, Assistant Principal of Chopticon High School, have been recognized for their exceptional leadership. DiRenzo, nominated for the Washington Post Principal of the Year, and Coyne, awarded the Leader of Excellence, both exemplify the transformative influence of administrative staff on the educational landscape.

These recognitions come at a poignant time as Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024) approaches, offering a moment to reflect on the collective efforts of teachers, principals, and support staff in shaping the futures of countless students. The Staff Recognition Ceremony, slated for May 7, 2024, will honor these individuals alongside nominees for various awards, celebrating the tapestry of talent within SMCPS. For a full list of nominees, visit SMCPS Award Nominations.