MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) recognized 23 educators from Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties with Outstanding Teacher awards for their leadership in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. The awards, presented on an unspecified date in 2025, honored nine math teachers, nine science teachers, and five CTE-STEM (career technical education, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers for their creativity, student rapport, enthusiasm, professionalism, and innovative teaching methods. Each recipient received a plaque and a cash award.
The honored teachers were selected in collaboration with the school systems of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. “SMECO has a long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence in education. Over the past 30 years, we have recognized almost 500 exceptional educators, and tonight, we proudly add 23 more outstanding teachers to this prestigious list,” said Sonja Cox, SMECO’s President and CEO, during the award presentation. “Each of our honorees tonight embodies the highest standards of classroom excellence, leadership, and dedication. Beyond academic instruction, they inspire character, creativity, and resilience, ensuring that Southern Maryland students are well-equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future. The impact of their work extends beyond the classroom—it strengthens our economy, workforce, and community. To our honorees, congratulations! Your unwavering commitment to education makes a profound difference and tonight’s recognition is well deserved.”
The recipients from Calvert County include Jessica Bright (Northern High School, Science), Amy Harris (Windy Hill Middle School, Science), Meagan Jeffries (Sunderland Elementary School, CTE-STEM), Ashley Knight (Patuxent High School, Mathematics), Laurel Newcomer (Plum Point Middle School, Mathematics), Mickey Norfolk (Northern High School, CTE-STEM), Sherri Welcher-Brown (Mount Harmony Elementary School, Science), and Tammy Galensky Wright (Windy Hill Elementary School, Mathematics). Charles County honorees are Rachel Clark (La Plata High School, Science), Stefanie Marcuse (Arthur Middleton Elementary School, CTE-STEM), Jennifer Norris (Theodore Davis Middle School, Science), Pauline Shaker (Mary B. Neal Elementary School, Mathematics), Deborah Spencer (Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, Mathematics), and Kristi Tewell (Billingsley Elementary School, Science). Michelle Wickliffe (Brandywine Elementary School, Mathematics) represents Prince George’s County. St. Mary’s County recipients include Michelle Atwell (Spring Ridge Middle School, Mathematics), Graham Coombs (Leonardtown High School, Mathematics), Staci Eccleston (Leonardtown Elementary School, Science), Keri Gray (Leonardtown Middle School, Science), Christie Grebos (Leonardtown High School, CTE-STEM), Lisa Haycraft (Chopticon High School, Science), Carol Poole (Chesapeake Public Charter School, Mathematics), and Stephen Westgate (Esperanza Middle School, CTE-STEM).
SMECO’s commitment to education extends beyond the Outstanding Teacher awards. The cooperative sponsors programs such as the MATHCOUNTS competition for middle school students, the annual Elementary Mathematics Challenge, and scholarship awards for Southern Maryland high school seniors. Additionally, SMECO organizes trips for students to Washington, D.C., as part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour. These initiatives aim to foster academic excellence and prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
The awards highlight the critical role of educators in shaping Southern Maryland’s future workforce. By recognizing teachers who excel in engaging students and fostering innovation, SMECO supports the development of skills essential for economic and community growth. The 23 honorees represent a diverse group of educators from elementary to high school levels, each contributing to the advancement of STEM education in their respective schools.
