CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) recognized Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members for their dedication to students with special needs during its annual Teacher and Staff Appreciation Awards ceremony on May 21, 2025. The event celebrated educators, support staff, and students who have made significant impacts, with honorees selected from over 50 nominations submitted by parents and guardians.
SECAC, a volunteer organization advocating for children with special education needs, facilitates the awards to highlight outstanding contributions across the school system. Nominees included teachers, bus drivers, counselors, and others who support students with disabilities. Awards were presented in five categories: individual teacher/staff, team nominees, related services staff, support staff/administrators, and buddy recognition for students showing kindness to peers with special needs.
Among the individual teacher/staff award recipients, Julie Glorioso, a special education teacher at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, was honored for her work. Erin Locke from Arthur Middleton Elementary School and Sherrell Taylor from Dr. James Craik Elementary School also received recognition for their contributions to special education programs.
In the team nominee category, Julie Daniel, a math teacher, and Abdul Yilla, a special education teacher at John Hanson Middle School, were celebrated for their collaborative efforts. Amber Walker, a second-grade teacher, and Erin Horton Poff, a special education teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, were also recognized for their joint work in supporting students.
For related services, Kia Griffin, a special education compliance facilitator at St. Charles High School, and Michelle Gilliam, a school counselor at J.P. Ryon Elementary School, were honored for their roles in ensuring students receive necessary support. In the support staff/administrator category, Elsie Sheff, a bus driver, and Kathleen “Kitty” Hart, a bus attendant, were recognized, alongside Dakeisha Anderson, a special education teacher in the SOAR program at Thomas Stone High School.
The buddy recognition awards highlighted students who demonstrated exceptional kindness. Kairo Burroughs and Brielle Martin, both kindergarteners at Eva Turner and J.C. Parks Elementary Schools, respectively, were honored. David Kelley, a fourth-grader at Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, and Kendall Stone, a kindergartener at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, also received awards for their compassion toward peers with special needs.
A complete list of nominees is available on the SECAC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CharlesCoSECAC. SECAC’s mission is to provide a platform for addressing issues related to special education, advocating at local, state, and national levels. The committee collaborates with CCPS on matters such as education budgets, inclusion assessments, and support services to enhance opportunities for students with disabilities.
Parents and guardians can nominate any CCPS staff member who has positively impacted a student with special needs, from teachers to cafeteria workers. Nominations reflect the diverse roles that contribute to an inclusive environment. SECAC encourages community involvement and provides resources for families.
The awards ceremony underscored the commitment of CCPS staff and students to fostering an inclusive educational environment. By recognizing these efforts, SECAC aims to inspire continued dedication to special education programs, ensuring students with disabilities receive the support needed to thrive academically and socially.
