Charles County’s Dr. Matthew Honored by Principals’ Groups

In the field of education, school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping learning environments and student outcomes. Recognizing outstanding principals and assistant principals not only honors their dedication but also sets a standard for excellence in educational leadership. The Maryland State Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recently celebrated several exceptional school leaders, including Dr. Sonia Matthew, assistant principal at Mary B. Neal Elementary School in Charles County, for their remarkable contributions.

Dr. Sonia Matthew was named the 2025 Outstanding Assistant Principal by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She is one of 27 assistant principals recognized nationally for this honor, acknowledging her significant impact on her school community.

With 18 years in education, Dr. Matthew has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to learning and leadership. She has served as assistant principal at Mary B. Neal Elementary since 2023, following roles at General Smallwood and Milton M. Somers middle schools in Charles County. As a National Board Certified Teacher, she has collaborated with the Maryland State Education Association to increase the number of National Board Certified Teachers across the state. Her service on the MAESP executive board and as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee highlights her dedication to educational equity and excellence.

Dr. Matthew’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering strong community partnerships and developing collaborative programs that enhance the culture at Mary B. Neal Elementary, a public school in Waldorf serving 589 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade with a student-teacher ratio of 13.7:1. Her mentorship and focus on continuous learning have positively impacted teachers and staff, creating a supportive school environment. “I love learning and believe that, as instructional leaders, we are the lead learners,” she said. “Leading the learning means we must always learn; fearlessly.”

The Mary B. Neal Elementary community expressed pride in Dr. Matthew’s achievement, with a message on the school’s website stating, “Congratulations on being selected as Maryland’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal. Your Neal Family is Proud of You!”. Her recognition was celebrated at the Assistant Principal & Aspiring Leader Conference on February 25, 2025, highlighting her role as an inspirational leader.

In addition to Dr. Matthew, other Maryland educators were honored for their leadership. Dr. Ryan Daniel, principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Prince George’s County, was named the MAESP National Distinguished Principal for her innovative leadership and dedication to student success. Kelly McVey, principal of Southern Middle School in Anne Arundel County, and Kris Hemstetter, principal of Kent County High School, were both named MASSP/NASSP Principals of the Year for their work in fostering positive school cultures and academic achievement. Anna Ory, assistant principal at Marley Middle School in Anne Arundel County, was recognized as the MASSP Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year for her contributions to student achievement and school culture.

These recognitions are part of a national program by MAESP and NAESP, in collaboration with the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), to celebrate outstanding school leaders. The awards highlight the critical role of principals and assistant principals in driving student success and school improvement. By honoring leaders like Dr. Matthew, these organizations aim to inspire others in the education field and acknowledge the profound impact of dedicated administrators on their communities.