The Board of Education of Charles County recognized six dedicated staff members from Charles County Public Schools during its February 10, 2026, meeting in La Plata, Maryland. The honors celebrated their commitment to teaching, learning, student support, and overall school success across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Principals nominated these individuals for their reliability, leadership, innovation, and positive impact on students and colleagues.
The recognized staff included instructional assistant Gregory Bongiorni from C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School; social studies teacher Victoria Davenport from John Hanson Middle School; computer analyst Darren Dyson from Arthur Middleton Elementary School; third-grade teacher Shanita Keys from Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School; math teacher and department chair Christina Laverty from Henry E. Lackey High School; and fifth-grade teacher Sydney Smith from Eva Turner Elementary School. Smith was originally scheduled for November recognition but attended in February.
Bongiorni, known as “Mr. B,” has served as a math instructional assistant and interventionalist at Barnhart for eight years. Principal Carrie Burke highlighted his longevity in a high-turnover role: “In a position where turnover is often high, this longevity speaks volumes about his commitment, reliability and love for the work he does.” He delivers targeted math support to help students reach grade-level expectations and builds relationships in the car rider line. Bongiorni also creates thematic bulletin boards and earns praise as “the pride of our school,” according to Burke.
Davenport brings 24 years of experience as a social studies teacher at Hanson, including 15 years as department chair. Principal Ben Kohlhorst noted her frequent contributions to curriculum: “I have lost count how many times” she assisted with middle school social studies writing for Charles County Public Schools. In 2021, she helped draft the sixth- and seventh-grade social studies framework for the Maryland State Department of Education. She has coordinated History Day, taught all middle grades, led AVID instruction, served as seventh-grade team leader, and currently acts as an Anchor mentor teacher.
Dyson transitioned from building service worker to temporary computer analyst in 2022, then to full-time in 2023 at Middleton. Principal Nicole Hawkins described his tech support: “He maintains positive relationships with staff by offering patient, clear and solution-oriented tech assistance.” He resolves network issues, upgrades classroom tools like smartboards and printers, trains staff on new apps, reimages laptops annually, and oversaw smart panel and mini PC installations. Pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity with industry certifications, Dyson is “reliable, dedicated and always upbeat,” Hawkins said, noting his professionalism and adaptability.
Keys, a third-grade teacher at Dr. Brown, creates an inclusive classroom where every student feels valued. Principal Karen Lewis stated: “She meets each student where they are, guiding them toward academic and personal growth.” Keys fosters creativity and energy to make learning engaging: “She fosters a classroom atmosphere where students are excited to learn,” Lewis added.
Laverty, math department chair at Lackey, earns acclaim for dedication beyond her subject. Math teacher Katlin Young called her “the kind of educator every school hopes to have, dedicated, dependable and endlessly supportive of both staff and students.” Laverty assists all colleagues, supports after-hours activities like sports, Key Club, and SAT prep, coordinates curriculum pacing, organizes resources, and sends deadline reminders. Young emphasized: “She willingly gives her time so that the rest of us can be successful. These behind-the-scenes efforts make a significant difference in our ability to teach effectively and confidently.”
Smith began her education career substituting after a business degree and government job lacked fulfillment; her mother suggested teaching, and “She loved it,” per Principal Courtney Gandee. At Eva Turner, Smith has grown into a leader, helping write CCPS social studies curriculum, serving as fifth-grade team leader, PBIS chairperson, and Fashion Club sponsor. She founded Models Collective at University of Maryland Eastern Shore to build self-confidence through modeling and photography, continuing involvement when possible.
These recognitions underscore the vital roles support staff, teachers, and specialists play in Southern Maryland’s public education system.
