Calvert County Public Schools officials launched the Superintendent’s Lighthouse Award to recognize students and staff who demonstrate character, leadership, service, innovation and excellence while embodying district values. The monthly program honors one elementary, one middle and one high school student plus an educator, educational support professional and administrator or leader.
The first group of honorees includes Harmony Downs of St. Leonard Elementary, Brooke Boteler of Plum Point Middle, Channing Swanson of Calvert High, educator Renee Reid of Patuxent High, educational support professional Cheryl Dick in Student Services, and Willanette Thomas-Lohr in leadership at Southern Middle.
Not pictured: Brooke Boteler, Plum Point Middle School; Renee Reid, Patuxent High School
Harmony Downs shines in everything she does at St. Leonard Elementary. She supports her classmates and teachers, goes above and beyond once her own work is done, and lives out CCPS values every day—showing kindness and staying on task at school, at home, and in church.
Brooke Boteler stands out as a leader who uplifts her school community at Plum Point Middle. She tutors fellow students, leads her FCA group, and created and manages the school’s news club—teaching peers to write scripts and produce broadcasts. Her kindness, initiative, and commitment to excellence make her a powerful role model.
Channing Swanson leads through quiet strength, compassion and consistent excellence at Calvert High. A straight-A student with an extraordinary work ethic, she inspires peers by showing up focused, kind and inclusive. She offers encouragement, supports classmates who struggle, and helps create a positive, welcoming classroom environment. Her humility, empathy and academic achievement light the way for others.
Renee Reid serves as an educator at Patuxent High. She listens with genuine care, supports students through academic and personal challenges, and ensures every learner feels valued and understood. Reid goes above and beyond by checking in on students, offering encouragement and creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone can grow. Her compassion, dedication and unwavering belief in students make her an extraordinary mentor.
Cheryl Dick works as an educational support professional in Student Services. She coordinates district-wide immunization, flu, vision and hearing clinics with remarkable precision. Dick also supports substitute nurse training and provides ongoing guidance to school health staff. She jumps in to help with screenings, organizes records, prepares family communications and ensures every step runs smoothly. Her expertise, dedication and compassion strengthen health services across CCPS and help keep students safe, healthy and ready to learn.
Willanette Thomas-Lohr holds a leadership role at Southern Middle. She supports Destination Imagination teams all the way to Global Finals in Kansas City, cheers on SMS athletes, band members and chorus students, and attends every event where her Eagles shine. Thomas-Lohr knows students by name and builds meaningful relationships that make them feel seen, valued and supported. Her leadership has helped strengthen school culture, improve discipline and create a positive environment where students thrive. Her compassion, visibility and unwavering belief in students embody CCPS values.
Superintendent’s Lighthouse Award recipients are selected based on nominations highlighting how they inspire others and live the district’s core values daily. The program aims to celebrate those who guide and support the school community much like a lighthouse provides direction and safety.
Calvert County Public Schools serves students across the county with a focus on academic success and positive character development. The new award builds on efforts to recognize outstanding contributions from students and staff each month.
These honorees represent the wide range of ways individuals contribute to a supportive learning environment, from classroom support and peer leadership to health services coordination and event involvement that boosts school spirit. Their stories highlight the everyday actions that strengthen Calvert County schools.
