The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations from the public for its ninth annual awards for distinguished service to public education. The awards are sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals, groups, and organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County.

Nominations will be accepted in the following categories:

· community individual
· community group
· business
· Montgomery County Public Schools staff
· individual pioneer

Up to three awards will be given in each of the categories.

“Pioneer award" nominees are individuals who, although they may not be active currently, have made extraordinary contributions in the past. The nominee's contributions must have had a profound effect on the school system over a sustained period of time.

Nominations in other categories must be of individuals, groups, or organizations that have, within the past three years, provided service, support, and commitment to public education as demonstrated by:

· an outstanding contribution of time and expertise to school system programs
· development and/or implementation of an exemplary program or project, or
· a contribution that results in systemwide benefit.

Any person or group may submit nominations.

Nomination forms may be obtained from local schools or the Board of Education office (Room 123). Additional forms are available on the Board of Education web site. To receive a nomination form by mail, call 301-279-3301. Completed nomination forms must be received in the Board of Education office by 5:00 p.m. on July 1, 2005.

Mail completed forms to:

Montgomery County Board of Education
Carver Educational Services Center, Room 123
850 Hungerford Drive
Rockville. Maryland 20850
FAX: 301-279-3860
Email: Becky_Gibson@fc.mcps.k12.md.us

For more information, contact:

Montgomery County Board of Education
Tel.: 301-279-3301