Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) teachers, staff, community members and businesses will be honored at the annual Champions for Children celebration TONIGHT, Wednesday, April 18. The 2018-2019 MCPS Teacher of the Year will also be announced during the event, which will be held at BlackRock Center for the Arts. The finalists are: 

-Kristen Kane, kindergarten teacher at Forest Knolls Elementary School
-Edwina Kollo, math content specialist at Shady Grove Middle School
-Janet Gallagher, resource teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

The Champions for Children Awards Celebration honors the exceptional work of educators and community partners who make a difference in the lives of children every day.

WHAT: Champions for Children Awards Celebration, including the announcement of the 2018-2019 MCPS Teacher of the Year

WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. (awards program begins at 7 p.m.)

WHERE: BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874

WHO: Among those scheduled to speak at the event:

-Michael Durso, President, Montgomery County Board of Education
-Hans Riemer, President, Montgomery County Council
-Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
-Jack Smith, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools
-Matthew Post, Student Member of the Board of Education

There will also be musical performances by MCPS students. NBC4 news anchor Eun Yang will serve as emcee of the event.

In addition to the Teacher of the Year finalists, those being honored at the Champions for Children event include:

-Erin Crowley, kindergarten teacher, Somerset Elementary School, MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year
-Helene McLaughlin, physics teacher, Northwood High School, MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year
-Myriam Yarbrough, principal, Paint Branch High School, Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision
-Stephen Ricketts, building service manager, Hallie Wells Middle School, Supporting Services Employee of the Year
-Wells Fargo, Business Champion for Children
-Gillian Huebner, Chairperson of the School Climate and Safety Subcommittee, Montgomery County Council of PTAs,  Volunteer Champion for Children