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The Montgomery County Board of Education and MCPS presented the 2026 Distinguished Service to Education Honors tonight (May 5), recognizing the profound and lasting impact of individuals dedicated to enriching our school communities. During a special celebration, 22 awards were presented to exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the success of MCPS.
Michelle Elie, English teacher at Montgomery Blair High School, was named the 2026–2027 MCPS Teacher of the Year. A National Board Certified Teacher and founder of Blair’s African American Studies Academy, Elie has been praised for nurturing student talent, fostering inclusive communities and empowering marginalized voices through poetry, literature and advocacy. She will now represent MCPS as she competes for Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Oscar Alvarenga, newcomers transition coordinator with the Department of International Admissions, was named Supporting Services Employee of the Year. Alvarenga facilitates the transition of more than 4,000 new students annually, ensuring they receive academic placement, as well as access to housing, healthcare and legal resources. He has become known for his unwavering dedication, professionalism and ability to build trust across diverse communities.
Donald Williams and the Game Changers Conference Committee won the Board of Education’s Community Partner Award, which recognizes an individual, group or organization that has, within the past three years, provided sustained service, support and commitment to public education in MCPS.
A number of other MCPS staff members and community members were also honored for their excellence and dedication to public education. They were:
- Delia Dunlap, Model United Nations Teacher, Silver Spring International Middle School, Middle School Teacher of the Year
- Alvaro Silva, Music Teacher, Laytonsville Elementary School, Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- State Delegate Gregory Wims, Board of Education Legislator of the Year: Champion of Public Education
- DARCARS Automotive Group – Jamie Darvish, Board of Education Legacy Award
- MilliporeSigma, Odalys Hernandez, Board of Education Business Partner
- The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center (Residents), Board of Education Community Partner Finalist
- New Orchestra of Washington, Board of Education Community Partner Finalist
- Kim Saphire, Harmony Hills Elementary School, Board of Education School Service Volunteer
- Raj Awasthi, Junior at Montgomery Blair High School, Board of Education Student Service Award
- Rhoshanda M. Pyles, Principal, Rockville High School, Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision
- Kayla Jackson, First Grade Teacher, Montgomery Knolls Elementary School, MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year
- Addison Finlay, Student-Athlete, Northwood High School, R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year
- Bryan Nance, SEIU Media and Technology Chapter Employee of the Year
- Aaron McFarland, SEIU Paraeducators Chapter Employee of the Year
- Michael Foxwell, SEIU Maintenance Chapter Employee of the Year
- Michelle Li, SEIU Food Services Chapter Employee of the Year
- Jackeline Stella Rivas, SEIU Security Chapter Employee of the Year
- Santos Rivera Hernandez, SEIU Transportation Chapter Employee of the Year
- Alicia Vargas, SEIU Building Services Chapter Employee of the Year
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