The Montgomery County Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) presented the 2025 Distinguished Service to Education Honors, recognizing the profound and lasting impact of individuals dedicated to enriching our school communities. During a special ceremony, 20 exceptional individuals were celebrated, with nine receiving awards.

Leading the honorees was Megan Campbell, instrumental music teacher at Parkland Middle School, named the 2025 MCPS Teacher of the Year. This award acknowledges a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who consistently demonstrates high academic expectations for all students, fosters engagement across diverse backgrounds and abilities, cultivates a positive school culture, and builds strong connections within the school community. Campbell will now represent MCPS as the nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award. 

John Sparrow, a paraeducator at Poolesville High School, was recognized by SEIU Local 500 and MCPS as the 2025 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This award celebrates a supporting services employee who has made an exceptional contribution to the success of MCPS.

The Montgomery Board of Education Student Service Award was presented to German Diaz-Peña, a senior at Rockville High School. This award honors a current student who dedicates significant time and expertise to MCPS programs, develops and/or implements exemplary initiatives, and makes impactful contributions that benefit the entire school system.

Additional MCPS staff and community members recognized during the event were: 

• Bridget Calhoun, Winston Churchill High School, Board of Education School Service Volunteer
• David Child, General Manager of the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Board of Education Business Partner
• Frank De Las Casas, Walter Johnson High School, R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year
• Felicia Jackson, SEIU Security Chapter Employee of the Year
• Ashley Kapp, Third Grade Special Education Teacher, Brooke Grove Elementary School, Rising Star Teacher of the Year
• Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) Family Resiliency Program (Executive  Director Kathy Hedge), Board of Education Community Partner
• Charles (Rob) Powers, SEIU Maintenance Chapter Employee of the Year
• David Ray, SEIU Building Services Employee of the Year
• Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, MCPS Director of Athletics, Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision
• Loretta Taylor, SEIU Food Services Chapter Employee of the Year
• Trina Vogel, SEIU Media and Technology Chapter Employee of the Year

Learn more about the individuals honored Tuesday evening here.

Montgomery County Public Schools remains steadfast in its belief in the power of public education as the cornerstone of our children’s futures. The district also reaffirmed its commitment to its core values of Learning, Respect, Relationships, Excellence, and Equity, all of which were exemplified by the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees.

Watch a video replay of the evening.

Photo gallery. 
Winner Photos:

Meagan Campbell.jpg
John Sparrow.jpg
German Diaz-Pena.jpg