Page 9 - June 2024 Issue Website

2024-2025 Teacher of the Year
Danielle Dennis
Ms. Dennis is a math teacher at Colonel Richardson High
School (CRHS). She was educated in Caroline County, and
is a proud graduate of CRHS. She began her teaching career
with Caroline in 2015 at Colonel Middle and after a short
break, rejoined Caroline in 2020 at Colonel High.

Ms. Dennis was nominated by a student who wrote, “Ms.
Dennis is always there when we need her and she always
makes sure we have a good day.”
This year’s nominations resulted in five exceptional finalists.
The judging committee reviewed and scored all nomination
packets to determine the finalists, which included Amy
Bauman, 3rd grade teacher at Denton Elementary; Faith
Burton, also a 3rd grade teacher at Denton Elementary;
Tom Cheezum, Director of Bands and Orchestras at Colonel Teacher of the Year, Danielle Dennis with her children and Dr. Derek
Richardson Middle School and Colonel Richardson High Simmons, Superintendent, Caroline County Public Schools.
School; and Bryan Hall, Physical Education teacher at
Colonel Richardson Middle School. Once finalists were
chosen, interviews were conducted to decide the teacher of
the year.

Ms. Dennis will now go on to represent Caroline County in
the Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the
Year program.

2024-2025 Support Employee of the Year
Amy Barnes
Ms. Barnes began her career with Caroline County Public
Schools in 2009 as an instructional assistant. In 2022 she
joined front office staff at Denton Elementary.

Ms. Barnes’ nomination stated, “Amy embodies the essence
of dedication, compassion, and excellence in her role,
making an indelible impact on our school community.
Her unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing
and inclusive environment has significantly enhanced
the educational experience for all. As the heart of our
school office, Amy exudes warmth and kindness in every
interaction. Whether welcoming visitors with a friendly
smile, assisting parents with patience and understanding, or
providing invaluable support to teachers and administrators,
she consistently demonstrates a genuine concern for the
Support Employee of the Year, Amy Barnes and Dr. Derek Simmons, needs of others.”
Superintendent, Caroline County Public Schools. As with the Teacher of the Year award, support employees
also had a high number of nominations. In addition to Ms.
Barnes, two exceptional finalists were named: Faye Harris,
Cafeteria Manager at Greensboro Elementary School, and
Kali Tiley, School Nurse at Federalsburg Elementary School.

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