The Montgomery County Board of Education has announced its recipients for the 26th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards were established by the Board of Education to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Nominations were received from the general community, as well as community organizations, businesses, Board members and MCPS staff. This year’s Distinguished Service Award winners are:
Individual Pioneer
- John J. McCarthy, Esq., State’s Attorney for Montgomery County
Community Individuals
- Jewru Bandeh, director, Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center
- Ricardo Loaiza, executive director, After School Dance Fund, Inc., Silver Spring
Community Groups
- Black Ministers Conference of Montgomery County Maryland
- CTE Healthcare Professions PAC and Sarah Walker, president
- Jewish Community Relations Council, North Bethesda
- Luis Cardona, administrator, Positive Youth Development, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and Street Outreach Network (SONS)
- Huayuan Chinese Academy, Germantown
Business
- CAVA, Ted Xenohristos
MCPS Staff
- Aranda Brown, ESOL teacher, Gaithersburg High School
- Marianne Hamerski, administrative services manager, Office of the Deputy Superintendent
- Steven Lightman, physical education teacher, Bayard Rustin Elementary School
- Sara Lucas-Dreiss, teacher, Longview School
- Farzaneh Nabavian, parent community coordinator
- Cheryl Sellitti, teacher, Cold Spring Elementary School
- Sofia Vega-Ormeno, assistant principal, Col. Zadok Magruder High School
School Service Volunteer
- Hannah Lucas-Dreiss, 12th grade student, Poolesville High School
The Board will recognize the honorees during a ceremony at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
