Clarksburg Teacher, Charles Orifici, Is Finalist For WaPo’s Teacher of the Year

Charles Orifici, instrumental music teacher at Clarksburg High School, is the MCPS finalist for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year. More on Charles Orifici below, per MCPS:

For 25 years, Charles Orifici has been teaching instrumental music, 24 of them in MCPS. Since opening Clarksburg High School in 2006, he built the instrumental music program into one of the hardest working and successful school marching bands, culminating in this past fall’s Maryland Marching Band Association competition, where the band went undefeated.

He built the Clarksburg program from the ground up, acquiring and retaining interest, resources and opportunities for students. He teaches band and orchestra classes, marching band, and indoor/outdoor competitive marching band. The school’s PTSA honored him with its Leader of the Pack award annually from 2009–2019. In 2011, he received The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, as well as a Wolf Trap Grant for Performing Arts Teachers, honoring educators who bring new and exciting performing arts experiences to students.

Orifici has prepared students for performances in China, Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., New York City and in many Thanksgiving Day parades. He prioritizes building relationships and community in his classrooms, which results in student collaboration, mentorship and growth. Colleagues, parents and students call him an exceptional educator, calling his lessons thoughtful, engaging and fun.

The Washington Post announced the winners and finalists of the 2023 Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards on April 25. Each year, The Post presents these awards to encourage excellence in school leadership and contribute to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. The full list is available here.

Recent Stories

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will begin its semi-annual cleaning of county-owned parking garages on Monday, April 8.

Three Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Officers were honored during today’s Orioles home opener for their bravery during the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Per the news release:

A search is currently underway for a coyote after two women were attacked on Thursday, March 28 in Montgomery County.  

The Montgomery County Board of Education has launched a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), who will assume the role on July 1, 2024….

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!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list