Barstow Elementary Teacher Selected as Maryland Social Studies Teacher of the Year
The Maryland Council for Social Studies has selected Lisa Walker, 5th grade teacher at Barstow Elementary School, as the 2015 Social Studies Teacher of the Year. The recipient must be a current elementary educator who has made a significant contribution to social studies in a public or private Maryland school. In addition, Ms. Walker has exhibited outstanding professional qualities in working with students, colleagues, and the community.
According to Supervisor of Social Studies Rebecca Bowen, "Lisa is the ultimate professional. She collaborates with not only her grade level peers but with teachers across multiple grade levels and schools. She is a true advocate for elementary social studies instruction and is passionate about extending her personal knowledge as it relates to social studies."
First Lady Yumi Hogan Honors Top Student Artists
First Lady Yumi Hogan honored some of Maryland's top student artists on October 23, 2015 during a special reception in Annapolis. The students are among those whose art are being displayed in a special exhibition in the House of Delegates Gallery Space.
Taylor Williams, a senior at Huntington High School, is the first place award winner at the high school level. Jessica Valadie, Supervisor of Fine Arts, said, "Taylor's work, 'Pride,' is a colorful work integrating both watercolor and ink and is just one representation of the outstanding artistic skill and creativity coming from students enrolled in visual art classes across our school system. I am thrilled to have her art recognized for its excellence, particularly in light of the magnificent work that was submitted by school systems from across the state."
Taylor Williams is among artists from more than 20 school systems whose art is part of the First Lady's Inaugural Student Art Exhibition. The First Lady, who is an adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art and herself an accomplished artist, has been an active supporter of the arts community and advocate for arts programs in schools across Maryland.
The exhibition is supported by the Maryland State Department of Education's Fine Arts Office and the Maryland State Arts Council.