HCPSS Educators Honored by Washington Post, 2015

April 10th, 2015

The Washington Post recently honored two Howard County Public School System educators. Centennial High School Principal Claire Hafets was given the 2015 Distinguished Educational Leader Award, and Laurel Woods Elementary School teacher Stephanie Geddie was named this year’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher for Howard County.

The Distinguished Educational Leader Award recognizes the combination of the principal’s ability to manage, interest in staff and students, respect for learning, and vision of the future that set the tone for the school’s efforts to educate our children. The Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Awards recognizes teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession. The Washington Post gives both awards annually to recognize one exceptional principal and teacher from each school system in the Washington region. Winners are selected through internal competitions.

Students describe Claire Hafets as a wonderful planner, teacher, adviser, and leader who goes beyond the office and her typical duties to accommodate, connect, and inspire her community. Hafets began her career as a social studies and psychology teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland. Throughout her career, she’s been an integral part of the growth and development of students from middle school to the collegiate level across the state of Maryland. Under her guidance, in 2014 Centennial High School was ranked as the best public school in Maryland and 18th in the U.S.

Stephanie Geddie is the kindergarten instructional team leader at Laurel Woods Elementary School. Some of her proudest professional accomplishments are rooted in building meaningful relationships with students, families, and community businesses to become active stakeholders in students’ success. She has been recognized by several leading organizations such as the Baltimore Ravens and Howard County Special Education Community Advisory Committee for her commitment to excellence for all children. In 2011, Geddie and a colleague established a parent group at Laurel Woods called Building Blocks Network.

Several HCPSS partners donated gifts to Hafets and Geddie in recognition of their honors, including Autobahn Indoor Speedway, the Elkridge Furnace Inn, the Maryland Science Center, Massage Envy Spa in Ellicott City, Mosquito Joe of Baltimore, Smoothie King, and Turf Valley Resort.

The winners will be honored during awards ceremonies at The Washington Post in May.