Friends of Education Award
The Friends of Education Award was established by the Board of Education to recognize and show appreciation to those who have made exemplary contributions to Howard County public education and to increase awareness of the importance of community involvement to the achievement of the school system’s Strategic Call to Action plan. Any Howard County resident or non-profit group, organization, association, or business located in or serving Howard County who has not already been a recipient, may be nominated for the award.
Who Does the Award Recognize?
The Friends of Education Award recognizes an individual, business, or non-profit group, organization, or association for an innovative or unique contribution that:
- Directly supports the school system’s mission of ensuring academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student in an inclusive and nurturing environment that closes opportunity gaps.
- Is significant in its scope. In the case of organizations such as PTAs, the contribution must be beyond the normal scope of activities.
Who May Nominate?
Any employee of the Howard County Public School System, Howard County resident or member of a group, organization, association or business located in or serving Howard County may submit a nomination.
Nomination Application and Deadline
A complete Friends of Education Award application and three current signed letters of recommendation are required to submit a nomination. Nominators can obtain the required application by contacting the Board of Education office at 410-313-1584 or completing an online application
Nominators not utilizing the online application must submit a completed application by February 24, 2020 to: Executive Assistant to the Board of Education, Howard County Public School System, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Nominees and recipients will be notified by March 23 and awards will be presented at the April 16 Board of Education meeting.
2019 Award Recipient
Ms. Debbie Engle
Ms. Engle is an advocate for the achievement and well-being of all HCPSS students, having volunteered with the school system for more than 15 years. She helped develop the PALs preschool program for children with disabilities, and she has devoted much of her time to policy committees, the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee, the Operating Budget Review Committee and more. Read more→
