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Howard County Board of Education honors 2025 senior teachers of the year
Summary
The Howard County Public Schools Board of Education hosted a ceremony recognizing senior-class-selected teachers from at least 14 high schools across the district; students and honorees described the teachers’ impact on classroom culture, mentorship and college preparation.
The Howard County Public Schools Board of Education on a daylong ceremony recognized senior-class-selected teachers from across the district, with students and school leaders presenting citations and brief remarks for each honoree.
The event, introduced by Robert Motley, director of high schools for Howard County Public Schools, brought students, principals, central-office staff and district leaders together to hear why seniors chose each teacher. "What our students say about us matters because that's who we're here to serve," Superintendent Bill Barnes said in opening remarks.
Students from more than a dozen high schools spoke about the teachers' classroom practices, personal support and role advising students on college and career pathways. Speakers described a mix of instructional work—such as helping with college essays, providing hands-on career training, or designing engaging classroom activities—and relationship-building, including open-door support and mentoring outside class time. At Atholton High School, students said computer science teacher Anna Ray helped students find internships and prepare for college applications; at Hammond High School students praised science teacher Kallie Cibrian for making Advanced Placement chemistry accessible and for supporting students outside class.
Several honorees reflected on why they teach. Damon Fernandez, English teacher at Howard High School, applauded the students' remarks and said, "I love every minute of every day," describing teaching as a daily source of meaning. Other honorees described careers that led them into classrooms from related fields, such as emergency medical services and zoo education, and they emphasized teaching as a way to train and mentor the next generation.
The ceremony also included a posthumous recognition: Oakland Mills High School students and administrators presented the senior-class teacher award to Sarah Hall, who died in October; students described a large community response at her passing and said the award was intended to honor her legacy.
Organizers asked honorees to speak briefly after each student presentation; remarks ranged from classroom anecdotes to personal remembrances and lighthearted moments, such as teachers recounting student traditions or joking about public-speaking nerves. The program concluded with a group photo of all awardees, Superintendent Bill Barnes and the Board chair.
The Board of Education hosted the event; no board motions, votes or policy actions were recorded in the transcript. The presentation focused on recognition and brief remarks rather than district business or formal decisions.
The district will continue routine communications about awards and recognition through its normal channels; no follow-up actions or directives were recorded during this ceremony.
