Award Criteria
- Current members of MAESP are eligible
- Nominations open in June 2026 and must be received by August 30th, 2026. Awardees will be celebrated at our fall conference in Ocean City (November 5-7, 2026)
- Nominations should be completed using our online form. Please submit only ONE nomination form per candidate
- Previous winners are not eligible
Nominees are expected to embody the qualities of a connected school leader (noted below). If you have questions, please contact Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand, MAESP Executive Director, at chriswooleyhand@maesp.org
Background
Connectedness, noun
-the fact of being or feeling socially, emotionally, spiritually, or professionally linked with others or with another, or the robustness of such relationships.
Award Description
This award recognizes school leaders who exemplify the power of connectedness by fostering meaningful relationships, strengthening teams, and helping others understand how their contributions support the greater mission of our schools. Through their leadership, they create an environment where every person feels valued, important, and part of something larger than themselves.
They lead with a broad perspective, consistently looking beyond immediate responsibilities to consider the wider impact on the school community and beyond. Their ability to unite people around shared purpose inspires collaboration, commitment, and collective achievement.
By helping others recognize the connection between their talents, actions, mission, and success, this leader cultivates beliefs, purpose, and engagement with those around them. Their influence strengthens both individuals and the organization as a whole, making them a true model of connected leadership.
Past Winners:
2025
Kathleen Carter, Principal, Stevens Forest Elementary School
Dr. Dorothea Fuller, Principal, Galway Elementary School
Tom Garner, Principal, Salem Avenue Elementary School
Dr. Debra O'Byrne, Principal, West Friendship Elementary School
Dr. Gaven Parker, Principal, Choptank Elementary School
Ivye Pazornik, Assistant Principal, Forest Ridge Elementary School
Mindy Reeves, Principal, Rachel Carson Elementary
Kristin Shields, Title I Supervisor, SMCPS Department of Title I & Community Engagement
James Spence, Principal, Dora Kennedy French Immersion School
Dr. Patricia Wells-Frazier, Principal, Panorama Elementary School
Dr. LaTonya Wright, Principal, Tayac Elementary
2024
Beth Allshouse, Principal, Northern Middle School
Cindy Bell, Principal, Eldersburg Elementary
Dr. Kelly Hall, Chief of Equity, Engagement, and Early Access, SMCPS
Joshua Hamborsky, Principal, Pocomoke Elementary
Emmanuel Jean-Philippe, Principal, Arcola Elementary
Sparkle Jefferson, Assistant Principal, Flintstone Elementary
Elena Lokounia, Principal, Baltimore International Academy East
Ashley Moore, Principal, Empowerment Academy
Dr. Tangela Scales, Principal, Gale-Bailey Elementary
Connie Stahler, Principal, Laurel Woods Elementary
Briana Walker, Assistant Principal, Greensboro Elementary
Julia Walsh, Principal, Tyler Heights Elementary
Christopher Yancone, Principal, North Harford Elementary
Lita Yates, Principal, Fox Chapel Elementary
2023
Catherine “Cat” Cramer, Principal, Parr’s Ridge Elementary
Dr. Jessica Grant, Principal, James Ryder Randall Elementary
Nikki Harrison, Assistant Principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary
Justin Holbrook, Principal, Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle
Nina Lattimore, Principal, Colin Powell Academy
Dr. Dana McCauley, Principal, Crellin Elementary
Dan Notari, Principal, St. John’s Lane Elementary
Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Principal, Rose Valley Elementary
Rebecca Reese, Principal, Magnolia Elementary