TOWSON, MD—Nine of Baltimore County Public Schools’ visual art teachers have been recognized with district awards from the BCPS Office of Visual Arts through the Maryland Art Education Association. In addition, nine additional BCPS visual arts teachers have been nominated for state recognition.

“We are so proud of our talented visual arts educators for the many ways that they inspire and challenge our students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We celebrate the recognition of these dedicated professionals for all that they contribute to the academic and personal growth of our students.”

The district level award winners are:

• BCPS Novice Elementary Art Educator of the Year: Julia Stone, Owings Mills Elementary School
• BCPS Novice Middle Level Art Educator of the Year: Skip Chipps, Holabird Middle School
• BCPS Novice High School Art Educator of the Year: Erica Hamilton, Western School of Technology
• BCPS Career Elementary Art Educator of the Year: Lisa Black, Hillcrest Elementary School
• BCPS Career Middle Level Art Educator of the Year: Kat Delgavio, Deep Creek Middle School
• BCPS Career High School Art Educator of the Year: Kelly Schmal, consulting teacher, previously at Patapsco High School
• BCPS Educator as Practicing Artist Award: Christine Strong, Perry Hall High School
• BCPS Emeritus Art Educator of the Year: Deb Rogers
• BCPS Administrative Supporter of the Year: Andrea Derrien, The Chatsworth School

Those nominated for state awards are:

• MAEA Elementary Art Educator of the Year Nominee: Natovian McLeod, Colgate Elementary School
• MAEA Middle Level Art Educator of the Year Nominee: Michelle Dress, Ridgely Middle School
• MAEA High School Art Educator of the Year Nominee: Matt Voelker, Patapsco High School
• MAEA Agent of Change Art Educator of the Year Nominee: Vernon Fains, Pine Grove Middle School
• MAEA Outstanding NAHS Sponsor of the Year Nominee: Jess Lord, Sparrows Point High School
• MAEA Outstanding Art Club Sponsor of the Year Nominee: Nina Arlotta, Norwood Elementary School
• MAEA Educator as Practicing Artist Award Nominee: Kate Norris, Parkville High School
• MAEA Advocate for Inclusivity Through Art Award Nominee: Tricia Lane-Forster, Ridge Ruxton School
• MAEA Emeritus Art Educator of the Year Nominee: Grace Hulse