TOWSON, MD—Eight Baltimore County Public Schools visual arts educators have earned statewide awards from the Maryland Art Education Association.

“This impressive statewide recognition is a reflection of the immense talent of our visual arts team,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Our visual arts educators inspire and challenge our students and contribute to their academic and personal growth in countless ways.”

The BCPS statewide award winners are:

• Maryland Elementary Art Educator of the Year
  Natovian McLeod, Colgate Elementary School
• Maryland Middle Level Art Educator of the Year
  Michelle Dress, Ridgely Middle School
• Maryland Outstanding Art Club Sponsor Award
  Nina Arlotta, Norwood Elementary School
• Maryland Outstanding National Art Honor Society Sponsor Award
  Jess Lord, Sparrows Point High School
• Maryland Emeritus Art Educator of the Year Award
  Grace Hulse, Towson University, retired BCPS art teacher
• Maryland Educator as Practicing Artist Award
  Kate Norris, Parkville High School
• Maryland Agent of Change Award
  Vernon Fains, Pine Grove Middle School
• Linda Popp Leadership Award
  Tricia Lane-Forster, Ridge Ruxton School

Also honored during the MAEA ceremony on June 2 were the BCPS district-level award winners:

• 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