SMECO Honors STEM Educators

Twenty-four mathematics, science, technology, and engineering educators were honored by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.

SMECO worked with the school systems of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties to select and honor them with Outstanding Teacher awards for their leadership in the STEM fields.

Receiving awards this year were eight math teachers, nine science teachers, and seven STEM teachers from schools in three counties. The teachers were chosen for their outstanding performance in the areas of creativity, rapport with students, enthusiasm for teaching, professionalism, and innovative teaching methods. Each teacher receives a plaque and a cash award. View a video here.

In 30 years, SMECO has recognized 435 local math and science teachers.

“We’re honoring some extraordinary teachers. We usually host a dinner for our award recipients, but the fact that we are able to celebrate via Zoom, using cell phones, mobile devices, and the internet, shows how important science and technology are to our lives,” explained Sonja Cox, SMECO president and CEO.

“We are recognizing these teachers for their accomplishments because their contribution to educating students is important to SMECO. Our cooperative and our community benefit from the solid foundation these teachers provide,” Cox continued, “Whether they are teaching students in person or online, educators must be resourceful, flexible, and caring. These qualities have become even more essential because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we have learned over the past year, a good education and experienced teachers have never been more important.”

SMECO’s Outstanding Mathematics, Science, and STEM Teachers of the Year are listed below.

St. Mary’s County

• Ashley Kurtz, Chesapeake Public Charter School, Mathematics
• Jasmin Thompson, Leonardtown High School, Mathematics
• Paul Quade, Esperanza Middle School, Mathematics
• Jennifer Venendaal, Hollywood Elementary School, Science
• Lindsay Healy, Leonardtown High School, Science
• Nennah Byle, Leonardtown Middle School, Science
• Erin Mallory, Chesapeake Public Charter School, STEM
• Nora Blasko, Great Mills High School, STEM

Calvert County

• Linda Bailey, Windy Hill Middle School, STEM
• Jennifer Bodden, Huntingtown High School, Science
• David Goodrich, Patuxent High School, Mathematics
• Jennifer Lawrence, Mount Harmony Elementary School, Mathematics
• Sarah Legge, Windy Hill Middle School, Science
• Michelle O’Donnell, Northern High School, Science
• Karen Pirchio, Windy Hill Elementary School, Science
• Karl Sturge, Calvert High School, STEM

Charles County

• Carrie Heard, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, Mathematics
• Joanna Olson, Henry E. Lackey High School, Mathematics
• Natalie Gilliom, Milton Somers Middle School, Mathematics
• Megan Swinea, Indian Head Elementary School, Science
• Julie Andrews, La Plata High School, Science
• Jessica Roberts, Malcolm Elementary School, STEM
• Shawn Starcher, La Plata High School, STEM
• LoWanda Buck, Mattawoman Middle School, STEM

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative is a customer-owned electric cooperative providing electricity to more than 150,000 services in southern Prince George’s County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County.

To learn more about SMECO, visit their Leader member page. Visit SMECO on their Facebook Page and Twitter.