Eighteen teachers were recently recognized as Everyday Heroes by the Harford County Education Foundation at their Tools for Schools Breakfast Gala. The event brought businesses together in support of the Education Foundation’s programs to equip children with the resources and supplies necessary for success.
The Everyday Hero Award recognizes the outstanding educators of Harford County Public Schools, especially those who go above and beyond to make learning rewarding and engaging. Each honoree was presented with a framed certificate, an Everyday Heroes trophy, and special gifts, compliments of Saxon’s Diamond Centers and Sephora. Each teacher also received their first of two EduCrates, personalized boxes full of goodies for themselves and their students from the Education Foundation and gift certificates from community partners. Congratulations to all of the Education Foundation’s Everyday Heroes:
| Name | School |
| Taryn Martin | Aberdeen Middle School |
| Kris Jordan | Bakerfield Elementary School |
| Jennifer Edwards | Deerfield Elementary School |
| Ian Anderson | Edgewood Elementary School |
| Mike Friskey | Edgewood High School |
| Cybil Rohner | Fallston Middle School |
| Wendy Dail | Fountain Green Elementary School |
| Kristen Schluter | George D. Lisby Elementary at Hillsdale |
| Jenna Zimmerman | Havre de Grace High School |
| Kathryn Smith | Joppatowne High School |
| Lauren Donnelly | Magnolia Elementary School |
| Sonya Garrison | Magnolia Middle School |
| Jen Sevilla | North Harford Elementary School |
| Melissa Houck | Ring Factory Elementary School |
| Cynthia Bartlebaugh | Roye-Williams Elementary School |
| Faith Benser | The Alternative Education Middle School Program |
| Susan Petty | William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School |
| Jennifer Kuhn | William S James Elementary School |
Bravura Information Technology Systems, Inc., a minority, women-owned defense contractor was also honored as the Foundation’s annual Visionary Sponsor, a recognition reserved for the Education Foundation’s most impactful benefactors. Also honored at the Breakfast Gala, were Oak Contracting, LLC, Harford Mutual Insurance Company and HotSpots Extended Care Program for their outstanding show of support. Other top sponsors included: Phillips Way, Freedom Federal Credit Union, APG Federal Credit Union, Wegmans, Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, HPS Management, and People’s Bank.
Performances by Edgewood High School’s Dance Company and Vocal Ensemble earned massive applause from the crowd. Special guest speakers included Barbara Canavan, Superintendent of Schools, and Joseph Voskuhl, President of the Board of Education. Guests were also privy to the debut of a new video about the Tools for Schools Resource Center, sponsored by Harford Cable Network.
The Breakfast Gala culminated in a phenomenal display of community support when each sponsor was brought to the stage to showcase their commitment to Harford County education. Sponsors held up colorful backpacks filled with school supplies for local children as a symbol and demonstration of their support.
About the Education Foundation: Harford County Education Foundation (Previously known as Greater Excellence in Education Foundation) invests in the education of 37,000 youth in Harford County Public Schools by providing programs and resources to complement the learning and growth of each student regardless of their economic circumstances. The Education Foundation works in partnership with the community to bring critical resources to help students succeed in their academic and personal goals through middle and high school leadership programs, college and career mentoring, scholarships, free school supplies for low income students, grants to support innovative classroom instruction and celebrating the education profession with the community. Visit http://www.harfordeducation.org to learn more.
