State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery today announced the 24 semifinalists for the 2014 Parent Involvement Matters Award and a parent from Anne Arundel County’s South Shore Elementary School and Calvert County’s Huntingtown Elementary School were among them.
The Parent Involvement Matters Award Program is the nation’s first statewide initiative of its kind — recognizing parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. Parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive contributions in their education communities. The program is in its seventh year.
South Shore Elementary School PTA president Brandy Hoot was a semifinalist along with Dianna Kyle, supervisor of the annual Read-A-Thon fundraiser at Huntingtown Elementary as well as the PTA president.
The 2014 Parent Involvement Matters Award will be presented during an evening celebration on Friday, May 16. Five finalists and a statewide winner from the 24 finalists will be announced during the awards ceremony.
“We know that the most important element in any child’s development is the education they receive at home. That is why it is so important that parents and guardians are active partners in shaping a strong educational community for all Maryland children,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “Maryland has achieved the number-one-in-the-nation status five years in a row because of the dedication of both educators and parents. Our State thanks the many parents across our State working tirelessly to build on that success. Together, we can continue to give the next generation everything they need to compete and win in the 21st century global economy.”
Lowery agreed that the parental role is key. “I continue to be inspired by the level of commitment and dedication that parents and guardians across Maryland have for our public schools. I take pride in honoring them because they play a vital role in the education of our future leaders,” she said. “Parent involvement is the single most important factor ensuring that our children succeed.”
