UPPER MARLBORO—Prince George’s County Board of Education Member Edward Burroughs, Fairmont Heights High School principal Nakia Nicholson and Northwestern High School teacher Tameka Paschal were selected for the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund’s inaugural “Forty UNDER 40” awards.
Burroughs, a 2010 graduate of Crossland High School, made history by being elected to two consecutive terms as Student Member of the Board during his junior and senior years. As the Student Member, he was instrumental in helping to change policies that determine final course grades. He was elected to represent District 8 on the Board in 2010. At 19 years old, he is the youngest “Forty UNDER 40” award recipient and one of the youngest elected officials in the nation.
Nicholson, an alumna of Largo High School, began her teaching career in Prince George’s County at Frederick Douglass High School. She later taught at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C. As Fairmont Heights principal, Nicholson has worked diligently to create a center of academic excellence by closing the achievement gap and increasing high student achievement.
“Receiving this award means that people do recognize the efforts that educators make daily for our children,” said Nicholson. “Education is the engine that sustains the economy.”
Paschal, who has taught mathematics for 17 years, is pursuing National Board Certification. She serves as department chairman at Northwestern. She has written curriculum and created lessons that are used throughout PGCPS high schools. Paschal has also coached basketball, soccer, softball and football. She was named “Coach of the Year” in 2007.
“We are proud to have this honor bestowed on Mr. Burroughs, Ms. Nicholson and Ms. Paschal, and know that we can expect even more from them in the future,” said Dr. William R. Hite Jr., Superintendent of Schools.
Launched in September of last year, the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund accepted nominations from individuals and organizations throughout the region.
Awardees are all Prince George’s County residents under the age of 40. This recognition offers a “hometown” acknowledgement of the incredible talent that exists in Prince George’s County
All awardees will be honored at a reception later this month.
