Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS)  has announced new administrative appointments for the 2023-2024 school year, effective July 1, 2023.

Mrs. Ashley Quicke has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Easton Middle School, where she was an Administrative Intern for the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Quicke has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education: Liberal Arts and Technology from Stevenson University, a Master of Science in Education: Mathematics K-6 from Walden University, and Administrator 1 Certification from Salisbury University.  Mrs. Quicke joined the TCPS team as a 7^th grade mathematics teacher at Easton Middle School in 2020.  Her previous experience as an educator includes serving as an elementary classroom teacher, grade level lead, Elementary Instructional Mathematics Coach, and Dean of Students for Dorchester County Public Schools.

Ms. Annie Mewborn has been promoted to Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary School, having served as Administrative Intern for the 2022-2023 school year.  A veteran of the United States Army, Ms. Mewborn earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Thomas Edison State University, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She also earned an MSDE Administrator I Supervisor and Assistant Principal endorsement. Ms. Mewborn joined TCPS as a Reading Intervention Specialist for grade 6-8 in 2011.  She taught secondary English Language Arts from 2013 – 2018 and from 2020 to 2022.  She was Talbot County Teacher of the Year in 2016-2017 and VFW Teacher of the Year in 2017, and served on the Grading for Equity Cohort, English Curriculum and Secondary Grading, and Easton Middle Faculty Advisory Committees.

Mrs. Daisy Bradwell has been appointed to Curriculum Supervisor for K-6 Mathematics.  Mrs. Bradwell has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Valley Forge, and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Reading from the University of Florida.  She joined Talbot County Public Schools in 2022 as a fourth grade teacher at Easton Elementary School, with 25 years of experience as an educator in Florida and Pennsylvania.  Her prior leadership experience includes serving as a Literacy Coach, Grade Level Team Leader, and a member of the Math Teacher Leadership Institute and School Based Leadership Team.

“I am very excited to see these leaders take the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning.   “Their demonstration of commitment to students and staff has been outstanding and I look forward to seeing them grow in their new roles.”

The Tidewater Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) held a ceremony last month to induct new members from St. Michaels High School.

NHS is a national organization established in 1921, which serves to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Eligibility is open to juniors and seniors with a 3.2 GPA and 75 service learning hours completed.  Those students receive an application to submit, which goes before a Staff Review Committee comprised of teachers, club advisors, and coaches to review and select students.  Selection is based on the 4 NHS Principles: Character, Leadership, Service, and Scholarship. The induction included a reading of the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling by chapter members Nickk Grassini, Anna Mauwong, Kyle Miller, and Jessi Watts.

Mr. JR Burkhardt, Guidance Counselor serves as St. Michaels High School’s National Honor Society Faculty Advisor. The 2022-2023 Chapter Officers were Mackenzie Fox, President; JT Lisewski, Vice President; Ethan Morrison, Secretary; and Sean Gunshenan, Treasurer.

The 2023 St. Michaels High School NHS inductees are as follows:

Grace Adkins, Jacob Bealefeld, Cole Bieber, Will Bridges, Brianna Crow, Rebecca Dean, Blake Foy, Mathew Goeller, Nathan Henckel, Henry Mullikin, and Madi White.

“I am extremely proud of these students for their work both in and out of the classroom, and for the example they set for their peers as student leaders,” said Mrs. Theresa Vener, Principal. “I know they will continue to set the bar high for their school community and beyond.  Congratulations to the students and their families.”

The Easton Middle School Chapter of The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) held a ceremony to induct new members for the 2022-2023 school year. NJHS recognizes outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929, eight years after it founded National Honor Society for high school students.

Students who qualify must submit an application and essay, and are selected based on the five criteria. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

The Officers of the Easton Middle School Chapter of NJHS for 2022-2023 are Sterling Washington, President; Jordan Wilson-Colbert, Vice President; Abigail Jobeck, Secretary; Miles Chaney, Treasurer; Heaven Murray, Historian. Mrs. Lindsay Matthews, Social Studies Teacher, serves as Advisor for the club. “We are delighted to honor these 65 scholars for their dedication and hard work in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character,” Mrs. Matthews said. “We look to them to set the example of what it means to be an EMS Panther and are excited for what they will do for our community as members of our chapter.”

The 2022-2023 inductees are as follows:

8th Grade
Ryder Cario, Gisell Diaz-Chavero, Emmett Ellis, Carter Fronk, Zachary Hatch, Mae Jennings, Ryan LaCorte, Kayleigh Nancarrow, Rileigh Neely, Alexa Salguero, Naomi Sanchez-Sandoval, Leah Smith, Touryn Smith, Carolyn Turner, Diego Zacarias-Verdugo

7th Grade
Maia Bailey, Kenton Baynard, Madeleine Biringer, Michaela Bollerman, Alexis Bonsu, Sanai Boulden, McKenna Brach, Jonas Burkhardt, Neely Byrnes, Reagen Cain, Evan Caldwell, Anna Callahan, Maddison Combs, Jamier Copper, Caroline Cordeiro, Tessa Diefenderfer, Betsy Dongarra, Calista Freeman, Jose Garcia Arrivillaga, Alden Gibbons-Neff, Elizabeth Golt, Rahman Gondal, Macy Graves, Ryleigh Groce, Sariah Hamsher, Estelle Howard, Eliza Kimball, Jordan Langrell, Alexander Lister, Cecilia Manley, Violet Masone, Zachary Morris, Lily Nebab, Paige Neville, Tyler Newton, Khadija Popal, Erica Pryor, Brady Rauch, Addison Schindler, Trenton Short, Braden Streaker, Jillian Tate, Dylan Tawney, Max Vaccari, Jacqueline Velasquez Gonzalez, Olivia Wade, Liliana Walstrum, Jillian Washington, Yeva Willey, Brittany Zheng

Four students from Talbot County Public Schools have been named 2023 Carson Scholars. The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc. was founded in 1994 by former Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson, M.D. and his wife Candy. The fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to students in grades 4-11 who excel academically and are dedicated to serving their communities. Previous winners of Carson Scholarships may reapply for Carson Scholar recognition each year and the students are recognized at regional award ceremonies in the Spring.

This year’s TCPS Carson Scholars are as follows:

New Carson Scholar
Kylie Sadler– 5th grade – Tilghman Elementary

Recognized Carson Scholar
Jose Garcia Arrivillaga- 7th grade – Easton Middle
Tessa Diefenderfer -7th grade – Easton Middle
Autumn Redman – 11th grade – Easton High

Easton Elementary School first-grade teacher Charlene Caldwell DeShields has been nominated for the 2022-23 National LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Ms. DeShields was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

“It is evident that DeShields resonates a love for her students, families, and community that reaffirms how fortunate the educational profession is to have someone as committed as her. DeShields’ former students and their family members always are eager to share a kind word or a heartwarming story on how DeShields impacted their lives. Her level of commitment has never wavered. She has remained a stalwart supporter of public education by serving on various committees and organizations within the community.” said the anonymous colleague. “Ask yourselves: have you ever had a teacher that just the mere thought of them made you smile? Ms. D has set herself apart as a LifeChanger. Her positive influence is a lasting testimony to the lives she has touched and made all the better by dedicating her life to education.”

About LifeChanger of the Year

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2022-2023 school year.

(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.

• (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Capstone Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.
• (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals, and will be announced in early 2023. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must

• Make a positive impact in the lives of students
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
• Possess a proven record of professional excellence
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards

To support Charlene Caldwell DeShields’ LifeChanger of the Year nomination and help her win one of the awards, visit her profile using this link Ms. Charlene DeShields and leave a comment about how she has changed your life. To nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.

Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators who implement innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students and the community.

Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards. The nomination period runs from early January through the first week of February. A committee that includes former Talbot Teachers of the Year reviews the resumes of all of the nominees who choose to formally apply, and selects the Teacher of the Year Finalists. Finalists prepare packets that highlight their work in their school and community. These packets are reviewed by the committee, and the Talbot Teacher of the Year is announced in April.

At the same time, a separate committee reviews the Support Staff of the Year nominations and resumes and selects the finalists. This winner is also announced in April.

Three finalists have been selected from the nominations for Teacher of the Year and three were selected for Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.

Teacher of the Year Finalists:

Lutisia (Tish) Blessing – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, White Marsh Elementary

Cindy Rossbach – Special Education Teacher, Easton Elementary

Donna Ewing – Band Director, Easton Middle

Support Staff of the Year Finalists:

Glynna Hilliard – Instructional Assistant, Easton Elementary

Jane Tillman – Instructional Assistant, Math Interventionist, and Volunteer Coordinator, Chapel District Elementary

Laronda (Suzy) Warrington – Instructional Assistant, Easton Middle

“It is always a great day when we have the opportunity to celebrate outstanding members of our staff,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent. “The fact that their students were just as excited to see them recognized was icing on the cake! I would like to thank everyone who nominated members of our staff for this honor, and I congratulate all of the nominees and finalists!”

The 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced in April.

A cohort of 14 high school juniors and seniors have officially earned Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials.  All of the students completed 100 theory hours, 40 clinical hours, and an exam as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing with a 100% pass rate.  They were given the opportunity to practice hands on skills in local facilities and are now employable as Certified Nursing Assistants, and several will pursue degrees in Nursing at the collegiate level.

Talbot County Public Schools implemented the CNA program in 2021 through funding from the Maryland Career and Technology Education Innovation grant.  The grant funded the purchase of medical grade equipment and resources to provide students a real-world nursing experience.  The program is offered at Easton High, and is also open to students from St. Michaels Middle High through cross campus transportation.

The students who successfully completed the program this year are as follows: Torian Copper, Emily Dickinson, Makenzie Ewing, Karlee Holly, Jazaiah Jackson, Peyton Jones, Ka’Niya Joseph, Katelyn Martin, Abigail Meadows, Ava Moore, Nai’ema Pierce, Ty’Mira Pinkett, Reagan Saia, and Gizelle San.

The four course program uses project and problem-based learning, clinical and internship experiences, and classroom and lab instruction to teach students about the field of healthcare.  Students are introduced to healthcare knowledge and skills through two foundation courses with content developed by Stevenson University:  Foundations of Medicine and Health Science and Structure and Functions of the Human Body.  The program provides students with opportunities to apply what they are learning to real-life healthcare situations. The final required course is a clinical internship arranged with a local healthcare facilities, includingHeartFields Assisted Living, Shore Regional Hospital at Easton, Talbot Emergency Services and Talbot Hospice. Students who pass the end-of-course exams as well as successfully complete the program of study are eligible for transcripted credit through Stevenson University.

“We are so proud of our students, they worked extremely hard to study for their exam and did amazing in their clinical experiences,” said Mariah Sorrell BSN, RN and CNA Instructor. “We cannot wait to see what they do next! Our community is very lucky to have them as Healthcare members.”

For additional information, please email Robin Werner, Career and Technical Education Curriculum Supervisor at [email protected] or contact a school counselor.

Students from the Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) secondary band programs recently auditioned for the Eastern Shore Band Director’s Association (ESBDA) Junior and Senior All-Shore Bands.  Students from every county on the Eastern Shore of Maryland competed for limited spots.  The performances were adjudicated by a member of the ESBDA, and students were assessed on tone, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulations and accidentals.

The following TCPS students were selected:

Easton Middle, directed by Mrs. Donna Ewing – Junior All-Shore

Michaela Bollerman (7) – Flute; Rhys Campbell (7) – Clarinet; Evelin Chum-Gomez (8) – Clarinet; Carrie Crist (8) – 1st Chair (only 1 is selected) Bari Sax; Samantha Haas (8) – Trumpet; Eliza Kimball (7) – Clarinet; Varnika Lanka (8)  1st Chair – Tenor Sax; Nicholas Lesher (8) – Trombone; Jonah Morris (8) – Tuba; Riley Pedersen (8) – 1st Chair – Trombone; Touryn Smith (8) – Clarinet

Easton High, directed by Mr. EJ Oesterle – Senior All-Shore

Kate Adelman (11) – French Horn; Matthew Craig (11) – 1st Chair – Euphonium; Isaac Davis (10) 1st Chair – Percussion; Danica Manley (10) – Bass Clarinet; Emma McCracken (11) – Tenor Saxophone; John Payne (11) 1st Chair –  Tuba; Joseph Pierson (9) – Percussion; John Schwaninger (11) 1st Chair – Trombone.

St. Michaels Middle High, directed by Mr. Richard White – Junior and Senior All-Shore

Ryley Beers (9) – Trumpet; Sebastian Cornish (9) – Trombone; Marty Fullerton (11) – Trumpet; Hannah Willis (7) – Flute.

“We are delighted to once again have several students representing TCPS in this year’s All-Shore Band,” said Mr. James Redman, Fine Arts Supervisor.“The hard work and dedication of our staff and students are evident by this selection. I am looking forward to watching this incredible concert.”

The ESBDA All-Shore Band Festival will be held on Saturday April 15 at 4:00 p.m. at Queen Annes County High School.

The Easton High School J. Willard Davis Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS)held an induction of new members who applied in the Fall of 2022.  Another induction will take place in April for Spring 2023 applicants.

NHS is a national organization established in 1921,which recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. To be considered for induction into the National Honor Society, students must meet minimum criteria which include a cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 86.5%, cumulative attendance rate equal to or greater than 94%, no more than 2 disciplinary referrals, and completion of at least 100 service learning hours.

Qualifying students are given the opportunity to submit applications and recommendations, which are reviewed by Easton High School faculty. The January 2023 Easton High NHS inductees are as follows:

Seniors: Taylor Chaney, Emily Dahlen, Emily Dickinson, Angelina Duschel, Cameron Lewis, Samantha Mason, Tanai Wilson

Juniors: Calvin Bui, Emily Currie, Evan Ensminger, Samantha Jessee, Charlie Kaminskas, Jack Kilbourne, Sabin Long, Gavin McGlinchey, Will O’Donnell, Sophia Principe, Noah Ramos, Jordan Regan, Jonah Rich, Taylor Roach, Olivia Robinson, Morgan Sauca, Colin Smith, Mattie Smith, Bradyn Speakman, Matthew Svehla, Brady Tipton, Selene Wagner, Faith Walstrum

The current chapter officers are: Alondra Moreno Santana, President; Cathryne Christopher, Vice President; Estella Thomas, Treasurer; Caleigh Freeman, Secretary; Kat Booth, Historian; Julian Bauer, Parliamentarian; Sydney Lanier, Junior Representative; Isabella Jobeck, Junior Representative.  Ms. Samantha Wasson, Science Teacher, serves as the Chapter Advisor.

“I congratulate each of the new inductees, as well as their families, for all of the dedication and hard work throughout their educational career that has led up to this moment,” said Ms. Sherry Spurry, Easton High School Principal. “All of their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character are honored by their induction into this prestigious organization.”

The Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation (TCPSEF) is pleased to announce that Ms. Jessica Bellis and Dr. Ruth Ann Jones have been appointed as new Board members.

Ms. Bellis is the Chief Operating & Finance Officer of the Avalon Foundation, Inc., in Easton, MD. Ms. Bellis holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic & State University (Virginia Tech).  The parent of two Easton High students and a proud product of public education, Ms. Bellis brings 20 years of experience building community partnerships, fundraising, event management, grant administration, and financial leadership to TCPSEF, and more than a decade of hands-on work with TCPS students and staff.  “I have witnessed first-hand the intense stresses and triumphs of teachers and students especially over the last few unprecedented years.  I am honored to join this organization whose mission it is to engage the community in supporting excellence in public education and to work to provide resources to enhance teaching and learning for all.”  Said Ms. Bellis when asked about her new appointment.  Ms. Bellis also serves as Vice Chair for the Talbot County Board of Tourism.

Dr. Jones retired in August 2019 after more than 45 years in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Clinical Services/Chief Nursing Officer for University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.  A lifelong health care provider, leader and educator, Dr. Jones over the years has served as a mentor to a number of Masters and Doctoral nursing students.  She earned a Doctorate in Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University, a Master of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wesley College in Dover, DE, and a diploma in nursing from the Macqueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing. She serves on the Chesapeake College Nursing Advisory Board, serves as Vice President of the Talbot Paramedic Foundation Board, and is a member of the Memorial Hospital Scholarship Foundation Committee and the Mid-Shore Community Foundation Board.  Through her volunteer work, Dr. Jones provides reviews of grants and scholarships and has experience with writing Bylaws and Strategic Plans. She is the parent of two Easton High School graduates. “I am honored and excited about joining this great group of individuals who dedicate their time to supporting public education and our community,” Dr. Jones explained. “The work accomplished by this group enhances student learning through innovative practices that support positive outcomes for students.”

Photo: Jessica Bellis and Ruth Ann Jones have been appointed to the Board of the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation. The Foundation is led by a total of 18 dedicated volunteers. (front row left to right) Lindsey Higginbottom; Vickie Wilson; David Short, Chair; Dale Rauch; Annie Decker. (back row left to right) Michael Garman; Jeremy Hillyard; Mariana Lesher, Treasurer; Pamela Clay, Secretary; Jessica Bellis; Ruth Ann Jones; Betsy Griffin. Not Pictured: Jo Ann Asparagus Murray, Vice Chair; Michael Fisher; Juanita Hopkins; F. Graham Lee; Berenice Orellana; Vanessa Sullivan.

“The TCPS Education Foundation Board is proud to welcome these new members,” said David Short, CPA, and Foundation Board Chair. “Each brings a different perspective and a great deal of diverse experience to enhance that of our current members. We have been very fortunate to attract board members that reflect the perspective of many of the stakeholders in our community. We are always interested in talking to potential board members and volunteers interested in supplementing the outstanding Talbot County Public School experience.”

Founded in 2016 in partnership with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, the Education Foundation has raised more than $750,000 to support excellence in public education.  With generous financial support from the community, they have approved grant requests from teachers for innovative projects and experiences for TCPS students, raised funds to provide internet connectivity for students, awarded scholarships to graduating seniors, and established a fund to support mental health services in TCPS schools.

For more information about the TCPS Education Foundation visit the website:  www.tcpsef.org or contact Debbie Gardner, Communications Officer at [email protected] or 410-822-0330 ext. 102.