Mattie A. Procaccini, an English teacher at Old Mill High School in Millersville, was named this evening as Anne Arundel County Public Schools' 2002 Teacher of the Year. She will represent county public school teachers as the school system's nominee for Maryland Teacher of the Year. The surprise announcement came at the end of an evening of celebration during the annual Teacher of the Year - Awards for Excellence in Education Dinner at the Radisson Hotel in Annapolis.

William Weber, who teaches middle school mathematics at St. Martin's Lutheran School, was named Private School Teacher of the Year.

Fifteen public school teachers, four private school teachers, and 11 business partnerships were recognized during the awards event which was attended by more than 350 people. Other finalists for the public school honor were Sandra Balderson, a music teacher at Broadneck High School, and Susan Brown, a science teacher at Central Middle School. The other private school finalist was Doris Johnson, a fourth grade teacher at Annapolis Area Christian School.

A veteran teacher for 28 years, 22 of which have been with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Ms. Procaccini was nominated by her principal, Arlen Liverman. "Walk into this fine teacher's classroom and witness students being inspired, captivated, nurtured," he says, "Old Mill is blessed to have the best of the best."

Ms. Procaccini "taught us all so much, but above all, the beauty of poetry, the power of figurative language, the timelessness of Shakespeare, and the persuasiveness of the written word," say her former students Audrey Chan and Michael Margolis.

In her classroom, Ms. Procaccini not only teaches what she knows, but teaches what she feels…what is inherently part of her. Colleagues and students agree that she encourages everyone to learn from the great writers and artists.

Throughout her years as a teacher, Ms. Procaccini has been very active in supporting her students. Her efforts began as a sponsor of the Class of 1969 at Northeast High School. It was there that she met the now Judge Clayton Greene. The two remained in contact upon his graduation, and when he was sworn in as a judge for the first time, Ms. Procaccini was in attendance. He has credited her for being one of the positive influences in his life.

Inspiring students to appreciate the arts, along with a genuine love for teaching, are among the many reasons why she is effective as an educator. "My spirit fuels my determination; my heart provides the passion; my mind makes the decision; my soul is the engine of my inspirations," she comments.

Private School Teacher of the Year William Weber is an educator of eight years and is a math teacher and the athletic director at St. Martin's Lutheran School. Principal Carol Campbell says, "He is a very dedicated, enthusiastic, focused math teacher. He connects well with each student." Parent Nickie Zancan comments, "Whether in the classroom, on the field, or dealing with everyday life experiences as a teacher, he motivates children to understand the importance of values such as working hard, doing their best, respecting each other and themselves."

Intended to recognize outstanding teachers in the county, the Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, Comcast, Bank of America, the Association of Educational Leaders, and the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County. This is the ninth year for the partnership between public schools and county businesses and the 16th year for the Anne Arundel County Public Schools' Teacher of the Year program. In the past 15 years, Anne Arundel County has had finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year eight times, and two of those finalists went on to be named Maryland's top teacher.

Other public school teacher honorees this year are Richard Benfer, Ft. Smallwood Elementary fourth and fifth grade; Tammy Diedrich, Center of Applied Technology North cosmetology and nail technology; Linda Draper, Richard Henry Lee Elementary third grade; Carolyn Emory, Central Elementary fourth and fifth grade; Christellyn Johnson, Annapolis High School mathematics; Patricia Klos, Bates Middle School foreign language; Linda Lippert, Jessup Elementary second grade; Helen Mateosky, Davidsonville Elementary fifth grade; Donna Redmond, Marley Elementary second through sixth grade; Lenore Schwab, Linthicum Elementary fifth grade language arts and science; Sarah Sheckells, Shady Side Elementary art, and Mary Smilek, Severn Elementary fourth grade math and science. The two other private school nominees are Susan Hickey, Annapolis Area Christian School first grade and Georgia Newell, St. Mary's High School science.

All nominees receive crystal apples, certificates of recognition, $100 from Comcast, and several prizes donated by Anne Arundel County Public Schools and the 21st Century Education Foundation. The two Teachers of the Year each receive $1000 from Comcast. The AACPS Teacher of the Year receives $500 from the school system, and each of the other finalists receives $250.

Presented by the Chamber, the partnership awards are given to businesses that have made significant contributions to education by initiating partnerships with schools or by supporting educational programs. This year's Award for Excellence in Educational Partnerships given to a business with over 50 employees went to Hospice of the Chesapeake, and the award given to a business with fewer than 50 employees went to BeBeep A Toy Store.

Hospice of the Chesapeake, along with individuals from Leadership Anne Arundel's Class of 2001, designed the Lifetime Chronicles program. The program engages students in a process of interviewing Hospice patients in order to create a permanent record of their life as a legacy to those left behind.

BeBeep A Toy Store owner Jeff Franklin assisted students at Severna Park High School in establishing a school store. He also provides a variety of real-world experiences to students interested in retail and small business management.

Other businesses nominated for these awards were Anne Arundel Community College Educational Talent Search Program, BGE/Constellation Energy, Deep South Sno Shake, La Fountaine Bleu, Loyola College Professional Development School, Northrup Grumman Corporation, Onsite, and Professional Consulting Services, Inc.

Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) was awarded the Outstanding Community Partnership Award. Since its inception, LAA has provided Anne Arundel County with many successful educational partnerships such as the establishment of the 21st Century Education Foundation and the Glen Burnie High School Business Advisory Board, as well as programs such as Teen Court, Just Lunch, and various mentoring programs.

Most recent update: May 13, 2002