In celebration of excellence in AACPS, the Anne Arundel Alliance of Black School Educators (AAABSE) recently named Assistant Superintendent for Professional Learning and Organizational Advancement Dr. Heidi Oliver-O’Gilvie and Walter S. Mills Parole Elementary School teacher Thomas “Ron” Ward as the 2025 Leader and Teacher of the Year, respectively.
In its inaugural year, the Leader of the Year Award “honors Dr. Oliver’s outstanding leadership, and profound impact on students, staff, and the broader educational community,” says Ada Carter, president of the Maryland Alliance of Black School Educators. “Her dedication and vision continue to inspire those around her, and this award is a testament to the difference she makes every day.”
In its second year, the Teacher of the Year Award shines a light on Ron “Ward’s passion for teaching, his unwavering commitment to student success, and his positive impact on the school community make him truly deserving of this prestigious honor,” says Carter. “His work exemplifies the values of excellence, equity, and empowerment that AAABSE celebrates.”
AAABSE’s mission is to support the accelerated success for students of African descent and to attract, develop, promote, and retain African American staff to improve educational equity for all stakeholders.
Other finalists for the AAABSE Leader of the Year award were:
Samitra Brooks, Assistant Principal at Maryland City Elementary School
Askia Brown, Assistant Principal at North County High School
The other finalist for the AAABSE Teacher of the Year award was Khalifah Carter, an AVID teacher at Meade Middle School who was also a finalist in the AACPS Teacher of the Year program.
All honorees and a supportive crowd gathered on May 17 at AAABSE’s End-of-Year Celebration where the winners were announced.
More information about the Anne Arundel Alliance of Black School Educators can be found here.