Superintendent's Lighthouse Award Honoree Stories

Harmony Downs − St. Leonard Elementary

Harmony shines in everything she does. She supports her classmates and teachers, goes above and beyond once her own work is done, and lives out CCPS values every day–showing kindness and staying on task at school, at home, and in church.

Brooke Boteler − Plum Point Middle
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Brooke is a standout leader who uplifts her school community. She tutors fellow students, leads her FCA group, and even created and manages Plum Point Middle’s school news club—teaching her peers to write scripts and produce broadcasts. Her kindness, initiative, and commitment to excellence truly embody CCPS values, making her a powerful role model for students across the school.

Channing Swanson − Calvert High

Channing leads through quiet strength, compassion, and consistent excellence. A straight‑A student with an extraordinary work ethic, she inspires her peers simply by how she shows up every day—focused, kind, and inclusive. She offers encouragement, supports classmates who struggle, and helps create a positive, welcoming classroom environment. Channing’s mix of humility, empathy, and academic achievement truly embodies CCPS values and lights the way for others.

Renee Reid − Educator, Patuxent High

Ms. Reid is the kind of teacher who truly lights the way. She listens with genuine care, supports students through both academic and personal challenges, and ensures every learner feels valued and understood. She goes above and beyond checking in on students, offering encouragement, and creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone can grow. Ms. Reid’s compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief in her students embody CCPS values and make her an extraordinary mentor and role model.

Cheryl Dick − Educational Support Professional, Student Services

Cheryl is a true leader in school health. She coordinates district-wide immunization, flu, vision, and hearing clinics with remarkable precision, while also supporting substitute nurse training and providing ongoing guidance to school health staff. Cheryl goes above and beyond—jumping in to help with screenings, organizing records, preparing family communications, and ensuring every step runs smoothly. Her expertise, dedication, and compassion strengthen health services across CCPS and help keep students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

Willanette Thomas-Lohr − Leadership, Southern Middle

Ms. Thomas‑Lohr is a dynamic leader whose dedication reaches students across Southern Middle School and the entire CCPS community. She is always present–supporting Destination Imagination teams all the way to Global Finals in Kansas City, cheering on SMS athletes, band members, and chorus students, and showing up at every event where her Eagles are shining. She knows students by name and builds meaningful relationships that make them feel seen, valued, and supported. Her leadership has helped strengthen school culture, improve discipline, and create a positive environment where students can thrive. Her compassion, visibility, and unwavering belief in students truly embody the CCPS values and make her a powerful light in the lives of Calvert County students.

Elliana Biersner − Beach Elementary

Elliana truly lights the way for others through her compassion, leadership, and empathy. She goes out of her way to make sure every student feels seen and included—especially those who are new or feeling alone. At a recent school dance, she noticed a younger student crying and stepped in without hesitation. She comforted her, got her a snack, stayed by her side, and even introduced her to friends so she would feel welcomed. Drawing from her own experiences attending multiple schools, Elliana chose kindness over spending time with her own group.

Her actions reflect the very best of CCPS values—creating a safe, inclusive, and caring community where every student belongs.

Morgan Medwid − Northern Middle

Morgan truly lights the way with her dedication, leadership, and creativity. She shines in the classroom—especially in science—consistently going above and beyond and inspiring her peers with her love for learning. Outside of school, she brings that same discipline and teamwork to competitive dance, balancing both worlds with impressive commitment.

One standout moment was during a biodiversity project, where Morgan exceeded expectations by designing a full, professional looking website to showcase her work. She also won the school’s Green School Essay Contest for her grade level, reflecting her passion for environmental stewardship. Morgan embodies CCPS values every day—showing kindness, encouraging collaboration, uplifting diverse ideas, and modeling responsible, thoughtful leadership. Her positivity and drive inspire others to achieve their best.

Ryan Lyons − Calvert High

Ryan truly lights the way in the classroom, on the field, and throughout the community. He excels academically while tutoring classmates, playing two varsity sports, and working—showing dedication, balance, and integrity well beyond his years. His leadership continues through FCA, where he helps guide and support fellow students at both Calvert Middle and Calvert High.

Ryan consistently goes above and beyond. Whether leading scripture study, supporting peers through challenges, serving on mission trips, repairing homes after storms, or spending hours helping neighbors shovel snow—he is always the first to step up. He embodies CCPS values with responsibility, empathy, and strong character. A recipient of multiple academic honors, including the Mark Fisher Delegate of Maryland Award, Ryan is a respected leader and a remarkable young man who inspires those around him.

Dr. Melaney Sanchez − Educator, Mt. Harmony Elementary

Dr. Sanchez is a dynamic leader who truly lights the way for students, staff, and the entire CCPS community. She inspires lifelong learning through her work as a school librarian—teaching PreK–5th grade, leading digital citizenship and research instruction, managing volunteers, and curating an engaging library program. She also spearheads MHES’s annual Project Based Learning experience, bringing civics and history to life through schoolwide field trips, hands on exploration, and community events.

Her leadership extends far beyond the school building. Dr. Sanchez is an NEA Global Learning Fellow, a Fulbright Fellow, a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, and an active member of the Maryland Black Eyed Susan Book Award committee.

From coordinating large scale PBL celebrations to inspiring generations of readers, Dr. Sanchez embodies CCPS values through creativity, collaboration, and a deep passion for learning. Her impact reaches students, families, colleagues, and the broader educational community.

Kimberly Repass − Educational Support Professional, Patuxent-Appeal Campus

Kimberly lights the way through her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support for students, families, and staff. Known for her calm presence and strong clinical insight, she quickly identifies student needs and provides meaningful, steady support—whether guiding a student in crisis, assisting families through challenges, or partnering with staff alongside Abby the therapy dog. She consistently goes above and beyond, including securing hundreds of dollars in gift cards to ensure PAC students could celebrate the winter season with joy. Her initiative made a direct and heartfelt impact on families in need.

Kimberly embodies CCPS values by uplifting diverse cultures and student voice. Through her leadership with the No Place for Hate group, her Chanukah door display, her support of student created Black History Month posters, and her efforts to recognize Women’s History Month, she fosters empathy, inclusion, and cultural awareness throughout the school.

Kimberly is truly a beacon for the PAC community—guiding others with kindness, commitment, and heart.

Regina Barnes − Leadership, Barstow Elementary

Regina lights the way through her compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to students, staff, and families. She creates an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, offering thoughtful guidance, steady encouragement, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She consistently goes above and beyond—meeting individually with students who need extra support, reviewing data with care, and partnering with them to set goals, build confidence, and celebrate progress. Her follow through and relationship centered approach truly make a difference.

Regina embodies CCPS values every day by fostering a safe and welcoming school environment, promoting growth and excellence for all, encouraging collaboration and creativity, honoring diverse perspectives, and modeling responsible, ethical leadership. Her positive impact is felt across the entire Barstow community.