Local leaders honored for distinguished service in education

On May 12 the Montgomery County Board of Education held its 25th Annual Award Ceremony for Distinguished Service to Public Education, honoring individuals, groups and organizations that make exemplary contributions to public education in the county. This year, two individuals from Watkins Mill High School (WMHS) were honored for their dedication to students.

Clarence McNeary, a WMHS alumnus, was honored in the Community Individual category. McNeary serves as a youth development specialist at WMHS Wellness Center. He strives to provide positive youth development and services to more than 100 students each year. McNeary implemented curriculum-based programs such as goal setting, leadership and Black male empowerment, and has played a vital role in the student ambassador program that provides stipend for students to take leadership roles in food insecurity and vaccination clinic outreach.

McNeary was the original director of a food distribution site at Montgomery Village Middle School, serving over 500 residents each week, and providing outreach services. He continues these roles at his alma mater, as well as coaching football, and coaches the Excel Beyond the Bell program at Montgomery Village and Forest Oak middle schools.

Sharon Faber, WMHS ESOL and Theater teacher, was honored in the MCPS Staff category. When Faber began teaching at WMHS in 2016, she created the first-ever theater course designed for new immigrants to the county. She developed a full-year arts elective curriculum for ESOL students. This class quickly gained popularity became a “must-take” for 9th and 10th graders for the social-emotional skills the class promotes in preparation for college and career readiness. Area theaters collaborate with Faber to bring real-world experiences to multilingual learners, at no cost to the school or students.

In the last 6 years, Faber has been able to uplift and expose nearly 600 English language learners to the innovative theater program, creating a sense of community and safe space for immigrant youth to share their stories and feel welcome.

Congratulations to Mr. McNeary and Ms. Faber on their recent accolades and their dedication to the community through education. WMHS and the Montgomery Village community are proud of how you impact the lives of students!