***NEWS RELEASE***
CENTREVILLE, MD – On March 30, 2026, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) held its annual Gala at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, announcing the 2026 Teacher of the Year and celebrating Employees of the Year.
The evening featured the announcement of Ms. Alice Tickler of Church Hill Elementary School as the 2026 Teacher of the Year, shared by Superintendent Dr. Matthew Kibler.
QACPS also celebrated and recognized the other Teacher of the Year Finalists, Mr. David Cherry from Matapeake Elementary School, Mr. Thomas Hayman from Centreville Middle School, Ms. Gladys Rosario from Queen Anne’s County High School, and Ms. Kimberly Scully from Kent Island High School.
In addition to honoring outstanding educators, several staff members were recognized for their contributions across the district. Mr. Wally Davis was named “Bus Driver of the Year,” while Ms. Gina Morris earned recognition as “Educational Support Employee of the Year.” Mr. Joe Nickens was honored as “Operations Employee of the Year,” and Ms. Megan Palmer was recognized as “Non-Educational Support Employee of the Year.” Additionally, Ms. Megan Pinder was celebrated as “Outstanding Student Support Employee of the Year,” and Ms. Joeleen Smith was recognized as “Outstanding Leadership Employee of the Year.”
QACPS extends its sincere appreciation to our community sponsors for their generosity. Their contributions of funding, prizes, and donations helped make this celebration especially meaningful for our honorees. Platinum Sponsors include: Corebridge Financial, Data Networks, Daycon, Hertrich Family of Dealerships, Kent Island Elks Lodge, Marksmen, Noude, Preston Automotive Group, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, and Whiting-Turner.
Gold Sponsors: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Crystal Smith with Smith & Co. at RE/MAX Executive, Eastern Shore Dental Care, Jeff Davis Post #18 American Legion, Queenstown Bank, Shore United Bank, and Soistman Family Dentistry.
Silver Sponsors: Chick-fil-A Kent Island, Coastal Pools, Garland, Queen Anne’s County Retired Teachers Association, Skyline, and Well Ave.
Bronze Sponsors: Accounting Strategies Group, Ace Hardware, AfterGlow, Babies N Bloom, Bella Jewel Boutique, Carrie Sue Cupcakes, Club One, Doc’s Riverside Grille, Dominos Pizza Centreville, Draper Brothers Liquors, Edwards Pharmacy, Food Lion, Friendly’s, Island Dental Studio, Kent Island Pediatric Dentistry, Kent Island Resort – 1820 Restaurant, Mamma Mia’s, Office Depot, Safeway Kent Island, Shore Update, The Edge Arena, The Narrows, and Town Buzz Barber Shop.
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.