Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recently announced the 2025 Outstanding Non-Certificated Staff Award winners. Each year, non-certificated staff are nominated by supervisors and colleagues with letters of support.

This year’s awardees include Lynette Cromwell, a food service worker at Gale-Bailey Elementary School; Amanda Kline, executive assistant to the CCPS Chief of Operations and Supporting Services; Karl Meyer, building service worker, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School; Yolanda Murray, secretary to the principal, Theodore G. Davis Middle School; Jessica Rush, instructional assistant, J.C. Parks Elementary School; Gary Stine, CCPS mechanic for auto/heavy equipment; and Kathryn Thorsen, computer analyst III, Maurice J. McDonough High School.

Food service — Lynette Cromwell
Cromwell began her career with CCPS as a food service worker at General Smallwood Middle School. She was at Smallwood until 2004 when she transferred to Gale-Bailey where she’s been ever since. “She has been a pillar of our school community,” Tangie Scales, Ed.D., principal of Gale-Bailey, said. “Her dedication to her job is special and endearing.” Cromwell is known for her work ethic, positive attitude and reliability. “She doesn’t simply serve food; she cultivates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every child who enters the cafeteria,” Megan Parsons, the assistant principal at Gale-Bailey, said. Cromwell knows almost all the students by name, and takes time to talk and listen to them, making the cafeteria not just a place to eat lunch. “[It’s] a space where students feel valued, respected and cared for,” Kelly Kavlick, reading resource teacher, said. The students back that up. “She keeps track of the food and also makes sure that all the kids that want food get it,” Reese Hoffman, a fifth-grade student, said.

Central office support staff — Amanda Kline
Kline worked as a substitute teacher and temporary secretary with CCPS before taking the role of secretary with the office of instruction. From there, she served as the secretary to the director of elementary instruction before moving to Annex I as an assistant in planning and construction. She has been the executive assistant to Mike Heim, CCPS Chief of Operations and Supporting Services, since 2017. “I am not sure I would still be serving in my current role without her guidance and patience,” Heim said. “Amanda keeps me focused and on schedule.” In her position, she oversees the printshop but is also called on to help other staff members. “Amanda is vital to so many departments within Charles County Public Schools,” Mary Barricklow-Riedel, transportation secretary, said. “Amanda is a team player who consistently displays steadfast dedication, unwavering support, commitment, knowledge and dependability.”

Building service worker — Karl Meyer
As the building service manager at Stoddert, Meyer was instrumental in the school’s renovation that spanned several years. “Mr. Meyer expertly coordinated with contractors, project managers and central office staff, ensuring the project progressed smoothly despite many setbacks that occurred along the way,” Stoddert Principal Marquelle Peavy said. The construction project, which included a renovation to the existing building along with a three-story addition, required planning and collaboration among Meyer’s team. “Mr. Meyer handled the stress of this situation with grace and a calmness that is noteworthy,” April Murphy, CCPS supervisor of operations. “His approach to this potentially stressful situation had a positive impact on the morale of his team and the success of the project.”

Secretary — Yolanda Murray
Murray worked as a secretary at North Point High School for 11 years before moving to Davis in the role as secretary to the principal in 2018. Robert Griffiths, principal of Davis, said Murray plays an essential role at the school. “Ms. Murray takes on everything at Davis,” Griffiths said. “She knows that her work isn’t always just about her success, but the success of the school, giving up her time often to provide support wherever needed.” Murray gets out from behind her desk to sponsor the Junior Student 2 Student group which pairs new and current students. The students stay in touch throughout the school year to support and assist each other. “She is very kind,” Maya McIlwain, an eighth-grade student and president of Student 2 Student, said. “We all just love her so much.” Murray takes part in school events, assists with staff and student initiatives and is counted on for her problem-solving skills. “Her warmth and kindness make everyone feel valued and heard,” Anthony Mast, assistant principal at Davis, said. “Her ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure and poise is truly commendable.”

Instructional assistant — Jessica Rush
Rush has spent her career working with young children. At Parks, she works closely with students in kindergarten who have special needs. Rush ensures students receive targeted support for their academic and social needs. “Her patience, instructional expertise and ability to foster meaningful connections with students have made a lasting impact on [students’] development,” Hughes Valmond, principal at Parks, said. Kimberly Cline, a kindergarten teacher, has worked with Rush for the past five years and has seen her determination and thoughtfulness firsthand. “Jessica is a natural when it comes to working with children,” Cline said. “She creates a learning space where all students are valued, and a high degree of learning is always expected.” Parents appreciate Rush’s extra care she takes with her students. Stacy W. Bates, the mother of a Parks student, said her son can struggle with change, but she has seen him blossom since being in Rush’s classroom. “Ms. Rush has been a vital part of his growth and development thus far, and we are thrilled with his progress,” Bates said. Rush volunteers to lead the Destination Imagination (DI) team at Parks. “Ms. Rush taught her team not to be afraid to share their ideas, to take risks and to learn from their mistakes,” Tabitha Tayman, Parks’ DI sponsor.

Maintenance — Gary Stine
Stine is an auto/heavy equipment mechanic who is responsible for preventative maintenance and servicing of CCPS equipment, such as snow removal machinery, and vehicles. Stine regularly is called on the troubleshoot problems and resolve issues. “His problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness have been instrumental in keeping the CCPS automotive, bus and equipment fleet operational,” Thomas Gragan Jr., supervisor of maintenance, said. Stine can be counted on the stay up to date on the advancements in technology and industry trends and has expanded his knowledge to assist with the maintenance of electric vehicles in the CCPS bus fleet.  Stine’s expertise also ensures aging vehicles are maintained. “Over the past several years, he has managed to keep the CCPS fleet operational despite the unavailability of new vehicles,” Henry Lancaster, administrator of the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), said. “Given the average age of the fleet, it is a testament to Mr. Stine’s outstanding work ethic and resourcefulness that these older vehicles remain functional.”

Information technology — Kathryn Thorsen
nown as Katie, Thorsen started working for CCPS as a computer analyst (CA) I at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. When she first was named a CA II, Thorsen supported Starkey and various schools before moving to McDonough as a CA III. At the school, she is responsible for managing nearly 3,000 pieces of technology equipment making sure each device has the necessary software for use by students and staff. Thorsen brings a wealth of knowledge to her role and stays in the know about what is happening in the area of technology and what is on its way out.  “I can always count on Katie to let me know when established policies and procedures are no longer beneficial to the school system and need improvement,” Jill Warring, help desk administrator, said. At McDonough, Thorsen introduced a record keeping procedure that better tracks the collection and distribution of devices. The initiative worked so well, it is being used throughout CCPS. Thorsen is known for flexibility and her team approach to situations. “She frequently stays late to complete detailed tasks and is willing to work weekends,” McDonough Principal Darnell Russell said. “Life can be challenging, but Katie consistently rises to the occasion.”

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).