The Board of Education of Charles County at its Feb. 10 meeting recognized outstanding staff members for their commitment to teaching and learning.

Gregory Bongiorni of C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School, Victoria Davenport of John Hanson Middle School, Darren Dyson of Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Shantia Keys of Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School and Christina Laverty of Henry E. Lackey High School were recognized.

Known as “Mr. B,” Bongiorni has been an instructional assistant (IA) at Barnhart for the past eight years. “In a position where turnover is often high, this longevity speaks volumes about his commitment, reliability and love for the work he does,” Barnhart Principal Carrie Burke said. Bongiorni continues to learn skills while adapting to new practices and standards to meet the needs of students and colleagues. As a math IA and interventionalist, Bongiorni works with students who need additional support in math by providing targeted and consistent instruction. “Mr. B is fully committed to each student’s journey toward reaching grade-level expectations,” Burke said. He works in the car rider line each day using that time to build relationships with students and their parents. Bongiorni decorates bulletin boards to reflect the school’s current themes or celebrations. He is described by colleagues as “the pride of our school,” Burke said.

Davenport is a veteran social studies teacher spending the past 24 years at Hanson. She has been the social studies department chair for 15 years. Davenport has assisted Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff with writing middle school social studies curriculum. “I have lost count how many times,” Ben Kohlhorst, Hanson principal, said of how often Davenport was asked to write curriculum. She brought those skills statewide in 2021 when she took part in penning the sixth- and seventh-grade social studies framework for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Davenport has been the History Day coordinator for CCPS and Hanson and taught at all middle school grade levels. She has taught Advancement Via Individualized Determination (AVID) and served as team leader for seventh grade staff. This year, Davenport is serving as an Anchor mentor teacher.

Dyson started his career with CCPS as a building service worker before he was hired as a temporary computer analyst in 2022. A year later, he was promoted to a fulltime computer analyst. At Middleton, Dyson resolves any network outages and is quick to upgrade classroom technology such as smartboards and printers. He works with teachers and staff to train them on technology and introduce them to new apps or platforms that will aid with instruction. “He maintains positive relationships with staff by offering patient, clear and solution-oriented tech assistance,” Middleton Principal Nicole Hawkins said. Among his duties, Dyson has reimaged and configured all laptops used by students and staff before the start of the school year and oversaw the installation and integration of new smart panels and mini PCs in classrooms. Dyson is studying for his Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity and has earned multiple industry certifications. “Darren is reliable, dedicated and always upbeat,” Hawkins said. “He embraces new challenges, adapts quickly to change and works well independently when needed. Darren approaches every situation with professionalism, composure and a genuine smile, which are all qualities that make him a joy to work with.”

At Dr. Brown, Keys ensures that every child feels seen, heard and valued. “She meets each student where they are, guiding them toward academic and personal growth,” Karen Lewis, Dr. Brown principal, said. A third-grade teacher, Keys has created a positive and inclusive learning environment in her classroom. It is also a classroom where creatively and energy are encouraged making learning engaging and enjoyable. “She fosters a classroom atmosphere where students are excited to learn,” Lewis said. 

Laverty is a math teacher at Lackey and serves as the chair of the math department. “She is the kind of educator every school hopes to have, dedicated, dependable and endlessly supportive of both staff and students,” Katlin Young, a math teacher at Lackey, said. In her role as department chair, Laverty goes beyond helping math staff to being available for all colleagues. She stays after hours to assist with sports, help with Key Club activities and prepare students to take the SAT. Within the math department, Laverty’s expertise is invaluable. She helps colleagues stay on pace with the curriculum, coordinate materials, separate and organize resources and sends reminders about upcoming deadlines and important dates. “She willingly gives her time so that the rest of us can be successful,” Young said. “These behind-the-scenes efforts make a significant difference in our ability to teach effectively and confidently.” 

Smith was scheduled to be recognized in November, but was unable to attend. She was honored at the February meeting. Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Eva Turner, started her career in education at the youth center on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. She is from a family of teachers but said she never set out to follow in those footsteps. Instead, Smith graduated from college with a degree in business and a job with the government. When she didn’t find joy in the work, Smith’s mother recommended she try substitute teaching. “She loved it,” Principal Courtney Gandee said. “She was offered a position at Eva Turner where she has grown into a fantastic teacher and leader.” Smith helps write social studies curriculum for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and has been the Turner’s fifth-grade team leader, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) chairperson and sponsor of Turner’s Fashion Club. Smith started the Models Collective while a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The group works to teach women how to model and photograph while building their self-confidence. Smith continues to work with Models Collective when she can.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 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).