The Board of Education at its March 11 meeting honored six outstanding employees of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) for their commitment to teaching and learning.

Recognized were Tony Chase, building service manager at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center, Kathleen “Kappy” Duke, prekindergarten teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, Renee Haskins, Ph.D., school counselor at Mattawoman Middle School, Faith Helphenstine, art teacher at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, Melissa Revell, a CISCO programming teacher at North Point High School and Melanie Sokol, a language arts teacher at the Phoenix International School of the Arts (PISOTA).

Chase was originally set to be honored at the February meeting, however, due to inclement weather recognition was canceled. Students and staff who were due to be honored last month will be recognized at upcoming Board meetings.

The building service team at Stethem was shorthanded over the summer and into the start of the school year. Chase, the center’s building service manager, ensured his team, while small, still had Stethem ready for students by the time the first day rolled around. “The effort he demonstrated and the teamwork he instilled helped in getting the building a 100% on the preopening inspection,” Corey Dobbins, principal at Stethem, said. Chase understands what it takes to keep Stethem up and running for students and staff. “He is willing to go above and beyond to make sure everything is ready for scheduled events,” Dobbins said, adding that Chase and his team are also quick to respond and act when given a last-minute change in the center’s schedule. “His responsiveness to individuals and to tasks is undeniable,” Dobbins said.

A Charles County native, Duke has spent her 30 years in education teaching elementary school children. She has taught first grade and kindergarten before teaching prekindergarten at Mitchell. “Her impact on her students, her colleagues and the community has been profound,” Mitchell Principal Diedra Barnett said. Duke has been a team leader, helping her coworkers grow their strengths. She opens her classroom as a model teacher to fellow educators showing effective practices. “Her willingness to share her wealth of knowledge and experience has inspired countless new educators to adopt best practices and build strong foundations in their own careers,” Barnett said. Duke serves as the co-chair on the Mitchell Spirit Day Committee and works to plan and organize events that foster school spirit and bring the community together. “Her creativity, organization and enthusiasm for engaging both students and staff have made Spirit Days an exciting and memorable part of the school year,” Barnett said. “Ms. Duke’s contributions over the years have been nothing short of exceptional.”

Haskins has been a counselor with CCPS for 17 years. Mattawoman Principal Anthony Carroll said Haskins can accomplish anything she puts her mind to, including earning her doctorate last year. Haskins organizes parent-teacher conferences, is a coordinator of the Advanced Via Individualized Determination (AVID) program and contributes to the culture and climate initiative of the school’s School Improvement Plan. “Dr. Haskins is overly dependable, always on time and completes all tasks efficiently,” Carroll said. Haskins has spearheaded Mattawoman’s Career Day program and leads the school’s counseling department.

At Neal, Helphenstine creates an environment where students are not just artists, but immersed in the process of art, Mike Hoffman, the school’s principal, said. “Faith is committed to doing whatever is necessary for the students she teaches can succeed,” he said. Helphenstine has taught third grade and art and is currently studying for her master’s in library sciences. She is a member of the professional learning team (PLT), is an anchor teacher and coaches the school’s Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) team. In her eighth year of teaching, Helphenstine ensures the school is welcoming space by decorating the building with her students’ artwork. “All you have to do is walk down the hallways to see all the work that she does with and for her students,” Hoffman said. “She is completely involved in all aspects of their learning and makes it so that the student can always take pride in their work. Her pride is their pride, and her work ethic makes the students want to always give their best.”

Revell has taught at North Point for the past seven years, overseeing various computer science courses. She is currently a staff member in the school’s CISCO computer networking pathway and the cyber security platform. She has sponsored clubs and activities serving as a class sponsor and an advisor to the Academic Eagles. Revell has been a public relations liaison sharing good news and interesting stories about North Point students and staff. “Staff look to her for leadership and guidance,” North Point Principal Daniel Kaple said. “Students love her courses and enjoy their time in her classroom.”

Sokol has taught at PISOTA since it opened in 2023. “Ms. Sokol has worked alongside her colleagues to develop a positive school culture,” R. Demetri Sermons, Ed.D, principal at the school, said. She continues developing as a teacher by taking advantage of professional learning opportunities including a workshop — Leadership for Deeper Learning — to help increase her abilities as a teacher leader. “Ms. Sokol is a natural born leader and gravitates toward additional responsibilities and the opportunities to train and support others,” Sermons said. He added that Sokol is a dedicated staff member who is an excellent multitasker and coworker. “She is supportive toward others,” he said. “She demonstrates a high level of support and a willingness to always help our school community.” 

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).