The Southern Maryland Chronicle
October 25, 2024
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recognized outstanding contributions of its building service teams during a recent awards ceremony hosted by the district’s operations and supporting services department. The awards, announced during an October 14 meeting at Westlake High School, highlighted custodial achievements across categories including Manager of the Year, Assistant Manager of the Year, and Building Service Worker of the Year. Honorees were selected based on preopening inspections conducted across the district, a tradition led by April Murphy, CCPS supervisor of operations.

CCPS building service manager and assistant managers held a meeting earlier this month during which awards were given out in various categories.
Murphy emphasized the commitment of building service staff in ensuring facilities are in peak condition each year. “We sit down and talk about what schools looked exceptional and in what areas they truly shined,” she said of the inspection process, which helps identify standout efforts before the school year begins. Awards were introduced in October 2022 and have since become an annual acknowledgment of excellence within CCPS.
This year’s honorees included:
Manager of the Year: Joseph Brawner from Henry E. Lackey High School
Assistant Manager of the Year: Keya Young from Westlake High School
Building Service Worker of the Year: Gloria Ventura of North Point High School and Kevin Proctor of St. Charles High School
Green Thumb Award: Recognizing grounds maintenance, awarded to the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, Gale-Bailey Elementary School, and North Point High School
Platinum Building Award: Awarded to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School for exemplary building maintenance
Outstanding Floor Care: Billingsley Elementary School
During the awards presentation, Murphy described the thoughtfulness behind the Green Thumb Award at North Point, where Building Service Manager Victor Woodland ensures grounds maintenance is timed to showcase the property for potential homebuyers over the weekend. “The grounds at North Point are elaborate,” Murphy noted. “Woodland and his staff do a great job keeping it up to par.”

Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., superintendent of schools, second from right, congratulates the building service staff of the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building who recently received the Green Thumb Award from the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Office of Operations and Supporting Services. From left are Ikechukwu Bradley-Alakwe, Marie Woodland, assistant manager, William “Gary” Proctor, manager, Navarro, and Carla Fenwick.
At the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, the team managed a sprawling property that includes multiple annexes and a maintenance shop. “The building service team at Starkey is a small group but they are responsible for maintaining a large property,” Murphy said. She commended their dedication to tasks like trimming, edging, and overall curb appeal, demonstrating a clear pride in the facility’s appearance.
The prestigious Platinum Building Award went to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, reflecting a high standard of building maintenance. Murphy highlighted the efforts of Manager Norbert Farmer and Assistant Manager Leland Burns, who lead by example and strive for perfection. “It is obvious when you pull in the parking lot, and it becomes more obvious when you walk in the door,” she said. “The team at Dr. Mudd is very intentional with their work, and it shows with the appearance of the building.”
In addition to individual awards, schools achieving a perfect score in their preopening inspections were also recognized. Schools awarded 100% ratings will have their achievements marked on a plaque displayed across all CCPS locations.
Schools recognized with 100% inspection scores include:
Elementary Schools
Billingsley Elementary School
Gale-Bailey Elementary School
Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School
Malcolm Elementary School
T.C. Martin Elementary School
Mary H. Matula Elementary School
Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School
Middle Schools
Matthew Henson Middle School
General Smallwood Middle School
Benjamin Stoddert Middle School
High Schools
Henry E. Lackey High School
Maurice J. McDonough High School
North Point High School
St. Charles High School
Thomas Stone High School
Westlake High School
Centers
F.B. Gwynn Educational Center
Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center
Early Learning Center, La Plata
Robert D. Stethem Educational Center
Murphy concluded the ceremony by commending all building service staff for their unwavering commitment, which she described as essential in creating welcoming environments for students and staff. “Every award recipient today embodies a dedication that doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.
Source: The Southern Maryland Chronicle
Comments