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Spotlight: Dr. Cheryl Dyson Honored with National Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Award
- PSSAM Staff
- Aug 14
- 1 min read
Frederick County Public Schools
August 12, 2025
"FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson was selected as the recipient of the Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Superintendent Award by the National Center for Children and Families.
This award was named after Cookerly, who believed that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed – regardless of circumstances. Cookerly founded The Neediest Kids program in 1972, partnering with school districts to ensure students would never be without the essentials: eyeglasses, coats, school supplies and emergency supports.
“I was honored and humbled to learn of this recognition,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “In FCPS, we focus on supporting every student to ensure best outcomes for all the students in our care. The work we do for our students is a shared commitment and a team effort.”
This is Dyson’s fourth year serving as the Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools. Dr. Dyson is a fierce advocate for children and works diligently to ensure they thrive. She believes her role as Superintendent provides the opportunity to connect families and community partners to schools in service of every student in FCPS.
“This is not just visionary leadership – it is heart work,” organization leaders wrote in an announcement of the award. “You understand that education is a lifeline, especially for children facing trauma, poverty, or instability.” "