Twenty-five educators from Wicomico County Public Schools have been named semifinalists for Wicomico Teacher of the Year, and have begun the extensive judging process that will lead to the naming of the next Wicomico Teacher of the Year on April 12.

This year’s Wicomico Teacher of the Year Recognition Program kicked off Jan. 12 at Beaver Run Elementary with the announcement of 72 quarterfinalists from throughout Wicomico County Public Schools. The names of the semifinalists – one for each school and a semifinalist to represent Special Programs – were announced at the end of the evening.

Semifinalists participated in the scored Fishbowl public speaking event at James M. Bennett High Jan. 30, with judges from the school system and community. In February, the semifinalists will submit a writing prompt and will sit for an interview with a blue ribbon panel of judges. Scores from these three activities will determine who will become the next Wicomico Teacher of the Year.

The annual Wicomico Teacher of the Year Celebration, with more than 200 guests including dozens of outstanding teachers, school administrators, and other supporters from the school system, Board of Education and community, will be held at Venue 54 near Delmar, Md. on Wednesday, April 12. That night four finalists – the teachers with the four highest total scores – will be announced, and from among the four finalists the new Wicomico Teacher of the Year will be named.

Semifinalists for Wicomico Teacher of the Year:

• Beaver Run Elementary: Nan Richerson, Music.
• Bennett Middle: Deanna Marshall, English Language Arts.
• Charles H. Chipman Elementary: Bethany Simon, Kindergarten.
• Delmar Elementary: Jenna Purnell, 4th Grade.
• East Salisbury Elementary: Kirsten Biddle, 3rd Grade.
• Fruitland Intermediate: Danielle Pulliam, 5th Grade.
• Fruitland Primary: Kellie Martino, Prekindergarten 3.
• Glen Avenue Elementary: Tuishula “Tish” Wise, 3rd Grade.
• James M. Bennett High: Victoria Olinde, Math.
• Mardela Middle & High: Don Abbatiello, Social Studies.
• North Salisbury Elementary: Kelli Lewis, 4th Grade Magnet.
• Northwestern Elementary: Melissa Hileman, 5th Grade.
• Parkside High: Sherri Harkins, French.
• Pemberton Elementary: Brenda Rhoads, 5th Grade.
• Pinehurst Elementary: Andromeda Massey, Pre-Kindergarten.
• Pittsville Elementary & Middle: Ken Dasher, Band.
• Prince Street Elementary: Emily Dale, 1st Grade.
• Salisbury Middle: Heidi Hershey, Math.
• West Salisbury Elementary: Tara Martens, Math Intervention.
• Westside Intermediate: Kara Watson, 2nd Grade.
• Westside Primary: Debbie Wessels, 1st Grade.
• Wicomico High: James “Matt” McMurdo, Special Education.
• Wicomico Middle: Michele Lilly, Math Intervention.
• Willards Elementary: Kelli Scholl, Physical Education.
• Special Programs: Dana Hetzler, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), English Language Support Center.