Anne Arundel school board awards educator, employee, volunteer of month for April

Each month, the Anne Arundel County Board of Education honors an educator, employee and volunteer in the school system.

For April, Alison Criswell, a special education teacher from Central Elementary School was chosen as the educator of the month; Adrienne Lyon, a special education teacher assistant from Ridgeway Elementary School, was selected as Employee of the Month and Jaime Wishard, from Severn Elementary School received the honor of Volunteer of Month.

District 7 Board member Michelle Corkadell read Criswell’s award during the April 3 board meeting.

“Special education teachers are amazing but having nonverbal autistic students is an enormous challenge that Ms. Criswell rises to each day,” she read. “Each day, Ms. Criswell reports to work with a smile and a positive attitude ready to face the challenges of one of the hardest jobs.”

None of the winners know until their name is called to make the honor more of a surprise.

“I thought my amazing TSA was volunteer of the month,” Criswell said, laughing. “I think they knew I would’ve panicked if I was told ahead of time.”

Wishard’s award was read by School Board Vice President Corrine Frank, who represents District 4.

“Ms. Wishard has generously and consistently dedicated her time to the betterment of our school community, she read. “Every week she faithfully volunteers to assist the first-grade team going above and beyond in all that she does.”

Franks said her generosity to students and staff at Severn Elementary School is a blessing to their community.

Wishard wasn’t available to be honored but a representative received the award on her behalf.

Lyons was chosen because she has shown an eagerness to share her knowledge with teachers and students for the last four and a half years. She shows a natural talent for motivating people and fostering growth for her students said Robert Silkworth, president of the school board and District 2 representative.

“She shows enthusiasm to improve her teaching through collaboration and continued education,” he said. “She is a consistent team player who is always willing to pitch in and help.”

Along with an award and certificate like the other awardees, Lyons was surprised by her husband and son who greeted her with flowers and hugs.

“I’m speechless right now, excuse me if I’m not articulate right now, but thank you all so much,” Lyons said.