Education Board Recognizes Friends Of Education Award Winners

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Board of Education honored Lizz Hammon and the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County as recipients of the 2025 Friends of Education Award at its April 9 meeting.

The award recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, organizations and associations for their support for the school system’s mission of ensuring academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student.

Awards were presented to Hammon and Tracey Williams, the latter of whom serves as the president of AACR and accepted the honor on behalf of the organization.

“Lizz Hammon is a tireless advocate for all students in HCPSS,” board member Jacky McCoy read on behalf of the Board of Education, citing Hammon’s participation in numerous HCPSS committees and advisory boards. “Her dedication to ensuring equitable access to education has been instrumental in creating a more just and equitable system. Her commitment to student empowerment and her efforts to amplify student voices are creating a lasting legacy of engaged and inspired learners.”

Board members also celebrated the contributions of the AACR, whose financial contributions and investment in human resources, “foster academic success and create positive, lasting change for students and the broader school community.”

The African American Community Roundtable of Howard County was “recognized as a leading authority within the African American community, effectively guiding parents to the resources they need within the school system. This role has been pivotal in fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students,” board member Antonia Watts read on behalf of the Board of Education.

The board also presented certificates of appreciation to Friends of Education award nominees Gloria Baer, Kathleen Hughes, Corinne Happel, Ginger Segala and Branch Out! Howard County Chapter.

“The board is proud to honor both the Friends of Education 2025 recipients and nominees, and to express our deep appreciation for valuable contributions to our school system and students,” Watts said.

Watch the full awards presentation and learn more about the Friends of Education award online.