The Baltimore County Public Schools announced the selection of Sharon L. Grimes as Teacher of the Year for the 2004-2005 school year. Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston declared the winner at a ceremony held on May 5 in Towson. Grimes, a BCPS schoolteacher for thirteen years, is a library media specialist at Lansdowne Elementary School in the southwest area of the County.
     Grimes was chosen from among the following finalists: William Barnes, mathematics department chairman and teacher at New Town High School; Kimberly Burton-Regulski, a mathematics teacher from Eastern Technical High School; Anne Puckett, a vocal/general music teacher from Westchester Elementary School; and Jeanne Tamberrino, a physical education teacher at Pine Grove Middle School. Bruce Lesh, social studies chairman at Franklin High School, was first runner-up in the County competition.
     Along with the Superintendent, several Board of Education members were in attendance to share in the celebration, including members Michael Kennedy and James Walker. Previous Baltimore County Teachers of the Year were invited to the ceremony and each shared “words of wisdom” with all of the finalists. This illustrious group included: Kathy Corley, TOY 1988-89; Bonnie Block, TOY 1992-93; Diane Richmond, TOY 1997-98; James Wharton, TOY 1998-99; Deborah McClintock, TOY 1999-2000; Sarah Jeanne Sayles, TOY 2000-01; Christina Blackman, TOY 2001-02; Cheryl Bost, TOY 2002-03; and Paul Winfield, TOY, 2003-04. Matthew Joseph, education liaison from the County Executive's Office, presented each finalist with a citation from James Smith.
     Along with the prestigious honor and the opportunity to represent Baltimore County in the State competition, Grimes received generous donations from the area business community. For the seventh consecutive year, the Baltimore Area Toyota Dealers provided the Baltimore County Teacher of the Year with the use of a 2005 Toyota Corolla for one year. For the eighth year in a row, Comcast Cable presented a $1,000 check towards the purchase of a lap top computer. The Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) honored Grimes with an engraved trophy.

See photos here

By Marjorie Hampson Communications Specialist, Teacher of Year Coordinator