Germantown’s Education Commission has recently taken the time to spotlight the accomplishments of some standout individuals in their community. At the latest Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, three awards were issued to honor an exceptional student, a dedicated teacher, and an academically gifted youth. Each recipient's contribution to their educational environment and beyond has garnered them much-deserved recognition.
Mark Posey is the inaugural honoree of the Exceptional Student Award. This particular commendation goes out to those in their last year of completing a Special Education Diploma. According to a Germantown government news release, Posey has been described as a beacon of kindness, with his fitness coach JD McMillan noting, "If someone needed a shirt, Mark would take his off and give it to them." But Mark doesn't just stop there; he’s actively working to ready himself for the workforce while also contributing to local causes like the Empower the Exceptional 5K and Fun Run.
Another laurel was awarded to Corby Bonanno, who juggles the roles of a kindergarten teacher and mentor with a flair that has earned her the Teacher of the Month title. Amidst teaching at Forest Hill Elementary, Bonanno has made it to continuously dedicated efforts to enhancing her school’s environment through various leadership roles. One nominator highlighted, "Corby's forward-thinking approach ensures kindergarteners are not only prepared academically but are also engaged in the learning process." Outside of her classroom, Bonanno also puts in work to mentor new teachers and participates in committees aimed at preventing bullying and improving the school's programs, as noted by Germantown's official website.
The third honor, the Youth Excellence Award, went to Amalia Shapiro, a senior at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. The accolade is given for Shapiro’s scholastic dedication, personal leadership attributes, and extensive community involvement. With a perfect academic record to her name and an active role in civic leadership, she stands as a paragon of student achievement. The news release praises Amalia is an "equal parts thoughtful and confident," highlighting her involvement across multiple facets of the school, including sports, student publications, and cultural alliances.
