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Photo by Bill Green
Benchmark Awards winner Battelle National Biodefense Institute was represented by J. Patrick Fitch and Sadie Coberley. |
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The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce combined its 97th anniversary celebration with an honor to teachers and businesses that support education.Ric Adams, chamber president, said educators have for years reached out to businesses for support. More recently, businesses have made the first step, working with schools to establish internships, provide equipment and training and help set up curriculums that prepare students for the real world of work. Dave Markoe, a former educator, was honored for heading the chamber's Business-Education Roundtable for the past two years, helping to bridge the education and business communities. Markoe was presented a copy of the chamber's charter, establishing the local organization as the first chamber in the nation in 1912. Adams said that even in the challenging economy, the chamber has grown by 29 members in the past month, bringing the membership to around 850. The organization had a successful year, Adams said, with its annual trade show, a social media event and other programs. Held at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, the program included presentations to four educators and three businesses. Frederick Community College President Carol Eaton and Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Linda Burgee presented the awards. Catherine Alspaugh of New Market Elementary School was named Frederick County Teacher of the Year; Bonnie Velasco of Kemptown Elementary School received the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award; and Mark Pritts, principal at Middletown Primary School, received The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. Richard Ramsburg, a 34-year employee with the school system and who oversees Evening High School and Adult Education programs, received the Lifetime Educator Award. Businesses honored were Battelle National Biodefense Institute with the Benchmark Award for an exemplary education program; Thorpewood, the Horizon Award for exceptional work study and mentoring; and Orases Consulting Corp., Champion of Education Award, for generous financial or employee service support.
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