(Washington, DC) Twenty-six DC Public Schools (DCPS) teachers, administrators, staff members, and school communities were named Standing Ovation award winners for their commitment to ensuring every student feels loved, challenged, and prepared to positively influence society and thrive in life. They will be honored on January 30 at the 10th Annual Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools hosted by the DC Public Education Fund.

DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee surprised educators and schools across the city with news of their awards, including Ashley Kearney, a mathematics teacher at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Ward 7. Ms Kearney is a Ward 7 native and was named DCPS’ Teacher of the Year. She is a dedicated educator and committed to seeing young men of color excel.

Principal Masi Preston of Dorothy I. Height Elementary School in Ward 4 was named DCPS’ Principal of the Year. Principal Preston is a Coolidge High School graduate and a committed DCPS educator who believes in and works toward her school’s vision of “Every Child, Every Day, Excellence!”

“Great school leaders, educators, and staff members are part of the fiber of DCPS. They are the change agents that put our young people on a path towards opportunity and excellence,” said DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee. “I’m proud to serve in a district where our communities honor members of the DCPS family for their hard work and dedication, and I’m thrilled to celebrate them at the 10th Annual Standing Ovation Awards.”

DCPS also honored Brandon Williams, custodial foreman at Thomson Elementary School in Ward 2, with the Staff Member of the Year Award. Mr. Williams has been a part of the of the DCPS family for almost 20 years and is committed to making Thomson a positive space for staff and students. Five schools are also receiving awards for their work, and a full list of winners is available below.

“The DC Ed Fund is so honored and proud to host Standing Ovation, our annual event that celebrates DCPS educators, leaders, and school communities that go above and beyond for kids every day,” said Jeanie Lee, President and Executive Director of the DC Public Education Fund. “We bring together all of our supporters in philanthropy and business to show our gratitude and celebrate DCPS.”

The 2020 Standing Ovation Excellence Award winners each receive a $10,000 award and are:

• Principal of the Year: Masi Preston, Dorothy I. Height Elementary School (Ward 4)
• Teacher of the Year: Ashley Kearney, Ron Brown College Preparatory High School (Ward 7)
• School Staff Member of the Year: Brandon Williams, Custodial Foreman, Thomson Elementary School (Ward 2)

Schools are also being honored for their work in the areas of Equity, Empowered Team, Innovation for Excellence, Whole Child, and Together with Families and will be recognized at the event. Each school receives a $20,000 award.

The 2020 School-Based Standing Ovation Excellence Award winners are:

• Equity: Wheatley Education Campus (Ward 5)
• Empowered Team: Bancroft Elementary School (Ward 1)
• Innovation for Excellence: Drew Elementary School (Ward 7)
• Whole Child: Anacostia High School (Ward 8)
• Together with Families: C.W. Harris Elementary School (Ward 7)

In addition to the invidual and school school awards, 12 principals, assistant principals, teachers, and staff members will receive Rubenstein Awards and receive $5,000 each:

Rubenstein Winners for Excellence in Leadership

• Kemi Baltimore-Husbands, Principal, Langdon Elementary School (Ward 5)
• Art Mola, Principal, Cardozo Education Campus (Ward 1)
• Carrie Broquard, Principal, Lafayette Elementary School (Ward 4)
• Sylvia Isaac, Assistant Principal, School Without Walls High School (Ward 2)

Rubenstein Winners for Excellence in Teaching

• Allen Richardson, Elementary Math Teacher, Randle Highlands Elementary School (Ward 7)
• BreeAnna Haynes, 5th Grade Teacher, Stanton Elementary School (Ward 8)
• Marion Fox, Kindergarten Teacher, Payne Elementary School (Ward 6)
• Elizabeth Barkley, 9th & 10th Grade Teacher, Cardozo Education Campus (Ward 1)

Rubenstein Winners for Excellence Among School Staff

• Jermaine Wyatt, Social Worker, Excel Academy (Ward 8)
• Angela Wright, Administrative Assistant, Patterson Elementary School (Ward 8)
• Julian Hipkins, Global Studies Coordinator, Roosevelt High School (Ward 4)
• Robert Gillespie, Custodian, Turner Elementary School (Ward 8)

This year, a new awards category, the Chancellor’s Awards for Central Office Excellence, recognizes and celebrates six individuals who demonstrate commitment to DCPS values: Students First, Equity, Excellence, Teamwork, Courage, and Joy with a $1,000 award.

Chancellor’s Awards for Central Office Excellence

• Students First: Maya Washington, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel
• Equity: Lizz Rene, Specialist, Innovation, Office of School Improvement and Supports
• Excellence: Danna Reuven, Specialist, School Performance, Office of Data Systems and Strategy
• Teamwork: Roger Asterilla, Director, Logistics, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
• Courage: Sharona Robinson, CAT Clusters 1, 9, and 10, Office of the Chief of Staff
• Joy: Ricky Brown, Division Specialist, Strategic School Operations, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

About Standing Ovation

As part of DC Public Education Fund’s mission to drive excellence, Ed Fund hosts Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools — an evening where business leaders, philanthropic partners, and education advocates come together to honor and celebrate the achievements of DCPS' highest performing educators. A distinguished DC tradition, this year’s 10th anniversary event will bring together 2,000 educators who exemplify excellence and innovation in DC Public Schools. For more information, visit www.standingovationfordcps.org.