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The Maryland Association of Boards of Education presented the 2010 Charles W. Willis Award to William J. Phalen, Sr., president of the Calvert County Board of Education, on September 30, 2010. Through the award, the state association annually recognizes one current or past Board of Education member in Maryland for outstanding service at the local and state level.

“I am honored and humbled on receiving this award,” said Phalen.  “I know that any success I have had has been due to the support of my fellow board members throughout my years on the Board, as well as Superintendents Dr. Smith, Dr. Horsmon, Dr. Hook and the rest of the fantastic people who work for Calvert County Board of Education.”

Phalen has served on the Calvert Board of Education since 1993, has held a variety of officer positions on the state board association, has served on a number of state education committees, has presented at the national school board conference, and has been involved in numerous civic and community organizations.

Superintendent of Schools, Jack Smith, said Phalen is the ideal recipient of this award.  “Bill has spent more than two decades working on behalf of the students in this community and in support of the school system,” said Smith.  “He is a servant leader in every sense of the word, and he consistently acts in the best interest of students.  He is respected in this county and across Maryland for his work in support of public education.  He is the ideal recipient for this award.”