LEONARDTOWN, Md. — This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honored to recognize four exceptional educators from Leonardtown High School whose unwavering commitment, teamwork and innovation have transformed the freshman experience: Catherine Sutton, Madison Dunn, Alyssa Dyson and Ms. Massonf.
These teachers share more than a hallway — they share a mission. Although the Freshman Academy program is no longer officially active, these four have carried its spirit forward by creating a “school within a school” environment in their shared trailer space. This close-knit setting allows them to coordinate meaningful experiences and personalized support for their ninth-grade students.
“Our goal is to help them reach their true potential,” said Catherine Sutton. “Studies show that success in ninth grade is critical to high school graduation, and we take this mission very seriously.”
Throughout the year, the team has spearheaded classroom-aligned field trips to places like Farming 4 Hunger, the Kennedy Center (where students saw &Juliet), and the African American History Museum. They’ve also hosted a wide variety of community-building events, including a festive Friendsgiving, a holiday gift exchange and an inspiring African American Read-In — featuring custom-designed shirts by student Jayshawn Estep.
In March, the group organized a powerful Black History Month event that brought together students, families, school board members and the broader community. One parent shared:
“To put it in context, my first grader didn’t even go on a field trip this year. These HIGH SCHOOL teachers not only coordinated several trips but also do things like writing personal notes to make kids feel seen. They truly are angels.”
Looking ahead, the team is already planning a celebration for students who complete the Algebra MCAP testing — another example of how they connect academic goals with personal motivation.
What truly sets this team apart is their commitment to building strong relationships with both students and families. “We believe in a team approach to student success,” Sutton emphasized. “It takes all of us working together.”
Thanks to the passion, creativity and compassion of these four teachers, Leonardtown’s freshmen aren’t just learning — they’re thriving.
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