LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Superintendent of Schools Dr. J. Scott Smith would like to announce the outstanding employees who have been recognized for their service and dedication to St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS).
Mr. Dominic Carnobas, special education paraeducator at Hollywood Elementary School, and Mr. Wesley McGregor, project coordinator II in the Department of Information Technology at the Division of Supporting Services, have been chosen as the Educational Support Professionals of the Year award winners. The Educational Support Professional of the Year award was established in 2009 to recognize the essential role support staff have in the school system’s success by fostering a positive learning environment for students. Mr. Carnobas has been employed by SMCPS for four years, and Mr. McGregor for 10 years.
Mr. Kinnon Williams, welding teacher at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Maryland Teacher of the Year program. Mr. Williams has been employed with SMCPS for 12 years. He will compete against other teachers from across Maryland for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Williams holds welding certification from New River Community College and industrial maintenance certification from Rappahannock Community College.
Ms. Dorothy Nelson, an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year program. Ms. Nelson has been employed with SMCPS for 17 years. She is a nominee for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award, competing against other teachers from public and private schools throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Ms. Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Salisbury State University.
Ms. Julia Steele, principal of White Marsh Elementary School, has been selected as the representative from St. Mary’s County Public Schools for the Washington Post Principal of the Year program. Ms. Steele has been employed with SMCPS for 32 years, the last nine in the principal role at White Marsh Elementary School. She is a nominee for the Washington Post Principal of the Year Award, competing against other principals from public and private schools throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Ms. Steele holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Towson University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Towson University.
Ms. Bridget Dunbar, supervisor of secondary mathematics in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, has been selected as the Leader of Excellence award winner. The Leader of Excellence award was established in 2018 to recognize the essential role administrative or supervisory staff play in the school system’s success by fostering cooperation between the school and the community. Ms. Dunbar has been employed with SMCPS for 19 years, the last nine in her current role. Ms. Dunbar holds a master’s degree in secondary math education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026, we thank our teachers, principals and administrative and support staff. Every employee makes an important contribution to the success of our students.
Mr. Carnobas, Mr. McGregor, Mr. Williams, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Steele and Ms. Dunbar will represent the school system along with all nominees for the Educational Support Professional of the Year and Outstanding Educator and other St. Mary’s County Public Schools staff at our Staff Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For a complete list of all school and site nominees, visit https://www.smcps.org/offices/human-resources/award-nominations