Congratulations to English Teacher Jennifer Swientoniowski who was recognized at the annual FCPS Honors event as the 2018 Region 5 Outstanding Secondary Teacher and one of five finalists for this year's Outstanding Secondary New Teacher Award!

Mrs. Swientoniowski believes part of being a teacher is helping students find answers to all of their questions, even those that have nothing to do with English. Collaborative and positive, she’s steered countless students to success in her 13 years with FCPS, many of whom were facing hardships and emotional challenges. Currently, she teaches a course designed especially for students needing additional support meeting English requirements for graduation.  Students praise her as much for teaching them that it’s okay to fail as for celebrating their successes. “No matter how many times someone told me to never give up," said one student, “it was never highlighted more than by Mrs. Swient.“

• See Mrs. Swientoniowski's page on the FCPS website.

Congratulations also to the other Fairfax High School staff members recognized at FCPS Honors!

Outstanding Secondary Teacher School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Jessie Roy, Spanish Teacher

Outstanding School-based Hourly Employee School-level Recipient

• Darci Richard, Testing Coordinator Assistant

Outstanding School-based Support Employee School-level Recipient

• Lorie Spelman, Administrative Assistant

Outstanding School-based Support Employee School and Pyramid-level Recipient

• Tanya Villareal, Technology Support Specialist

Thank you to Nancy Melnick for all of her hard work with the nomination process by serving as this year's awards liaison.