All event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Flickr page
Andrew Buffenmyer, US History teacher at North Caroline High School, has been named 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Nick Marshall, Head Custodian at Greensboro Elementary School is the Support Employee of the Year for Caroline County Public Schools.
The announcements were made at a celebration for finalists on April 10 at Cow Barn Events in Ridgely. All teacher and support employee finalists were in attendance along with their families, co-workers, and friends.
"We're incredibly proud of both Mr. Buffenmyer and Mr. Marshall,” Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons said. “They embody the very best qualities of the Caroline Family and will represent us with pride and excellence.”
All five finalists for each of the categories were in attendance along with family members and colleagues. Caroline Board of Education President Michele Wayman, Vice President Mark Jones, and members Stefanie Johnson and Troy Plutschak joined the festivities. Sheriff Donnie Baker and Captain RJ Helmer also attended to show their support.
Current Teacher of the Year Danielle and Support Employee of the Year Amy Barnes joined the celebration, along with former Teachers of the Year Mirta Bradner, Andrea Burns, and Lindsey McCormick. Former Support Employees of the Year were also well represented by Sheldon Neal and Matt Sartwell.
The event was generously sponsored by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and catered by the Chesapeake Culinary Center. Photography services were provided by Chelsea Powell Photography and all event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Schools Flickr page. The event presentation is accessible here.
2025-26 Teacher of the Year Andrew Buffenmyer
Mr. Buffenmyer is a US History and AP US History teacher at North Caroline High School (NCHS). He began his teaching career with Caroline in 2009. His nomination stated, “Mr. Buffenmyer is a dedicated and well-liked teacher known for his excellent rapport with students. His approachable nature, coupled with a helpful and patient demeanor, creates a positive learning environment. He consistently strives to impart new knowledge to his students, demonstrating a commitment to their academic growth.”
This year’s nominations resulted in five exceptional finalists. The judging committee reviewed and scored all nomination packets to determine the finalists, which included Tom Cheezum, Director of Bands and Orchestras at Colonel Richardson High School; Lisa Dayton, 4th grade teacher at Federalsburg Elementary; Kimberly Mielke, Multilingual Learner Science Teacher at North Caroline High School; and John Moyer, III, Physics and AP Physics teacher at North Caroline High School. Once finalists were chosen, interviews were conducted to decide the teacher of the year.
Mr. Buffenmyer will now go on to represent Caroline County in the Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year program.
2025-2025 Support Employee of the Year Nick Marshall
Mr. Marshall began his career with Caroline County Public Schools in 2022 and is the head custodian at Greensboro Elementary School
Mr. Marshall’s nomination stated, "Mr. Marshall is the epitome of dedication and leadership. As head custodian, he not only directs his team but actively participates in every task, ensuring the school is always ready for any event, regardless of whether it’s within his regular hours. Nick understands that every staff member plays a key role in the school’s instructional goals and goes out of his way to support the entire team. His kindness, attention to detail, and commitment to the school ensure that it’s not just clean and safe, but also a welcoming place.”
As with the Teacher of the Year award, support employees also had a high number of nominations. In addition to Ms. Barnes, four exceptional finalists were named: Jenn Claytor, Instructional Assistant at Preston Elementary School; Chadney Ennals, Multilingual Learner Instructional Assistant at Colonel Richardson High School; Donna Fazenbaker, Instructional Assistant at Denton Elementary; and Desiray Korell, Tech Support Specialist at North Caroline High School.