Gov. Wes Moore Visits Monocacy Elementary
Frederick, MD – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore visited Monocacy Elementary Wednesday, where he greeted students and visited the classroom of targeted intervention teacher ALonna Soward-Puryear, the 2026 Maryland State Teacher of the Year.
Moore’s visit to Monocacy Elementary was one of two stops in Frederick County as part of his Delivering for Maryland Tour. His Frederick County stops highlighted investments in public education and affordable housing.
While at Monocacy, Gov. Moore visited Soward-Puryear’s classroom and the media center, where he had the opportunity to see teaching, learning and student engagement in action.
In the media center, he met with students from various grade levels to discuss their experiences, answer questions about life as governor and reflect on his own time as a student. During the conversation, Gov. Moore also spoke about the meaning of public service, sharing that anyone in the community, regardless of their role, can be a public servant by giving back to others.
Gov. Moore’s visit is the latest highlight in a whirlwind year for Soward-Puryear, who became the third FCPS educator to be named Maryland State Teacher of the Year last fall.
Soward-Puryear, known for her ability to connect with students in creative and innovative ways, traveled throughout the state this year while taking part in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program. Teacher of the Year award recipients from each Maryland county take part in a cohort where they participate in professional development and advocacy opportunities.
Last month, Soward-Puryear attended a garden party at the British Embassy attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla during their visit to Washington.