Newark, MD, September 21, 2026–Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) is celebrating three physical education and health teachers who have been named recipients of SHAPE Maryland’s 2026 Simon McNeely Award.
The Simon McNeely Award recognizes health and physical education professionals who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, involvement in professional organizations, and service to their schools and communities. Recipients must also have at least five years of professional experience in the field.
Donyae Miles, a physical education and health teacher at Snow Hill Middle School, is among this year’s honorees. Miles is actively involved in her school community while also serving in leadership roles at the state level. She currently serves as the Eastern Shore representative and co-chair of Maryland’s Advisory Council on Health and Physical Education.
Zachary Johnson of Cedar Chapel Special School was also selected for the honor. A leader in Adapted Physical Education, Johnson has presented at the Maryland Adapted Physical Education Consortium and led professional development opportunities for colleagues throughout Worcester County.
Rounding out Worcester’s three recipients is Ali Taylor, who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to professional learning and leadership in physical education. Taylor has participated in numerous professional development opportunities, including the 2025 SHAPE Maryland Convention, and currently serves as Worcester County’s representative on the SHAPE Maryland Executive Board.
All three educators were nominated for the award by WCPS administrators.
“Continued growth and lifelong learning are important in any profession, but they are especially important in education, where our students benefit directly from educators who continue to learn, lead, and strengthen their practice,” said Tamara Mills, WCPS Coordinator of Instruction for Physical Education and Health Education. “Donyae, Zachary, and Ali consistently seek opportunities to grow professionally while also sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Their leadership extends well beyond their own classrooms, and we are extremely proud to see them recognized at the state level.”
“When we talk about knowing every student by name, strength, and need, we are talking about supporting the whole child, and health and physical education are such an important part of that work,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette E. Wallace. “All three of these deserving educators understand that their impact reaches far beyond their own classrooms. They continue to learn, they lead alongside their colleagues, and most importantly, they bring that growth back to our students. I am incredibly proud to see each of them recognized for the difference they are making here in Worcester and across our state.”
Miles, Johnson, and Taylor will be recognized during the 2026 SHAPE Maryland Convention in Ocean City in November.
SHAPE Maryland, the state’s professional organization for health and physical educators, works to advance health education, physical education, recreation, and dance.
