Fred Doepkens, agricultural science teacher at Hereford Middle School, was named Educator of the Year by the Maryland PTA. The award was presented on Saturday, November 13, during the Maryland PTA 95th Annual Fall Convention, held at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum, Md. This annual award honors an educator who has excelled in fostering relationships between parents, schools, and the community and supporting the goals of the PTA. Mr. Doepkens was nominated for this honor by the Hereford Middle School PTA. In nominating Mr. Doepkens, the school PTA noted that the clubs under his direction have touched the lives of more than 200 students, are prominently involved with local activities like the Farm Fair, Festival of Trees, and Maryland Home and Garden Show, and are responsible for the growth and maintenance of native plants on the school property. In addition, the nomination described his leadership role in helping the school achieve its Green School status.