In the 2021-2022 school year, the county began recognizing employees who always demonstrate outstanding customer service, which is known as the Limelight Award. In December, Spanish teacher Mrs. Jean Buttitta received the recognition and award.

     This year, Buttitta is in charge of the food pantry that provided food for local families. There was recently a successful food drive that took place at North Harford. When Buttitta first heard the news she was very surprised by the recognition. North Harford’s administration nominated her for the award. 

     She believes the program she is overseeing in “the new food distribution program for local families” is a major part of her recognition for the award. As this is her first year overseeing the program. 

     A major contributor to the Limelight Awards are the sponsors. One of the nine sponsors was Harford Federal Credit Union, which supported Limelight in December. A representative was present from the Credit Union for the virtual event congratulating the nominees. Other attendees included county-wide administrators, as well as Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson, who gave all nominees a certificate of recognition.  

     The Spanish teacher was listed in the HCPS newsletter and received a certificate from the superintendent for her work and contribution to the local families in Harford County. Buttitta says that her hope is “ that the food program will continue to thrive and help families in our community.”

   The Spanish teacher, as well as 319 other faculty and staff members, have been recognized in the past year. The nominees consisted of  many school positions, including teachers, custodians, paraeducators, counselors, and many others. Buttitta is the second teacher from North Harford to win the limelight award, following the school’s safety liaison, Mrs. Renee Ford, who was recognized in November. 

     Continuing with her work, Buttitta just completed another round of food drop-offs to help support the North Harford community and the families in need. Buttitta hopes to continue to help the community as she proceeds with overseeing the food distribution program. 

     Many teachers, including English teacher Ms. Kathleen Lemke and science teacher Ms. Christine Jestel, have participated in the food drive by providing food to give away, as well as many other families in the North Harford community.