Distinguished Alumni Award

The 2021 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award is Valerie Saxton Sharpe '76, P'09.

Valerie was nominated for this award by a former student, a former peer at Frostburg State University, and her fellow Hood classmates. All cited her incredible dedication to teaching special education curriculum, and her focused career growth through the achievement of advanced degrees in the arena of K-12 special education. In addition to her extensive teaching career, including here at Hood from 1994-2008, Valerie’s active participation in multiple professional societies and government education agencies, as mentor, administrator, and advisor clearly demonstrate her dedication to bettering the educational opportunities for society’s most marginalized learners. Additionally, Valerie has co-authored a book on the topic of the brain’s executive function and its role in student success, and has had many articles published in educational journals. Though retired, Valerie continues to use her leadership skills in service to her neighborhood as VP of her community board, overseeing multiple projects to enhance the quality of life for all her neighbors.