Mike Edgar

I am an AACPS: Employee

As a staff photographer, I get to view the big picture through my camera lens, the incredible dynamic that makes up our school system. I wish that every stakeholder in our county could see our school system from my viewpoint. The beginning of the school year starts with a whirlwind, week-long tour of our schools, with our superintendent, board members, elected officials and business community. They are highly motivated professionals who are even more inspired after connecting with students and school personnel, who are starting with the energy of a new school year.

There are many events throughout the year that I am assigned to cover for our system. Amazing things happen on each of these assignments. I get to see scholarships being awarded to deserving students in the names of fallen heroes, whose heart-broken mothers are the presenters. Award ceremonies for our volunteers who dedicate their time to making a difference at a school. Bilingual facilitators who are the bridge between non-English speaking families and our everyday world, a bridge that is often taken for granted. Safety, security and emergency preparations that are on the minds of our officials 24-7. The triumphs of our students who show remarkable improvement via one of our many achievement programs. I could go on and on with the amount of hard work that is devoted by student, teacher and administrator alike.

In the month of June, the school year comes to and end and I get to cover our annual Human Resources, Retirement Dinner, an evening of recognition for AACPS employees who have served our system. These employees have dedicated anywhere from 20 to 50 years of service and it is an honor to be with them to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. Yes, I do get to experience a great deal of what happens throughout AACPS for an entire year and it is truly a rewarding experience. My job is a constant reminder that we produce an incredible product within our industry, the education and growth of a toddler to a young adult.