The Fund for Educational Excellence (The Fund) has announced the 2026 Heart of the School Awards Honorees and Awardees, recognizing school leaders from City Schools who play a central role in supporting students and school communities. This year, the Fund received nearly 1,500 nominations recognizing 118 exceptional principals.
Awardees
Bettye Adams, The Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School
Darrin Brozene, Baltimore Design School
Denita Plain, James McHenry Elementary/Middle School
Craig Rivers, Carver Vocational Technical High School
Cheyanna Zahrt, City Neighbors High School
Honorees
Emily Augustine, Clay Hill Public Charter School
Monique Harding, Woodhome Elementary/Middle School
Kedra Jacox-Paige, Matthew A. Henson Elementary School
April Myrick, Patterson High School
Tanisha Sheppard, George Washington Elementary School