Progress

MSDE Awards celebrate strong performance

It’s clear after spending time in classrooms around Baltimore: City Schools students and educators are brimming with talent, exhibiting strong leadership, and inspiring their peers to be better. 

Our educators and schools are stepping up to provide high-quality Gifted and Talented programs, classes, and experiences that ensure the strongest learning experience. More than 6,750 students in City Schools are formally identified as Gifted and Advanced Learners (GAL) and can receive services and participate in Gifted and Talented programs, and their dedication and accomplishments is garnering statewide attention. 

The Maryland State Department of Education and the State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education recently honored dozens of City Schools students and educators and three schools were given Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) School Awards. The winners were honored for exhibiting strong leadership, performing at high levels in comparison to their peers, excelling in taking or delivering Gifted & Talented coursework, participating in extracurricular activities as students, and pursuing growth opportunities like professional development as teachers. 

Congratulations to the following students, educators, and schools! 

Outstanding Student Accomplishment in Gifted and Talented Education

• Daxton Abel-Skinner, Roland Park Elementary/Middle  
• Ziva Abel-Skinner, Roland Park Elementary/Middle 
• Joshua Adler, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle
• James Ash, Roland Park Elementary/Middle 
• Jack Basl, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle
• Natalie Berry, Roland Park Elementary/Middle 
• Kamiya Boulware, Baltimore International Academy-East
• Rosalie Chadeayne, Roland Park Elementary/Middle 
• Brandon Dickens II, Baltimore International Academy-East
• Ira Geller, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
• Harrison Hubbard, Mount Royal Elementary/Middle 
• Madelyn Jones, Baltimore City College
• Isaac Kamionkowski, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Ishani Kanja-Sen, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Joy Kogah, Academy for College and Career Exploration
• McOrell Kouevi, Baltimore International Academy 
• Kendall Lloyd, Baltimore International Academy-East
• Harlow Moschera. Roland Park Elementary/Middle 
• Brooklyn Murrell, Baltimore International Academy
• Atman Patel, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle
• Eden Rhodes, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
• Amaal Shah-Nelson, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Sudarshan Shahi, Academy for College and Career Exploration
• Giovani Vaughn, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle
• Natalie Zakamska, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Yuzhang (Jamie) Zhu, Roland Park Elementary/Middle 

Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education - Teacher as Leader 

• Brittany Atkins, KIPP Harmony
• Keely Brelsford, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle
• Justin Kuk, Mount Royal Elementary/Middle
• Yvette Schreiber, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Allisun Thompson, Roland Park Elementary/Middle
• Hsiangmei Yang, Baltimore International Academy 

Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education - Advocate for Special Populations

• Alex Clough, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School
• Erin Perkins, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School

Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education - Non-Classroom Based

• Heidi Trasatti, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School

Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education - Local School System Administrator 

• Dr. Rae Lymer, Gifted and Advanced Learning Office

City Schools designated this year as Maryland Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) Schools: 

• Mount Royal Elementary/Middle
• Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle
• Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle

To learn more about City Schools’ Gifted and Advanced Learning programs, click here.