2018 heart of the School Awards

Cindy Harcum 

Baltimore City College High School

Cindy Harcum is in her eighth year as principal of Baltimore City College High School. Principal Harcum, a City College graduate, empowers her students to become leaders, including implementing a student-to-student tutoring and TA program while constantly challenging students. She emphasizes equity and has made advanced coursework the norm; it was once an option for only a small subset of students. She accepts nothing less than the best from her students, and they are excelling as a result. 

“Cindy Harcum did not believe the full [International Baccalaureate] diploma track should be a segregated track and offered to only a few students. Over the course of five years, she put the structures and systems in place to offer the full diploma and certificate track for all students. The result was a 600% increase in students going for the full IB diploma.” – Parent

“Compassion, professionalism, drive, and a steadfast belief that all students deserve a high level of educational instruction are what continually impress me about Ms. Cindy Harcum.” – Parent

Kimberly Hill Miller

Lockerman Bundy Elementary School

Kimberly Hill Miller is in her fifth year as principal of Lockerman Bundy Elementary School. Motivation and fun make learning happen at her school. From allowing students to duct tape her to a wall this past March as their reward for making gains in reading and math, to holding monthly parades to recognize her SWAG (Scholars Who Achieve Greatness) Students of the Month, to creating raps, chants, and dances for the students to promote academic success and positive behavior, Principal Hill Miller’s goal and reward-oriented motivation techniques make learning fun and leave students laughing as they make progress and thrive. This work has paid off, as Lockerman Bundy is one of the fastest improving schools in the district.

“My principal makes our school the best school in the world! She is like a mother to me. We go on college tours and she teaches us all about what it is for scholars to do and learn in order to be prepared for our future careers.” – Student

“My son wants to come to school every day and on time because he can’t wait to see what the principal is going to do to help them learn.” – Parent

Matthew Hornbeck

Hampsead Hill Academy

Matthew Hornbeck is in his fifteenth year as principal of Hampstead Hill Academy, which is a top performing school in Baltimore City. If you ask students and staff, their success starts from the top. Principal Hornbeck gives students everything they need to succeed, including a positive environment, a peer-supported conflict resolution program, a giant circle with 240 middle schoolers meeting every Friday morning, true arts integration and a consistent celebration of the school’s diversity. It’s no wonder families move to the Patterson Park area to attend this welcoming multi-cultural school.

“He has a deep commitment to the kids, the faculty, and the parents, which is a rare combination. It feels like no matter who you are and why you have come to him, he has your back.” – Parent

“Mr. Hornbeck is a visionary who makes our school feel like a home. He is supportive, kind, and incredibly hardworking. Because of his dynamic leadership, we are able to thrive as teachers and push ourselves to work harder for our students.” – Teacher/School Staff

Emily Hunter

Arlington Elementary/Middle School

Emily Hunter is in her fifth year as principal of Arlington Elementary/Middle School. Principal Hunter develops lasting, positive relationships with students, staff, and the community. Whether it’s encouraging students to stay focused while reminding them of their potential or supporting staff with the creation of a wellness center and monthly events or working with the Friends of Arlington group to acquire vital resources and experiences for her school, morale stays high at Arlington Elementary/Middle. 

“Principal Hunter has transformed Arlington E/M into an oasis in the Park Heights community. When one walks into the school building it feels like home.” – Community Partner

“Ms. Hunter has formed long-lasting relationships by taking the time to get to know staff, students, and parents. All stakeholders at Arlington support, live, and share one goal! We believe Teamwork, Makes a Dream Work (Arlington’s Motto) and that is because of Ms. Hunter’s leadership!” – Teacher/School Staff

Marc Martin

Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School

Marc Martin is in his eighth year as the principal of Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School. Principal Martin’s mantra is to accept nothing less for his students than he would for his own child. And he means that literally; one of the first students he enrolled after taking the position was his son. Under Marc's leadership, the school has made astounding increases in student achievement and enrollment, and Commodore is one of the very few schools to successfully come out of Turnaround status. Today, Marc and, under his guidance, his leaders at every level have launched the 100% Project community of 3 additional schools, inspiring a staff of 200 to share resources, collaborate and motivate each other. 

“Marc has transformed Commodore from one of the lower-performing schools in the state to a school bursting at the seams with students and teachers who want to be here.” – Commodore John Rodgers Teacher/School Staff

“Mr. Martin has opened up his practice to three schools, collaborating and leading in an unprecedented way. The 100% Project is a breath of fresh air. There is a huge culture shift in THREE schools because of his leadership.” – City Schools’ Principal

Miguel Cervantes del Toro

Callaway Elementary School

Miguel Cervantes del Toro is in his fourth year as principal of Callaway Elementary School. Over his tenure, Principal del Toro has led a culture where students, all of whom he knows by name, have achieved remarkable academic growth. And it’s not only students who are learning; Mr. del Toro attends graduate courses with his teachers to encourage professional development and implement a culture of constant growth. 

“He puts the students first in all decisions and makes sure he pushes to always use data to drive instruction. His words and actions show that he believes every student has potential to succeed.” – Teacher/School Staff

“Mr. del Toro is completely dedicated to using his unbounded gifts of talent, compassion, and humor to create and sustain a learning environment that brings out all of the joy which rightfully belongs to children while developing their skills and creativity to the fullest” – Community Partner

Denisha Logan

Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School

Denisha Logan is in her third year as principal of Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School. Principal Logan understands the role that environments play in learning and has pushed hard, with the help of community partners, to create a space where students have equitable learning opportunities and staff can thrive. Her work transforming the space into a haven for learning has resulted in a new playground, bright colors in all hallways and spaces for teachers to unwind. She does what it takes for her students and staff to have what they need for success. 

“She invests her heart and soul in Harlem Park EMS every single day of the year like she owns the place, despite the continual challenges she faces from all fronts. In only her third year at the school, she has already transformed the school not only aesthetically but also attitudinally.” – Community Partner

“[Principal Logan] goes beyond her job to provide any service for my son. From the day my son started, she’s been a blessing.” – Parent

Benjamin Mosley

Glenmount Elementary/Middle School

Benjamin Mosley is in his fourth year as principal at Glenmount Elementary/Middle School. Under Principal Mosley’s leadership, smiles and “good mornings” fill Glenmount’s halls every morning as he greets students and parents by name. Students and staff want to be there, shown by the fantastic academic growth of students over his four years there. His personality is contagious and is inspiring his students every day. 

“Everyone, from content area teachers to the resource teachers, is expected to support academic achievement. He empowers us daily to make decisions that put the children at [Glenmount] first.” - Teacher/School Staff

“The students love him and look to him as not only a principal but also a father.” - Parent

Nikomar Mosley

Gwynn Falls Elementary School

Nikomar Mosley is in his second year as principal at Gwynns Falls Elementary School. Principal Mosley recently became a viral star thanks to his incredible step dance moves. Step back from the spotlight and it’s clear: his warm compassion and leadership connects with ALL students. This includes the deaf and hard of hearing population in this school, for whom he is learning sign language to help communicate. 

“He is the change he wants to see. There is no job in the school that is beneath him – holding classes, fixing things that are broken, pulling trash, waxing and buffing floors, clearing the cafeteria. You name it, he does it.” - Teacher/School Staff

“Mr. Mosley is quite simply a blessing. A blessing to the students, staff, and this community.” - Parent

John Snowdy

Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys

John Snowdy is in his third year as principal of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys. Principal Snowdy began his work at Baltimore Collegiate as the school faced multiple conflicts a day. The school and its students needed a motivated, positive structure, and thanks to Principal Snowdy’s vision, they have it. Students are fired-up to learn, and teachers identify growth areas and are encouraged to pursue their development and learn from others around the city. 

“Mr. Snowdy is a giant, but quiet, force of nature who leads by example. Baltimore would be a better community for black and brown boys if everyone had a Mr. Snowdy ensuring their education.” – Parent

“My own son is dramatically improving in math and science, and for the first time ever, came home and told me that he likes school! That is huge!” - Parent