HOS 2026 Winners | The Heart of the Schools

Three words: Performance, Culture, and Excellence. Principal Bettye M. Adams has developed a school full of "Runners" (as coined by Ron Clark), at The Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School – staff who will go the extra mile to ensure their students have what they need to succeed. Whether that is reimagining and investing in its infrastructure and programming for students and parents to elevate its standing in the community or celebrating its Centennial anniversary this year, with a Ripken Foundation STEM Center, a Maggie McIntosh auditorium, and a Baltimore Ravens gymnasium. Students are provided with experiences in the arts, both in-school and out – Principal Adams accepts nothing less than the best for her students. She is also proudly developing a cohort of instructional leaders. Her school has seen the highest MCAP math growth for Black students across the district, second highest math growth for economically disadvantaged children, and second highest ELA growth for students with disabilities. All this translates into a school that is closing in on their fourth star, which no doubt is coming soon!

"Principal Adams is a visionary leader who inspires teachers through a clear sense of direction and purpose. She values her staff, recognizes their strengths, and provides ongoing support so teachers feel empowered and respected." -School Staff at The Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School

“She is a visionary who understands that exposure creates possibility, that proximity inspires greatness, and that students in “little old West Baltimore,” in the shadow of the Black Arts District, attending a historically Black elementary school named for an Afro-British composer, deserve nothing less than excellence, joy, and wonder. Do you see the pattern and the power in that? She is not just creating experiences; she is creating a legacy.” -The Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School Partner

At Baltimore Design School, Principal Brozene ensures all his students and staff are connected, which can be challenging when leading a school with grades 6 through 12. He expanded a Champion Team of school leaders, each of whom oversees one grade in the school (Mr. Brozene leads sixth grade), which allows for the development of a tight-knit community. This structure also leads to opportunities for intensive support (for both staff and students) and deep data analysis. The results are clear, with double-digit decreases in chronic absenteeism each year since COVID, the growth of their career pathways (adding at least one staff member per pathway under his leadership) and steady increases in math and ELA MCAP scores as well as AP scores. His kindness permeates the building, creating an atmosphere where students and adults are thriving.

"[Mr. Brozene] is the most consistent, understanding, enlightening, inspiring principal of all time! He makes sure that we have help when needed! He allows us to actually have fun when fun is missing! Mr. Brozene also awards us when progress is being shown. This motivates many students who are struggling to find themselves in their darkest moments!!" -Student at Baltimore Design School

“Principal Brozene leads by example. He builds relationships, fosters collaboration, and creates space for growth both professionally and personally. He understands that schools thrive when educators are respected and students are inspired, and he works intentionally to cultivate that environment every day…Simply put, he leads with heart. And that heart is felt in our classrooms, our hallways, and the confidence of the students we serve.” -School Staff at Baltimore Design School

Principal Plain knows how important it is to give every child a reason to be excited to be at school, starting with engaging instruction. She has worked hard to build a school culture where everyone believes in this vision, and the data shows she is succeeding! James McHenry has made significant growth in both ELA and mathematics, has seen chronic absentee rates drop by more than 20 points (including winning the Mayor’s attendance competition three times) and has grown their Gifted and Advanced Learning program from 19 students two years ago to 118 students today. The enrollment is trending in the right direction and there should be no confusion as to why – great things are happening at James McHenry!

"Mrs. Plain does not just manage a school; she champions a community. Because of her listening ear, her competitive spirit, and her unwavering belief in Southwest Baltimore's youth, James McHenry is not just meeting standards - it is shattering them." -James McHenry Elementary/Middle School Partner

“What truly sets Principal Plain apart is her passion and presence. She is visible, engaged, and deeply committed to her school community. She celebrates growth, notices effort, and holds high expectations paired with compassion. Because of her leadership, James McHenry is a stronger school, our students are better served, and our community is thriving.” -School Staff at James McHenry Elementary/Middle School

Emanating calm and kindness, Principal Rivers has an uncanny ability to bring peace to turbulent situations. Perhaps this explains his career trajectory, as the school district has entrusted him with rebuilding cultures in three large high schools where his steady leadership brought focus and student-centered presence. Now at Carver Vocational Technical High School, Principal Rivers leads with compassion, ensuring that all members of the school community – adult and student alike – are treated with respect. He has also built a strong partnership with The Movement Team, establishing bonds with the community and supporting his students holistically, both inside and outside of his building.

"Mr. Rivers is a force of nature. He is the equivalent of who Batman is to Gotham City, or who William Wallace was to Scotland. He has an energy he exudes that makes you want to be better for students. He shows up every day with a passion and empathy that makes students and staff look at this work different. He is a motivator, a trainer, a tutor, a mediator, a father figure, a mood changer, a culture shifter." -School Staff at Carver Vocational Technical High School

“Since Principal Rivers became principal, the culture of the school has changed in clear ways. Students are more engaged and take more pride in their school. Staff feel trusted to do their work. There is a sense of calm and purpose throughout the building. This did not come from slogans or top-down mandates. It came from steady leadership, follow-through, and respect for the people who make Carver what it is.” – Carver Vocational Technical High School Partner

Principal Zahrt leads a school where student voice isn’t a buzzword, but core to the experience for each young person. Students have the space to create their own student-run clubs, are trusted as young adults, have opportunities to express themselves, and get to engage in meaningful internships to grow in a self-directed manner. This ethos extends to staff, who regularly co-collaborate across departments on units and help identify and design changes in programming. This all stems from Principal Zahrt, and City Neighbors High is reaping the benefits – a 95% graduation rate, an increase of 30 percentage points in MCAP ELA scores, increased AP offerings and dual enrollment courses. It’s no wonder CNHS was the first high school to receive an 8-year charter renewal – amazing things are happening!

"Ms. Zahrt empowers teachers to make bold decisions in our classrooms and truly trusts us as professionals. I know that I can try to be a change maker in my classroom because she values my intellect and supports me with the resources to plan dynamic projects. She is the absolute best principal in Baltimore." -School Staff at City Neighbors High School

“At City Neighbors, teaching and learning have the genuine warmth of enormous heart and soul. Being “Known, Loved, Inspired” at City Neighbors flows directly from Ms. Zahrt because she leads us all with so much love and compassion. The evidence? She lives it every day. We know it. We feel it. She inspires us all.” -School Staff at City Neighbors High School

Principal Augustine has served as the principal of Clay Hill since its creation, building the school grade by grade. Serving a school population with 50% multilingual learners (MLL), she has placed an emphasis on making her school a safe space that is trusted by families. Each year, they set a goal that every family will meaningfully engage with the school at least twice; last year, they achieved this with 99% of their families and are aiming for 100% this year. This foundational trust, coupled with a strong staff and focus on academics has led to amazing successes: 12% MCAP Reading growth; 8% MCAP Math growth; 47% of their third graders (their first class of kindergarteners) achieving proficiency in both Reading and Math MCAP; and 98% of their MLL students demonstrating growth in their English proficiency. Principal Augustine has led the successful creation of an “atmosphere of love”, the founding mission of Clay Hill.

"Principal Augustine has built a school culture grounded in joy, respect, and possibility. As a founding family, we have watched Clay Hill grow from an ambitious vision into a vibrant learning community with upward momentum and a clear sense of purpose." -Parent at Clay Hill Public Charter School

“Ms. Augustine leads with love. She tells the students that they are loved, and I think they truly feel it when they walk into the school… Clay Hill is a NEW school, just in their 5th year of being open. Ms. Augustine has built a loving community in that short period of time. Kids and families feel seen and welcomed. It is a special place.” -Clay Hill Public Charter School Community Member

When asked how Woodhome is making such great gains in ELA, Principal Harding let us know, “there’s no secret – just synergy.” She believes in setting a vision for success and then unifying her team in that mission. From her first days as principal, she told her school (frequently) that they were going to achieve a third star. This was their rallying cry and helped lead to a 32-point drop in chronic absenteeism and marked gains in ELA. It should be no surprise that this year they achieved that third star! Their next big goal is to become a Blue Ribbon school. With Ms. Harding at the helm, it’s just a question of how soon they’ll get there.

“Principal Monique Harding embodies the true spirit of a transformative school leader…Through her unwavering commitment to excellence, she succeeded in guiding our school in the short time that she has been here to achieve three-star educational excellence, a milestone that reflects her vision, resilience, and belief in what we as a school family could accomplish together. Her approach to feedback as a tool for growth has strengthened us, especially myself, as educators and encouraged a culture where reflection is not feared but embraced.” -School Staff at Woodhome Elementary/Middle School

“What truly sets Monique apart is her heart. She leads with kindness, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Her dedication to her students and staff extends well beyond the school day, and is driven by her belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and given the chance to succeed.” -Woodhome Elementary/Middle School Community Member

Principal Jacox-Paige comes from a family of educators (her mother was a principal and her father a teacher) and knew from a young age that this was her calling. She cares deeply about the success of her students at Matthew A. Henson and leads from a place of urgency; she believes with every ounce of her being that her school must serve every student because they don’t get a second chance to build the foundation for success for their children – they have to get it right the first time. Principal Jacox-Paige is succeeding in moving Matthew A. Henson forward, leading the school out of CSI status and from one star, when she took over as principal five years ago, to three stars now. The “little school with the big heart” is on the rise!

“Ms. Paige has created a culture where everyone who walks through our doors feels the love, support, and passion for education. Our school is a safe place, a warm place, and a place where children are truly seen—and that is because of her leadership. We may be the little school on Payson and Baker, but we have a big heart. That big heart belongs to Ms. Paige.” -School Staff at Matthew A. Henson Elementary School

“Under Ms. Paige’s leadership, Matthew A. Henson Elementary School has experienced a sustained transformation—academically, culturally, and structurally. The school has become a place where expectations are high, students feel seen and supported, educators are empowered, and families are welcomed as true partners. This long-standing impact is evident not only in the climate of the school, but also in its measurable outcomes.” -Matthew A. Henson School Community Member

Principal Myrick leads a diverse school, with students hailing from more than thirty countries, which is a perfect fit for her background in international relations. Now in her fourth year at the helm of Patterson High School, Principal Myrick initially focused on improving the school climate, both for teachers and students, with an emphasis on breaking barriers and ensuring all students felt like they belonged to One Patterson. With success in that area, observed by the increase in attendance by more than 20 percentage points, the school is now laser focused on academics and has seen a 14 point jump in ELA proficiency. Principal Myrick clearly loves her school, and they love her right back – in fact, they’ve already given her their own version of the Heart of the School Award!

"What truly sets April Myrick apart is that she refuses to let any student be underestimated. Whether a student is learning English, exploring a career pathway, or preparing for college, she pushes them to believe in their own potential and gives them the structures to succeed." – Patterson High Community Member

“At the core of Ms. Myrick’s leadership is a steadfast belief that students always come first. Every decision she makes is grounded in what is best for students academically, socially, and emotionally. She works tirelessly to ensure that all students feel seen, supported, and valued, creating a school environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.” -School Staff at Patterson High

Principal Sheppard, the leader of George Washington Elementary School, or “GDubb” as it is now known, has a strong background in elementary education and school operations, and it shows! In three short years she has transformed the look and feel of the school while building systems that support strong instruction and student growth. She has invested deeply in teacher development, which has contributed to double-digit MCAP growth in ELA and the school earning its third star on the Maryland Report Card. Though she is the only administrator in her building and wears many hats as a result, she remains connected to her staff, students, and community, continuously bringing back ideas that strengthen teaching and learning at GDubb. Her leadership is driven by a clear belief that every decision should move students closer to success.

"Because of [Principal Sheppard]'s leadership, our students, staff, and families have been wowed by the amazing experiences happening throughout Gdubb… Her impact is felt daily, and our school is better because of the doors she continues to open." – School Staff at George Washington Elementary School

“What truly sets Principal Sheppard apart is her daily presence and genuine care for her school community. She is consistently visible, accessible, and deeply engaged in the life of the school. Her strong communication and leadership play a vital role in the school’s continued growth and success.” – George Washington Elementary School Partner

2026 HEART OF THE SCHOOL AWARDS

AWARDEES

Bettye M. Adams

Darrin Brozene

Denita Plain

Craig Rivers

Cheyanne Zahrt

HONOREES

Emily Augustine

Monique Harding

Kedra Jacox-Paige

April Myrick

Tanisha Sheppard

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