NOTTINGHAM, MD—The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities recently announced Maria Powers, a paraeducator at Franklin High School, as its 2024 Educator of the Year. Perry Hall High School sophomore Hannah Mitchell was named the 2024 Student of the Year.

Powers has worked in Franklin High’s Functional Academic Learning Support (FALS) program for five years. The program assists students in developing life skills through various activities, including schoolwide recycling, managing a coffee shop, and participating in community work sites.

Beyond her role in the FALS program, Powers coaches all three of Franklin High’s allied sports teams: bocce, soccer, and softball. Her leadership led the school’s bocce team to a gold medal at the 2023 Special Olympics winter meet. The allied sports program, offered by the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Athletics since the 1994-95 school year, provides students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports alongside their non-disabled peers.

Powers also serves as the adviser for the Class of 2027 and assists with the school’s Athletic Booster program.

“My outlook is to do as much as I can and to make all students feel loved and respected,” said Powers. “There is so much more to a child than just grades and test scores. Going that extra step can go a long way.”

Mitchell, a 10th-grader, is recognized for her positive attitude and academic achievements. The award ceremony took place on November 19 at Oregon Ridge Lodge.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via BCPS on Flickr