Join Chesapeake Forum favorite, pilot, and raconteur, Hunter Harris on Saturday, April 26th for an experience that will have you flying by the seat of your pants – the Maryland Science Center IMAX premier of Maryland by Air!

Maryland Public Television (MPTV), host of  Maryland by Air, has invited Chesapeake Forum to a very special premier of this thrilling film, shot in part from Hunter’s plane, Silver Queen. Glide across herds of wild Assateague ponies, skim the Calvert Cliffs, be swept up by Baltimore’s regal Mount Vernon Square and heartbroken by the history of Antietam Battlefield.  Maryland by Air is a breathtaking look at one of the nation’s most historically important states. 

The entire aerial tour of Maryland will feel as if you are a passenger in the Hunter’s plane, Silver Queen, with a seat of the pants view that may have you gripping your arm rests.  After flying over the entire State of Maryland, the tour ends with a (virtual) landing at the Easton Airport. Seats for Maryland by Air! must be reserved by Monday, April 21st.

Participants will travel to the Maryland Science Center by executive coach. On the way, Hunter will share stories from the IMAX production. On the return trip, Aloft Biplane Rides and Tidewater Times will hold a raffle for a free 20 minute aerial tour in Hunter’s beautiful Boeing Stearman, Silver Queen! Everyone who attends the premier will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to MPTV and access to all of its wonderful programming. 

Maryland by Air is a one-time-only event. Seats must be reserved by Monday, April 21st. In person at the Easton Firehouse. Register at https://chesapeakeforum.org. $55.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore. Chesapeake Forum is part of the YMCA of the Chesapeake.  To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected]

Building African American Minds (BAAM) is proud to announce a transformational $1 million gift from Dr. Eileen Amy Ryan of Rochester, NY, to endow and expand its Girls Program. This generous investment will enable BAAM to extend its reach to middle school girls starting this fall, providing them with a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to learn and grow.

Dr. Ryan, a transgender woman, is deeply committed to fostering mentorship, acceptance, and opportunity for girls and young women. “This notion of women mentoring girls is very powerful to me,” she shared.

With this endowment, BAAM will strengthen its commitment to uplifting young women by offering expanded programs and mentorship opportunities. Dr. Ryan’s gift underscores her belief that women should support and uplift one another, regardless of individual experiences or societal constructs. “To me, it’s an immense privilege to do this,” she said.

Dr. Ryan, who provided a part of the seed money to start BAAM’s girls program in 2020, is also a major supporter of Girls Rock and The Avenue, two Rochester-based arts organizations that empower girls, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for Lambda Legal, a national organization dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

BAAM Executive Director Dina Gomes Daly expressed deep gratitude for the gift, noting that it will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Girls Program. “This endowment is a game-changer for BAAM and the young women we serve. Eileen’s generosity will provide girls with the mentorship, education, and support they need to thrive.”

BAAM remains committed to fostering excellence in education, mentorship, and personal development for young people. With this gift, the organization takes a significant step forward in ensuring that girls have access to the same life-changing opportunities that have long been available to boys through BAAM’s programs.

For more information about BAAM and the Girls Program, please visit www.baaminc.org or contact Dina Gomes Daly at [email protected].

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About BAAM 

Building African American Minds (BAAM) is dedicated to empowering African American youth through education, mentorship, and leadership development. Founded in 2004, BAAM focuses on providing African American boys and girls with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to excel academically, grow personally, and become leaders in their communities. Through a range of innovative programs, BAAM fosters academic achievement, character development, and a commitment to community engagement.

St. Michaels High School held a combined ceremony for students who were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS), the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), and the National Art Honor Society (NAHS).I

NHS serves to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Eligibility is open to juniors and seniors with a 3.2 GPA and 75 service–learning hours completed.  Those students receive an application to submit, which goes before a committee comprised of teachers, club advisors, and coaches for review. Selection is based on the four NHS Principles: Character, Leadership, Service, and Scholarship.  The St. Michaels High chapter advisor is Mr. JR Burkhardt.

The 2025 St. Michaels High School NHS inductees are as follows:

Ismail Aqil, Will Asmussen, Harlin Bartolon, Ryley Beers, Nina Bernasse, Sebastian Cornish, Brennen Dean, Ruby Fisher, Hunter Fitzhugh, Miles Fox, Patrick Goeller,​   Brock Grow, Rebeca Martinez, Brody McDaniel, Lila Moore, Ben Murphy, Tyler Murphy, Ethan Royer, Natalie Russ, Alice Shafer, Kylie Stroud, Thalia Turner, Eli Wallace, Tess Weller, Reagan Wibberley, Cohen Wilson

NTHS recognizes student achievement in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways offered at Talbot County Public Schools, such as Culinary Arts, Biomedical Technology, Interactive Media Production, Carpentry, and Teacher Academy of Maryland.  Students must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in their pathway and be enrolled in the third course of a CTE Completer program to be eligible to apply. Ms. Gia Ristvey and Mrs. Lauren Greer serve as chapter advisors.

The following students were inducted into the St. Michaels High School NTHS:

Will Asmussen, Nina Bernasse, Jack Brennan, Immanuel Coleman, Sebastian Cornish, Georgia Crow, Madeline Dunker, Abigail Fisher, Hunter Fitzhugh, Miles Fox, Peyton Fugate, Aleah George, Patrick Goeller, Lillian Gray, Mac Hudson, Brody McDaniel, Dino Mihalis, Jackson Miller, Natalie Russ, Olivia Schlag, Will Sherwood, Thalia Turner, Tess Weller, Addison Willis, Cohen Wilson

The NAHS was established specifically for high school students, grades 10-12, for the purpose of inspiring and recognizing those who have shown an outstanding ability in Art. The NAHS challenges members to work to attain the highest standards in art, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. Mrs. Bridget Whithed is the SMMHS NAHS chapter advisor.

 

The 2025 St. Michaels High School NAHS inductees are as follows:

Harlin Bartolon, Ruby Fisher, Molly Genrich, Sammy Gilliam, Mercy Haddaway, Mac Hudson, Jalen Jenkins, Sofia Miller, Lila Moore, Ellia Orndoff, Elle Phillips, Marcus Rainer, Hayden Reeside, Tess Weller, August Willis

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“Congratulations to all of these students on this well-deserved recognition,” said Mrs. Theresa Vener, Principal. “They are exemplary leaders, and I know they will continue to set the bar high for our school community.”

Building African American Minds (BAAM) is proud to announce a transformational $1 million gift from Dr. Eileen Amy Ryan of Rochester, NY, to endow and expand its Girls Program. This generous investment will enable BAAM to extend its reach to middle school girls starting this fall, providing them with a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to learn and grow.  

Dr. Ryan, a transgender woman, is deeply committed to fostering mentorship, acceptance, and opportunity for girls and young women. “This notion of women mentoring girls is very powerful to me,” she shared. 

With this endowment, BAAM will strengthen its commitment to uplifting young women by offering expanded programs and mentorship opportunities. Dr. Ryan’s gift underscores her belief that women should support and uplift one another, regardless of individual experiences or societal constructs. “To me, it’s an immense privilege to do this,” she said.  

Dr. Ryan, who provided a part of the seed money to start BAAM’s girls program in 2020, is also a major supporter of Girls Rock and The Avenue, two Rochester-based arts organizations that empower girls, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for Lambda Legal, a national organization dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.  

BAAM Executive Director Dina Gomes Daly expressed deep gratitude for the gift, noting that it will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Girls Program. “This endowment is a game-changer for BAAM and the young women we serve. Eileen’s generosity will provide girls with the mentorship, education, and support they need to thrive.”  

BAAM remains committed to fostering excellence in education, mentorship, and personal development for young people. With this gift, the organization takes a significant step forward in ensuring that girls have access to the same life-changing opportunities that have long been available to boys through BAAM’s programs.  

For more information about BAAM and the Girls Program, please visit www.baaminc.org or contact Dina Gomes Daly at [email protected].  

About BAAM 

Building African American Minds (BAAM) is dedicated to empowering African American youth through education, mentorship, and leadership development. Founded in 2004, BAAM focuses on providing African American boys and girls with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to excel academically, grow personally, and become leaders in their communities. Through a range of innovative programs, BAAM fosters academic achievement, character development, and a commitment to community engagement.

There is still time to sign up for two Chesapeake Forum classes this week, both of which will get you outside and on the move.  On Thursday, April 10th, Mark Mulligan wheels out of the starting gate with Smart Cycling, a two-part class on tips for bike riding safely wherever your wheels take you.  The first session is on Thursday, April 10 from 9 a.m. – 12 PM and covers important strategies like being visible on the road, communicating with drivers, being predictable and controlling your bike.  In part two, on Sunday, April 13th from 2 – 5:30 PM, participants will bring their bikes to the Easton Y parking lot where they will  practice what they’ve learned before a short bike ride through Easton. 

Smart Cycling is two sessions, Thursday, April 10th from 9 a.m. – 12 PM in person at the Easton Family YMCA and Sunday, April 13th from 2-5:30 PM in person at the Easton Family YMCA. $40. To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org

Also on Thursday, April 10th popular birding instructor Wayne Bell, Ph.D launches part 2 of his birding on the Eastern Shore series with Oh Wow! Warblers! In two classroom sessions and five field trips, Wayne unveils the wonder of Warblers. Despite their colorful nature, these active little birds are a challenge to identify as they forage among the leaves. We will do our best to see as many species as possible as we visit some of the regional hotspots at times when they are most likely to be present and in song. Warblers are a universal challenge; both beginners and seasoned birders are welcome to join this quest. Incidentally, we will not neglect any other songbirds we might happen to see. 

Most of the teaching will be done in the field, bird-by-bird, species-by-species found. There will be five field trips, two morning outings to local destinations and three essentially all-day excursions to hot spots farther afield. 

Oh Wow! Warblers includes two classroom sessions April 10th from 2:30 – 4  PM and June 5 from 2:00- 4:30 PM.  HYBRID (In person at the Easton Family YMCA, via ZOOM or recording) . Plus five (5) field trips April 14, 22, May 19, 27 and June 2 (In person at various locations around Talbot County). $80.  To register, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for lifelong learning  to residents of the Eastern Shore. Chesapeake Forum is a part of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected].

 

This story was updated at 6:44 p.m. EDT.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education demanded in a letter to state education leaders on Thursday that they certify all K-12 schools in their states are complying with an earlier Dear Colleague letter banning diversity, equity and inclusion practices if they want to keep receiving federal financial assistance.

The department’s sweeping order gives K-12 state education agencies 10 days to collect the certifications of compliance from local school governing bodies, and then sign them and return them to the federal department.

The new demand stems from a February letter threatening to rescind federal funds for schools that use DEI, or race-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring, scholarships and other aspects of student life.

Craig Trainor, the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said “federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” in a statement Thursday.

“When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements,” Trainor said. He added that “unfortunately, we have seen too many schools flout or outright violate these obligations, including by using (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI.”

He did not cite examples in the statement.

Trainor said the department “is taking an important step toward ensuring that states understand — and comply with — their existing obligations under civil rights laws and Students v. Harvard.”

In the February letter, Trainor offered a wide-ranging interpretation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023 involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The nation’s highest court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Trainor wrote that though the ruling “addressed admissions decisions, the Supreme Court’s holding applies more broadly.”

The four-page letter raised a slew of questions for schools — from pre-K through college — over what exactly falls within the requirements.

The department later released a Frequently Asked Questions document on the letter in an attempt to provide more guidance.

In the document, the department noted that it’s prohibited from “exercising control over the content of school curricula” and “nothing in Title VI, its implementing regulations, or the Dear Colleague Letter requires or authorizes a school to restrict any rights otherwise protected by the First Amendment.”

The agency also clarified that “programs focused on interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world” are allowed as long as “they are open to all students regardless of race.”

Teachers unions react

Meanwhile, legal challenges are already underway against the Dear Colleague letter, including one spearheaded by the American Federation of Teachers and another from the National Education Association.

“In the middle of a school year, the president is trying to bully the very same school districts that he insisted, just a few weeks ago, should be in charge of education,” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said in a Thursday statement.

Weingarten added that “this is a power grab and a money grab — and it’s also blatantly unlawful.”

“We know the administration wants to divert federal education funds into block grants, vouchers or tax cuts, but it’s simply not legal; only Congress can do that. Further, federal statute explicitly prohibits any president from telling schools and colleges what to teach, and funds cannot be withheld on the basis of Title VI Civil Rights Act claims without due process,” she said.

In a Thursday statement, Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, said “educators and parents know that teaching should be guided by what is best for students, not by threat of illegal restrictions and punishment.”

“That is why we sued the Trump administration — and we stand by our lawsuit,” she said.

“This latest action by the Trump administration to shut down free speech and coerce educators to abandon inclusive practices at school remains illegal and unconstitutional as we pointed out in our legal filing,” she added.

Last updated 6:44 p.m., Apr. 3, 2025

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by Shauneen Miranda, Maryland Matters
April 4, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

Join Chesapeake Forum for its Spring 2025 Preview Party at the Academy Art Museum on Thursday, April 2nd, at 3:30 PM, to see what’s coming up. Enjoy light refreshments, meet other Forum supporters, get a chance to chat with presenters and Board members before enjoying short videos about each upcoming course. The event is free but requires registration at https://chesapeakeforum.org.

Classes start Thursday, April 10th with Smart Cycling  – tips on road cycling safety from the experts. Two (2) sessions, Thurs., April 10th from 9 AM – Noon  AND Sun., April 13th from 2 – 5:30 PM.  In person at the Easton YMCA. $40.  Also on Thursday, Wayne Bell is back with his popular birding class, this time focused on spring songbirds.  Oh Wow! Warblers is seven (7) sessions, Thurs., April 10 and June 5th 2:30 – 4 PM, plus five (5) Field Trips.  $80. HYBRID and in person at Field Trip locations. 

The following week it’s Not Your Granddaddy’s Crop Duster.  Get up close to a crop duster and learn about the role aerial applicators play in protecting the Bay and helping local farmers.  Not Your Granddaddy’s Crop Duster is one (1) session, Mon., April 14th from 10:30 AM – Noon.  $30.  In person at the Easton Airport.. 

On Tues., April 15th, Learn about the Effects of Alcohol and Nutrition. Three (3) sessions, Tues., April 15, 22, 29 from 10:30 AM – noon. $50. In person at Easton Family YMCA.  Later the same day, Savoring Shakespeare: The Winter’s Tale.  Five (5) sessions, Tues., April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 from 1:30 – 3 PM. $60. In person at the Easton Family YMCA. 

Take a trip to Churchill, British Columbia, home to one of the world’s  largest concentrations of polar bears, on Weds. April 16th.  Polar Bears of Churchill: A Photographic Adventure is one (1) session from 10:30 AM – Noon.  $30.  HYBRID.  Also on Wednesday, enjoy another armchair travel adventure with Egypt: An Intimate Portrait.  One (1) session from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. $30. HYBRID. 

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Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Eastern Shore.   To receive Chesapeake Forum’s newsletter, please send your name and contact information to [email protected]. 

Chesapeake Forum is a part of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. All Chesapeake Forum classes are held at the Easton Family YMCA, online through ZOOM or at off-site locations. Recordings may be available. 

Sze Wong, CEO of Zerion Software, will speak at the Easton Branch of the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) on Monday, March 17th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. as part of the ongoing MY Tech series presented by TCFL and the Apollo’s Dream Foundation.

As uses for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continue to develop, many are left wondering how this technology can be applied to their own lives. Wong’s talk, AI and Everyday Life: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future for Seniors, aims to provide answers to these questions and more.  

Diving into the ways in which AI can be accessible, useful, and personalized for senior citizens, Wong will discuss how the use of AI can bridge the digital gap and empower older adults to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

“Through this partnership program, we aim to educate Seniors about the opportunities, tools and resources available through AI technologies” said Dana Newman, TCFL Director. “Seniors will begin to understand how to leverage the new technology to assist with everyday tasks.” 

Apollo’s Dream Foundation is a local non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide within Talbot County and the greater community through their popular MY Tech clinics, which are volunteer-based and free to the public. From drop-in computer help to broaching topics around AI software and usage, the foundation aims to provide a human touch to technology education. 

“It’s about enhancing human connection through and because of technology,” reports the Foundation’s website. “In a world where Artificial Intelligence can seem to make anything look and sound more perfect, we cherish the authenticity when we are touched by another human being’s life and wisdom.”

Wong is the CEO of Zerion Software and creator of the iFormBuilder mobile platform. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, educator, and author of the book Craft Your World. Wong also serves as a board member of Apollo’s Dream Foundation. 

All Talbot County Free Library programs are free and open to the public. For additional information visit www.tcfl.org, or call (410) 822-1626. 

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About Talbot County Free Library

 It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the temporary St. Michael branch is at 1013 S. Talbot Street, Suite 11. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, digital devices, and free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary

 

Tired of winning?

For three Saints Peter and Paul High School student-orators, the answer seems to be a resounding “No!”

Beginning January 29, Kathryn Murphy, Will Coughlan, and Conner Bryan have been steadily winning contests and scholarships, in both the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Oratorical Contests… with more to come, as two of the student-orators have advanced to the American Legion’s State Finals on March 23.

The Regina Coeli Council of the Knights of Columbus conducted the oratorical contest in the school’s auditorium at the end of January, providing content, judging, and scholarships.  The Knights subsequently were pleased to announce – and distribute prizes to – the winners at a school assembly in the Regina Coeli Council’s first annual Oratorical Contest on the U.S. Constitution at Saints Peter and Paul High School.

Senior Kathryn Murphy was named champion, Sophomore Will Coughlan finished second, and Senior Conner Bryan finished third.

The three students’ creative and effective presentations ranged from  James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln quotes to the historical context of the Magna Carta, King George, and Machiavelli, and the complementary nature of various Articles of the Constitution.

Champion Kathryn Murphy, who will soon be headed to the University of Pennsylvania, earned all three judges’ highest score for her speech on how and whether the Articles of the U.S. Constitution do – or do not – preserve the sanctity of life.  She concluded it does, and confidently proclaimed:

      Just as history’s human rights activists went beyond the      comfortable to change the Constitution for the protection      of all human beings, so must we do now.

As champion of the Knights of Columbus/Saints Peter and Paul High School Oratorical Contest, Kathryn received a $1,500 scholarship award from the Regina Coeli Council.

The Oratorical Contest at Saints Peter and Paul High School is precisely modeled after – and prefatory to – the American Legion’s Oratorical Contest on the U.S. Constitution which is comprised of an eight-to-ten-minute speech followed by a second round of a shorter oration on one of four Constitutional Articles or Amendments chosen at random by the contest organizers.  The student-orators know the four Articles of the Constitution in advance, but not which one will be assigned.

Two days after her well-deserved Knights of Columbus triumph at SSPP High School, Kathryn on February 1 won the American Legion Easton Post’s contest, earning a $300 award, and she then subsequently won the American Legion District championship in Centreville, earning an additional $500 in the aggregate $2,300… and counting.

Kathryn goes on to the American Legion Maryland State Finals in Towson on March 23, with the winner going on to the American Legion National Finals at Hillsdale College in Michigan, an all-expenses-paid trip for the state winners and their parents with the opportunity to win the $25,000 first prize.

Will Coughlan, the second-place finisher in the Knights of Columbus/Saints Peter and Paul High School Oratorical Contest, earned a $500 award. Only a Sophomore, Will shows great promise for the next two years’ oratorical contests.  He finished second to Kathryn three times – at SSPP and subsequently at the American Legion Post and District levels, earning a total of $1,300.

Conner Bryan, the third-place finisher at SSPP, earned a $200 award.  Conner lives in Dorchester County, unlike Kathryn and Will, and therefore competed in American Legion Post and District contests in Cambridge and Salisbury, winning both unopposed and totaling $1,200 in awards (and counting).  Like Kathryn, Conner has advanced to the American Legion Maryland State Finals in Towson on March 23 and the significant opportunities available there.

Kathryn and Conner are two of only five student-orators competing at the American Legion’s Maryland State Finals, so there statistically is a 40-percent chance a Saints Peter and Paul High School student will be the American Legion Maryland State Champion.  Best wishes to our two local champions.

Next on the agenda for the Regina Coeli Council of the Knights of Columbus at Saints Peter and Paul High School are this Spring’s third annual Essay Contests on Faith/Word of God for ninth graders, and Patriotism/American Greatness for tenth graders — and a similar theme to be determined for the newly added Essay Contest for eleventh graders.

The primary goals of the partnership between the Knights of Columbus and Saints Peter and Paul High School are to:  (1)  improve the communication skills of our students – both written and oral (strong communication skills being one of the keys to later success in life); (2)  enhance and invigorate our students’ Faith and patriotism; (3) engender a deeper understanding of – and greater appreciation for – our U.S. Constitution and its framers; and (4) positively further differentiate Saints Peter and Paul High School from all other high schools on the Eastern Shore.

Beyond the financial awards, these contests instill confidence in the participants, and perpetually strengthen their university, internship, and job applications.  Who isn’t impressed by initiative and the ability to communicate well?

Moreover, how long would it take stocking shelves, mowing lawns, or babysitting to make “$2,300 and counting”?

Congratulations Kathryn, Will, and Conner!

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If you are interested in:  (1) financially supporting – at any level — the Essay and Oratorical Contests (naming rights are available for each of the contests if you wish to honor a family member, or a religious, military, or political hero); (2) attending the worthwhile June 5 Awards Ceremony/Dinner (at which we will invite the winning essayists to read their essays, among other aspects of the religious and patriotic program); and/or (3) you are a Catholic male aged 18 or older and would like more information about joining the Knights of Columbus – please contact Mark de Bernardo at [email protected].

 Leadership Maryland announced today that Cristy Morrell, Executive Director of Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, has been chosen to participate in the Executive Program as a member of the Class of 2025. 

Morrell is one of 53 individuals chosen for the Leadership Maryland Executive Program’s 32nd class, who will complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital issues. The program will run from April to December, and include five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

“We are excited to announce our next class and welcome these accomplished and motivated individuals to the Executive Program,” said David Fike ’16 (LM) president and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “After a careful review and interview process, I am confident that the 53 members of the Class of 2025 represent a powerful cross-section of leaders who have a strong desire to make a broader impact within our state. I look forward to watching them grow as they build their knowledge, experience, and connections through our premier leadership program.”

Leadership Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in either their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101 or email [email protected].

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About Leadership Maryland

Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 53 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. Introduced in 2024, Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program brings together a class of the state’s rising stars and gives them the skills and tools they need to advance in their careers. With an alumni network comprised of leaders from all industries and regions of the state, Leadership Maryland has established thousands of Marylanders on their career leadership path, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to influence positive change. To learn more, please visit leadershipmd.org.  

 

About Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers

Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers provides high quality, accredited financially accessible childcare for children and their families in a nurturing, diverse, safe, and enriching environment.  Founded in 1970, Critchlow Adkins has cared for and educated four generations of children in Talbot County and across the Mid-Shore.  To learn more about Critchlow Adkins, make a donation or enroll your child, visit their website at: www.cacckids.org