This past weekend, The Gunston School hosted the 2025 Maryland State High School Rowing Championships on its 75-acre campus situated on the Corsica River, bringing together 130 athletes and approximately 300 spectators from across the state. Participating programs included Roland Park Country School, Elizabeth Seton High School, Freedom Rowers, Blair Crew, and host team Gunston.

“I’m incredibly proud of our rowers—not just for their strong finishes, but for the teamwork, determination, and grace they showed throughout the regatta. Hosting this event is always an honor, and it was wonderful to see so many dedicated young athletes competing at such a high level,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Waterfront Athletics and Head Crew Coach Natalie Reading. Thanks to the Corsica River’s natural protection, race conditions remained consistent and calm all day—perfect for competition.

Roland Park Country School was named the overall state champion, with strong finishes across multiple events, including gold in the Women’s Varsity 4+ (WV4+) and Women’s Novice 4+ (WN4+). Gunston earned second place overall, highlighted by gold medals in both the Men’s Varsity 4+ (MV4+) and Men’s Junior Varsity 4+ (MJV4+). Medals were awarded for all first-place finishes, and the event served as a celebration of the dedication and sportsmanship of Maryland’s young rowers.

Support for the regatta was provided by USRowing, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, and the Maryland State Police. Thanks to strong collaboration between coaches, race officials, and safety agencies, this year’s regatta ran more smoothly than ever before, earning praise from participants and spectators alike. Additional images can be found online at row2k.com.

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is excited to dive into the Gettysburg experience with guest host Mickey Terrone, a civil war expert and local historian. It will be a 2-phase event. On Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30pm, at the Oxford Community Center, there will be a showing of “The Gettysburg Episode” from the Ken Burns’ Civil War series.  The Tuesday screening will be entertaining as a stand-alone presentation for interested audiences. It is not required to attend the excursion and it is free and open to the public. But, the talk will definitely “set the stage” for those attending the bus trip. Save the date for both.

On Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 am, the bus departs OCC for Gettysburg.  At the battlefield, the first stop is at Little Round Top for a brief description of the intense fighting on Day 2 of the 3-day battle.  The trip continues over to the Copse of Trees which marked the end of Pickett’s Charge on Day 3. Finally, the tour heads to the Gettysburg Visitors Center where everyone can have lunch and take in the wonderful displays and descriptions of this bloodiest of battles of the Civil War.

On the bus, Terrone plans to offer some interesting information to and from Gettysburg. He will be answering questions and filling in the blanks. The bus is targeting a 6:30 pm arrival back at the OCC.

The excursion costs $75 which covers the bus, driver’s tip, snacks and good conversation. For more information, and to secure your seats, visit oxfordcc.org.

The Oxford Community Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) with a mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural, and recreational programs and events.

Transforming Lives Campaign Public Phase announced Funds raised support critical services for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism.

Guests walked the Red Carpet into Benedictine’s “A Celebration to Transform Lives” Gala on April 26, 2025, held at the Trident Aircraft Hangar. Over 150 guests enjoyed a Hollywood-themed evening and raised nearly $180,000 for the intellectually and developmentally disabled and autistic children and adults supported by Benedictine.

Candi Chiaruttini and Paul Milne of Easton, MD, co-chaired the event.  Candi is a recent addition to Benedictine’s Board of Directors.  She and Paul are active members of the Easton community, who founded the legendary restaurant 208 Talbot in St. Michael’s and owned The Oaks Waterfront Inn until 2022.  “Paul and I are honored to chair this event on behalf of Benedictine.  A dear childhood friend is supported by the Benedictine.  I’ve seen firsthand how the services and incredible staff at the organization have positively influenced his life.  We support the work Benedictine does for children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, and think it’s important to bring a broader awareness to the community about the programs they provide,” commented Candi Chiaruttini.

Scott Evans, Executive Director of Benedictine, announced the public phase of the “Transforming Lives” campaign, which will transform and upgrade two major spaces on the organization’s Ridgely, MD, campus.  “We are thrilled to announce the public phase of our ‘Transforming Lives’ campaign.  We have raised more than $ 14 million towards our goal of $ 18 million!  These funds will be used for the following:

The Benedictine School Residential Wing; these new, modern residential dorms will provide our students with a comfortable, homelike setting for learning and living

Unrestricted Support; supports urgent needs and is vital to make up the difference between funding agencies and operating costs. These funds ensure the highest quality programs and services

The Benedictine Ridgely Training and Enrichment Center for Adults; this new center will provide a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, computer lab, and adaptable spaces that will provide a variety of activities and training, and will also house offices for the adult services staff.

Benedictine Staff Support will provide resources for staff incentives and activities that enhance the staff experience

A heartfelt thank you to those donors who have made gifts or commitments to the ‘Transforming Lives Campaign’.  It’s the most ambitious campaign in our more than 65-year history, and I’m confident we’ll achieve our goal.”

Two awards were announced at the Gala, the Sister Jeannette Murray Award and the Sister Mary Agnes Heart of Benedictine Award.

The Sister Jeannette Award is given to a staff member nominated by their peers and is considered a high honor.  Casey Townsend is the 2025 recipient of the Sister Jeannette Award. Casey has been a dedicated employee for 21 years in the Adult Services program, and truly exemplifies Benedictine’s mission and values in the way she displays compassion and caring for the people supported, and also for the staff with whom she works.

The Heart of Benedictine Award embodies the love and care everyone involved with Benedictine gives to the children and adults they support.  This award recognizes outstanding and dedicated service to the Benedictine Community. It serves to remind us of our core values of Dignity, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.  Angel Russell is the 2025 recipient of the Heart of Benedictine Award.  Angel is the Environmental Services Director and has been with the organization for 21 years.

Guests of the Gala enjoyed cuisine from Hambleton House catering and music by Steve Moody’s Entertainment Connection.

Sponsors included many Benedictine family members & friends, as well as: Acrisure, The Nolan Investment Group RBC Easton, The Oaks Waterfront Hotel, Greystone/Morgan Stanley, 4 Dogs Brewing Co. and Pub, PepUp, Kleppinger Electric, Higgins Crab House North, Queenstown Bank, Mullen Sondberg, Wimbish, & Stone, and Easton Utilities.

For more information on Benedictine’s events, services, ways to support, or the “Transforming Lives Campaign,” please contact Caroline Bauerle, Chief Advancement Officer at caroline.bauerle@benschool.org or call 410.634.2292.  Visit Benedictine at www.benschool.org

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About Benedictine:

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults.

The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties. 

Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties. 

Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community. 

Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and the Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with close to 400 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.

A federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education’s attempt to end diversity, equity and inclusion practices in schools by threatening to withhold federal funding from those that refuse to comply.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Baltimore wrote Thursday that the court isn’t required to assess whether policies from the department “are good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair.”

But the court “is constitutionally required to closely scrutinize whether the government went about creating and implementing them in the manner the law requires. The government did not,” the judge wrote.

“The Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”) claim, have demonstrated that they will be irreparably harmed absent preliminary relief, and have shown the equities and public interest favor them,” she wrote in a 48-page ruling.

While Gallagher focused on the process behind the policy, another federal judge blocked the attempted DEI ban based on the effects the policy would have if it was allowed to take effect.

U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty in New Hampshire said in her 82-page ruling Thursday that a preliminary injunction was proper because the plaintiffs had shown they were likely to win on their claims that the policy is unconstitutionally vague, that it infringed on teachers’ First Amendment rights, that it would cause actual harm and that it overstepped the federal agency’s authority, among other claims.

And yet another judge, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich in the District of Columbia, ruled from the bench Thursday that the government could not enforce its demand that schools certify by April 24 that they were in compliance with the anti-DEI rule because the policy was so vague that schools could not know if they were in compliance or not. Threatening the loss of federal funding “without sufficiently defining the conduct that might trigger liability, violates the Fifth Amendment’s prohibition on vagueness,” Friedrich said in a brief 16-page ruling.

The rulings by Friedrich and Gallagher — both of whom were appointed by President Donald Trump (R) in his first term — are effective nationwide. The preliminary injunction by McCafferty, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama (D), is nationwide as well, but only in effect at schools where plaintiffs in her case — the National Education Association, its New Hampshire chapter, and the Center for Black Educator Development — are represented.

Since being sworn in to his second term in January, Trump has pushed for the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies in federal agencies, colleges and universities and K-12 schools.

The lawsuits stem from a Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague letter” from the Education Department to schools across the country that reminded K-12 schools, colleges and universities that if they do not comply with civil rights law “face potential loss of federal funding.”

But the letter, and supporting documentation, went on to declare that DEI programs violate the law as just another form of racial discrimination, using terms like “pervasive and repugnant,” “toxic,” and “insidious” instruction that use “crude racial stereotypes” to divide students.

That was followed by an April 3 letter to state education agencies given 10 days — later extended to April 24 — to certify their compliance with federal DEI ban in order to continue receiving federal assistance.

The letter was quickly challenged. In addition to the New Hampshire plaintiffs, the NAACP filed suit in Washington, D.C., and the American Federation of Teachers, its Maryland chapter and the American Sociological Association – later joined by a school district in Eugene, Oregon — sued in Maryland.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education did not respond to emails Thursday seeking comment on the multiple court rulings. But education advocates were elated.

“Today’s decision from the court affirms what we already know – the Trump administration is unlawfully threatening educators who meet the diverse needs of every student and undermining our public education system,” AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell said in a statement. “This preliminary injunction pauses the chaos caused by targeting and attacking vital communities and temporarily protects the critical funding schools, from our K-12 schools to our higher education institutions, rely on.”

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement that, “Our fight is far from over, but today’s decision is a victory for Black and Brown students across the country, whose right to an equal education has been directly threatened by this Administration’s corrosive actions and misinterpretations of civil rights law.”

“We look forward to prevailing against their cruel attempts to undermine the mission of the U.S. Department of Education and relegate children of color, students with disabilities, and poor students to a second-class education in a throwback to the era before Brown v. Board of Education,” he said of the 1954 Supreme Court ruling the ended the “separate but equal” doctrine that allowed for segregated schools.

‘Reaffirming its commitment’

While the court challenges were pending, Maryland school officials were working on their own response to the DEI certification letter that had been due to federal officials by Thursday.

According to a letter from State Superintendent Carey Wright, the state will continue to affirm its commitment to upholding civil rights laws. In doing that, all 24 school system superintendents signed a certification of compliance letter that was sent via email to the federal department’s Office of Civil Rights.

Wright also mentions the New Hampshire case, in which the plaintiffs had reached a short-term agreement with the department to delay implementation of the certification, which was extended Thursday by McCafferty’s ruling.

“While MSDE [Maryland State Department of Education] is unaware of any legal authority obligating it to comply with USDE’s request, MSDE is reaffirming its commitment to complying with Title VI and other relevant federal laws,” Wright wrote.

Wright and state Board of Education President Joshua Michael issued a joint statement in a video for stakeholders.

“Above all, our charge remains to ensure that all students have equal access to a high-quality education — all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, neighborhood, disability, socioeconomic status, or the language spoken at home, Michael said. “Not only is this our moral calling, but Maryland law gives us this charge.”

As for the case in Maryland, Gallagher did reject the plaintiffs’ request to require that the Trump administration restore DEI and civil rights guidance from previous administrations on its website. She also ruled the current department can maintain an online portal titled “End DEI,” through which community members can report instances of discrimination.

“The government is entitled to express its viewpoint on its website and to maintain a reporting portal for Title VI and Equal Protection concerns, so long as it does not actually pursue enforcement actions that are not in accordance with existing law,” the judge wrote.

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by William J. Ford, Maryland Matters
April 24, 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: editor@marylandmatters.org.

The Gunston School’s Rocketry Team recently concluded its most active and ambitious season yet, with 19 students participating in the 2025 American Rocketry Challenge (ARC)—the nation’s largest middle and high school rocketry competition. Guided by mentors Dr. Ken Wilson, Mr. Ryan Reading, and Dr. Mariah Goodall, students began meeting in October, devoting 11 weekends to designing, building, and testing their own rockets using raw materials supplied by the school.

This year’s ARC challenge required students to engineer a rocket capable of carrying two hen eggs, mounted sideways, to an altitude of 790 feet. After reaching that height, the rocket had to separate into two sections that would descend independently via parachute, with the egg-containing section landing exactly 42 seconds after launch. In addition to meeting these complex design criteria, students had to pass safety inspections, conduct flight simulations, and work collaboratively through challenges in construction, testing, and troubleshooting.

The student-led program was coordinated by senior Emma Sharp, who served as the team’s “Rocketry Tsar.” She oversaw logistics, documentation, and supported team problem-solving throughout the year. During the fall semester, while Emma participated in the Chesapeake Watershed Semester, junior Connor Joyce stepped in as “Rocketry Rasputin,” offering critical support with rocket design and simulation software.

The Gunston rocketry students were divided into four teams. Team Mini Apollo, led by Eamon Schopfer ’26, came the closest to achieving the altitude goal, reaching 837 feet—just a 6% deviation from the target. Team Stellar Stooges, led by AJ Friedrich ’27 and including Nevin Porter ’26, Denis Hein ’26, Aiden Filer ’26, and Tiago Paul ’27, drew attention for their rocket’s striking Maryland flag design. The team’s craftsmanship and artistic execution stood out, and the rocket flew straight and true in testing, though it also experienced occasional issues with parachute deployment.

Team Sparrow, led by Tommy McGeady ’25 alongside teammates Trevor Janssen ’25, Jed Cohen ’26, and Andrew Shingledecker ’27, took a bold approach with a rocket design featuring mid-body canards in addition to traditional tail fins. Team Short Rocket, which included Logan Kile ’25, Kyle Dixon ’27, Blake Algier ’26, Tai Davis ’28, Caden Quiron ’26, and Grant Edgar ’28, focused on innovation. Logan designed a clustered-engine rocket powered by three motors and incorporating student-designed 3D-printed parts. The rocket passed inspection and was cleared for launch at Red Glare, but a loose electrical connection in the ignition system prevented liftoff. The team plans to attempt the rocket’s first full launch at Gunston later this spring.

These four teams of 19 students attended the Red Glare Rocketry Festival in Church Hill, Md., and brought five rockets for launch. Each team underwent formal inspections with the Range Safety Officer before heading to a professionally managed launch field, where rockets were flown one at a time. In addition to their ARC rockets, students launched a two-stage rocket built from a kit by Connor Joyce ’26, a tube-fin rocket, and a scale model of NASA’s Space Launch System, which is designed to return humans to the moon. Nearly all the rockets featured custom-designed 3D-printed components fabricated by students themselves.

“While the teams did not advance to the ARC national finals, the season was marked by bold design choices, meaningful learning experiences, and a deepened understanding of engineering, collaboration, and persistence,” said Dr. Wilson. “Students definitely finished the program with a stronger foundation in aerospace and STEM fields, as well as a sense of pride in the growth and creativity they demonstrated throughout the year.”

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Founded in 1911, The Gunston School is an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, coeducational, college preparatory high school located on 75 waterfront acres in Centreville, Maryland. Visit gunston.org for more information.

The Country School, a cornerstone of independent education on the Eastern Shore since 1934, is thrilled to celebrate its 90th anniversary with a special weekend of festivities on April 26 and 27, 2025. Alumni, current and former families, faculty, and the greater community are invited to join in commemorating this important milestone.

For 90 years, The Country School has prepared students for academic success while emphasizing character, service, and community. This year’s anniversary theme, “Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” reflects the school’s commitment to honoring its legacy while preparing students for the future.

The celebration kicks off with a couple free events on Saturday, April 26—an Alumni Cocktail Reception from 5–6 p.m., followed by a Community Celebration from 6–10 p.m. featuring live music, food, drinks, and tributes to the school’s past and present. 

On Sunday, April 27, the celebration continues with the 4th Annual Black & Gold 5K Run & Fun Fest. The day includes a 5K run/walk through downtown Easton, kids’ fun runs, and a family-friendly festival with a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, games, dunk tank, food trucks, and more.

Reflecting on his first year as Head of School, Jay Parker shared, “I’m continually inspired by the remarkable individuals who have called this school home—students, parents, alumni, and teachers alike. I can’t wait to celebrate this 90-year legacy with such a warm and generous community.'”

As part of this milestone celebration, The Country School especially hopes to connect with alumni. If you are a Country School alum or know someone who is, please help spread the word and join us for this memorable weekend.

Visit www.countryschool.org or Facebook/CountrySchoolMD for more information or to register for the weekend events. You may also register by calling 410-822-1935. 

The Talbot County Board of Education has approved leadership appointments for the 2025-2026 school year effective July 1, 2025.

Mrs. Catessa Cain has been promoted to Principal of Easton Elementary.  Mrs. Cain earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from West Chester University and a Master of Arts in TESOL from Salisbury University.  She holds Maryland Administrator II Certification, and has been an Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary since 2019.   

Mr. Todd Stoker has been promoted to Principal of St. Michaels Middle High following the retirement of  Mrs. Theresa Vener in June.  Having served as Assistant Principal at Easton Middle since 2021, Mr. Stoker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Clemson University, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. 

Dr. Lisa Devaric will transfer to Easton High School as Principal.  Dr. Devaric served as Principal at Easton Elementary (Dobson) from 2015-2020, and Easton Elementary (Dobson and Moton) from 2020 to present. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson State University, a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Coppin State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 

Ms. Sherry Spurry will transfer to the Talbot County Education Center as a Curriculum Supervisor in the office of Teaching and Learning.  Ms. Spurry has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University.  She has been Principal at Easton High since 2020, having previously served as principal at Easton Elementary – Moton, and White Marsh Elementary.

Mr. Corey Devaric will become Principal of White Marsh Elementary, following Ms. Kim Seidel’s retirement at the end of the school year.   Mr. Devaric holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from York College and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Wilmington College, as well as Administrator II Certification.  He has been Principal of Tilghman Elementary since 2022.

Mrs. Alison Strickland has been appointed Principal of Tilghman Elementary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching from St. Mary’s College.  She later earned a Certificate in School Administration and Organizational Change from Towson University.  The current Curriculum Supervisor for Fine Arts and Library/Media, she previously served as Assistant Principal at White Marsh Elementary and Easton Middle. 

Mrs. Kristen Tilghman will join the Administrative Team at Easton High School as an Assistant Principal. Mrs. Tilghman earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics – Secondary Education from Salisbury University and a Masters of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University.  She has served as Maryland Blueprint Implementation Coordinator since 2022, and was Curriculum Supervisor for Gifted and Talented Programming and Grades 7-12 Mathematics.  

Appointments are forthcoming for Assistant Principal positions at Easton Middle and Easton Elementary Schools.  

“This is an exciting time for our District,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D. “These outstanding leaders will take the helm as we implement our new Strategic Plan for FY26 – FY2030. In the coming school year, we will Transform and Perform in Every Way to provide the best possible education for the children of Talbot County.”

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 info@chesapeakeforum.org

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 dinadaly@baaminc.org.

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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.