Through yearlong initiatives that focus on empowering students to be responsible for themselves, each other, and their school communities, five county schools have earned “School of the Year” designations by the Maryland Center for Character Education (MCCE) at Stevenson University.
The Maryland Schools of Character program recognizes schools or districts that demonstrate outstanding school climate as well as academic performance. Thirty-eight schools from across the state were chosen for this year’s honor.
The winning schools – Jones Elementary School, Nantucket Elementary School, Oakwood Elementary School, George Fox Middle School, and Mary Moss Academy – were carefully selected by a panel of independent reviewers who have been involved in character education and student development. A second panel will review all school credentials and determine which schools to submit for the national award.
The MCCE was established in 1992. The organization relies entirely upon private donations from individuals who are committed to building and supporting communities of character. MCCE’s efforts are focused primarily on identifying, celebrating, and sharing character-development “best practices” of schools throughout the state of Maryland.
The schools will receive their state awards on October 3.