2025 heart of the School Awards

Erita Adams

16th year as principal Northwood Elementary School

Principal Adams lives and breathes Northwood and is always looking towards the future. As a resident of the community and long-time leader of the school, she advocated for and led the creation of a new school building to prepare her students for success for decades to come. She’s also developed a teacher training partnership with Morgan State University, providing her staff with college students to serve as supports in classrooms, the Morgan State students with vital experience, and the school with a strong pipeline of new teachers who are familiar with the school. Ms. Adams is also an expert in building her staff’s competencies, nearly always promoting from within. All these strengths have led to amazing growth from her students in both ELA and Mathematics.

“After taking on the role of principal at Northwood Elementary School in 2009, she has maintained a culture of excellence by placing students first and supporting her staff to show up with their best each day…I am in awe of her poise and ability to accomplish everything that she sets her mind on. Principal Adams truly leads with her heart and loves even more with it.” -Teacher/School Staff

“Principal Adams has fostered strong relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community groups. These partnerships have led to the development of internship programs, mentorship opportunities, and resource sharing, which have greatly benefited our students.” -Teacher/School Staff

Caitlyn Brooks

5th year as principal of Moravia Park Elementary School

Principal Brooks began her teaching career at Moravia Park and has returned as principal, leading the school to new heights. Over the last two years, her students’ reading proficiency has grown by 20 percentage points and math by nearly 15! This amazing growth was spurred by tactical changes including the introduction of daily Power 45 small group instruction and increased hiring to reduce class sizes. These strategies are complemented by a more intentional inclusion of community – including a true open door policy for families, “Learn with Me” classroom visit days, multiple family nights per month, and strategic hiring of staff with a more direct connection to the school. Led by Principal Brooks, these shifts have helped the school fulfill its motto – “Growing Hearts, Growing Minds, and Growing our Community.”

“Principal Brooks works day in and day out to make Moravia Park the school it has grown into…Our students ooze with excitement to be here, whether it is another regular day of learning, a spirit day or our monthly grade level celebration, students know when they come to school they will not only learn, but be welcomed to a community unlike any other.” -Teacher/School Staff

“Mrs. Brooks has become a staple in each home. She is hands-on and extremely devoted to the needs of the students and their families so that everyone can be successful. Mrs. Brooks has been in my family for over 20 years, being my daughter’s teacher and now my son’s principal.” -Parent

James Gresham

10th year as principal of the REACH! Partnership School

At the REACH! Partnership School, every student is provided the opportunity to follow a personalized pathway to success – whether in college or a career. Dr. Gresham is driven to ensure every student is prepared for the next stage of their life, and his strategic leadership skills unite his entire staff to strive for the same. You see the results of this work throughout the building in the wide variety of options for students – AP and dual enrollment courses offering college credits, Career and Technical Education internships and job shadowing programs leading to industry certifications, Life Skills classes for students with intellectual disabilities, and stellar fine arts and athletics offerings providing opportunities to grow. This all culminates in laudable academic growth and graduation rates for a school true to its motto - “Moving from Good to Great.”

“Dr Gresham is known to be a driver of success and sets high standards for all. He encourages the students to seek excellence and makes sure they are given a fair opportunity to learn academically, learn skillfully, exceed expectations and be mentally well.” -School Community Member

“Dr. Gresham is admired and respected by our staff and students as he seeks the best in us, and we all feel supported in our roles. Our principal is a visionary, a great listener, and an analytical thinker…Because of his positive mindset and skillful leadership, Dr. Gresham has a gift of making everyone feel successful and important in their roles at REACH! Partnership High School.” -Teacher/School Staff

Ninia Mouzone

5th year as principal of Forest Park High School (and 6th as a principal in City Schools

“It’s a Great Day to Be a Forester” thanks to the leadership of Principal Mouzone. Under her direction, the school has seen a massive shift in culture, and that all starts with relationships. Principal Mo, as her students call her, seems to be everywhere – from offering hugs and guidance in the halls, to cheering on student-athletes in the stands, to co-planning and co-teaching lessons with her teachers. She’s supported in this work by her ten Re-Engagement Specialists, most of whom have some prior connection to the school, who focus on supporting students through mediation and other culture-building activities. These changes have led to an amazing transformation in the school’s results – with massive increases in attendance and graduation rates. Perhaps most impressive, the Baltimore community is voting with their feet – the school’s enrollment has increased from approximately 600 in 2019 to over 1000 today!

“Principal Mouzone’s warmth and genuine care set her apart. She takes the time to know each student and staff member personally, celebrating their successes and providing support during challenges. Her daily presence in hallways, classrooms, and the cafeteria reflects her belief in the power of connection.” -School Community Member

“Principal Mouzone’s leadership is not only marked by her deep care for the students and staff but also by her unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of Forest Park. She is genuinely driven by the belief that every student deserves a place where they can thrive, not just academically but emotionally and socially. This mission isn't something she just talks about; she lives it every day through her actions, decisions, and the environment she fosters within the school.” -Teacher/School Staff

Steve Skeen

7th year as principal of Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School

Principal Skeen has succeeded in his goal of ensuring that “Mount Royal is for everyone” and that his students are on a trajectory of success beyond their middle school years. Mr. Skeen understands that to build this success, the school culture has to combine high academic expectations with a sense of belonging. High academic expectations can be seen through academic programming that is targeted for all levels of learners, most recently integrating all special education students into general education classrooms – disbanding self-contained classes. Mt. Royal creates a sense of belonging by building an inclusive school culture that provides opportunities for all students in his school to form genuine connections with each other and their community through school-wide music and athletic offerings composed of students across grade levels, academic programs and neighborhoods. Principal Skeen has a gift for empathy and an ability to get the best out of those around him to ensure all students can succeed. Principal Skeen and his team have strengthened Mt. Royal’s legacy as a top performing school in Baltimore.

“Principal Skeen is a dedicated leader who understands the impact of education and the equity of the institution for our community and our families. He strives to make each teacher and student feel safe, seen and heard.” -Teacher/School Staff

“His kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students, staff, and families alike. In the morning and afternoon, he stands at the front door, greeting students and parents by name, sharing smiles and laughs that set a positive tone for the day. My children love to find him to tell him of their successes in their classrooms, just as they seek him out when they have a problem that needs fixing or a hurt that needs tending. His presence is a constant reminder of his genuine care for the school community, and his ability to connect with everyone makes him the cornerstone of the school’s culture.” -Parent

Darrin Brozene

5th year as principal of Baltimore Design School

Principal Brozene balances authentic connection and relationship-building with a keen analytic mind as the leader of Baltimore Design School. His kindness permeates through the building and he is so clearly valued and respected by his students and staff. Under his leadership, BDS has instituted an intervention block, giving students time and space to accelerate their learning in areas of need, which has helped the school close academic gaps. In serving over 500 students in grades 6 to 12 and across CTE disciplines like architecture and design, Mr. Brozene displays his deep leadership expertise daily.

“Mr. Brozene is the ultimate team player. No issue is too pie in the sky or mundane for him to give it his utmost attention. He helps our school set, pursue and track ambitious academic goals, but can also be found sweeping up the cafeteria at the end of the school day. His ability to keep track of the plethora of concerns teachers, students, parents and board members flag to his attention is super human.” – Teacher/School Staff at BDS

“Mr. Brozene’s leadership is defined by his vision for what Baltimore Design School can achieve. He challenges everyone—students, staff, and even himself—to dream bigger. His ability to inspire through his words and actions has created a culture of possibility, where students see themselves as future leaders, designers, and changemakers.” – Teacher/School Staff at BDS

Olia Hardy

8th year as principal of William Paca Elementary School

Principal Hardy is a relentless advocate for her students and families, transforming their aspirations into tangible opportunities. She leads with a collaborative approach, ensuring that strategic decisions reflect the voices of staff, students, and families. Under her leadership, William Paca Elementary started many initiatives like the “Early Academy” for Pre-K and K learners, the Lü interactive physical education program, a dynamic dance program, a nature exploration initiative, a walking school bus to enhance student safety and a school-wide arts integration focus, bringing learning to life through vibrant murals and creative expression. These efforts have led to a dramatic reduction in student absenteeism—from 30% to 15%—and remarkable academic growth, particularly in reading, where ELA proficiency has surged by nearly 30%. Principal Hardy’s unwavering commitment to equity and excellence continues to shape a thriving school community.

“Principal Olia Hardy embodies transformational educational leadership through her relentless commitment to student success. She treats "no" as a temporary obstacle rather than a final answer. Before students encounter barriers, she's already curated solutions. I am so proud of the leader that she has become as she makes a positive difference in the lives of her families.” – Fellow Principal

 “Her leadership is defined by flexibility, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of both students and staff… Thanks to her guidance, William Paca has seen improvements in literacy, attendance, and school culture, creating an environment where children and teachers alike can thrive. Her vision and dedication make our school a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.” -Teacher/School Staff

Tanyaneka Lipscomb

6th year as principal of Wildwood Elementary/Middle School (and 13th year as a principal in City Schools)

Principal Lipscomb values sharing and receiving feedback, both for herself and her school community. A defining feature of the school building are the omnipresent “signature boards”, which each teacher updates monthly with examples of student work along with detailed feedback, publicly celebrating student achievement and providing guidance for all students on how to improve. Dr. Lipscomb also regularly collects surveys from students and staff to guide changes within the school building. And Principal Lipscomb leads by example, highlighted by her participation in a School Administration Management pilot, created to monitor principal activities and improve practice. This culture of feedback has led to steady gains in ELA MCAP proficiency, from 6.3% proficient in 2022, to 12.3% in 2023 to 19.5% in 2024.

“Dr. Lipscomb has fostered a culture of collaboration where everyone has a voice, where teachers feel empowered to try new ideas, where students feel supported in their efforts and parents and community partners feel included and valued. It is very clear that Dr. Lipscomb constantly strives to improve her own leadership skills, the quality of education, and the Wildwood Elementary Middle School environment. She is always looking for ways to make our school community better.” -Teacher/School Staff

“What truly sets Dr. Lipscomb apart is her compassionate leadership. She maintains high expectations while caring deeply for both students and teachers, ensuring they feel supported and valued. She actively encourages students to put their best foot forward, instilling in them a sense of pride and responsibility in their education. At the same time, she provides teachers with the resources and encouragement they need to excel in their roles.” -Teacher/School Staff

Ashanti Porter

6th year as principal of Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School

Principal Porter has created a culture of caring at Leith Walk. From the creation of both student and staff wellness rooms, to masterful branding that supports school pride and inclusion, to the installation of calming corners in each classroom room, her emphasis on ensuring every individual in the building is cared for and prepared to succeed is evident. This bears out in the school’s data as well, with 97% staff retention, a 13% drop in chronic absenteeism since last year, significant reductions in the number of suspensions at the school, and a third star from the state’s school rating system. Under her leadership, Leith Walk truly is a school where L.E.G.E.N.D.S. are made!

“Ms. Porter is kind and deeply committed to her purpose of upholding our school to the highest standards. She ensures that every student feels safe, supported, and loved, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.” -Parent

“Empathy is at the heart of Principal Porter’s leadership. Understanding and relating to the emotions and perspectives of others, whether students or staff, has allowed Principal Porter to build lasting relationships based on mutual respect and care. This empathetic approach creates a school culture where everyone feels values, heard and supported.” -Teacher/School Staff