The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is proud to recognize this year’s recipients of “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” award, an annual event in partnership with The Daily Record and presented by Whiting Turner that celebrates Maryland’s most outstanding high school students in academics, community service, and STEM career interests.
This year’s 24 honorees—one student from each of Maryland’s 24 school districts—have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, community impact and future-focused leadership, setting a standard for their peers and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. Students who participate in MBRT programming and college and career readiness resources received additional consideration, and all students participated in a poster reception featuring their achievements and cherished items from their respective schools.
The winners were celebrated at MBRT’s annual student awards program at The Westin Annapolis, held in conjunction with the MBRT’s signature Youth Congress Day on February 5, 2025. This prestigious event brought together esteemed educators, business leaders, policymakers, and families to honor the scholars’ achievements and aspirations. Elected officials including Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Pro Tem Delegate Dana Stein, and Delegate Chao Wu, who presented MBRT with a legislative citation, shared their career and civic leadership insights and advice, engaging students in discussion.
2025 “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” Award Winners:
- Ciara Ross, Fort Hill High School, Allegany County
- Kayla Morrison, Meade High School, Anne Arundel County
- Saniyah Grimes, Baltimore City College, Baltimore City
- Tremen McBride, Owings Mills High School, Baltimore County
- Brett Sheranko, Patuxent High School, Calvert County
- Kelly Harding, Colonel Richardson High School, Caroline County
- Michael Eakins, Century High School, Carroll County
- Emily Hornberger, Rising Sun High School, Cecil County
- Kennady Hawkins, Thomas Stone High School, Charles County
- Tyler Sears, Cambridge – South Dorchester High School, Dorchester County
- Fredimanuel Seshie, Oakdale High School, Frederick County
- Madeline Smith, Northern Garrett High School, Garrett County
- Matthew Rudzinski, Edgewood High School, Harford County
- Sakshi Tirodkar, Long Reach High School, Howard County
- Daniel Harris III, Kent County High School, Kent County
- Ruhi Nair, Winston Churchill High School, Montgomery County
- Mueez Peleowo, Oxon Hill High School, Prince George’s County
- Destiny Falodun, Queen Anne’s County High School, Queen Anne’s County
- Kamryn Noble, Washington Academy & High School, Somerset County
- Ava Cotroneo, Leonardtown High School, St. Mary’s County
- Gavyn Stebbins, Easton High School, Talbot County
- Ilbe De La Paz Alvarez, Boonsboro High School, Washington County
- Haven Rodriguez, Wicomico High School, Wicomico County
- Julia Park, Stephen Decatur High School, Worcester County
“The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars award shines a spotlight on the remarkable talent and dedication of students across Maryland,” said Sharon Markley Schreiber, Executive Director of the MBRT. “These young leaders are not only excelling in their academic pursuits but actively working to make meaningful contributions to their communities through compassionate service. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments alongside President Ferguson, Speaker Pro Tem Del. Stein, and Del. Wu., and support their continued growth toward careers in Maryland.”
This year’s program was made possible through the generous support of MBRT sponsors, including Whiting Turner, presenting sponsor, and Loyola University of Maryland, transportation sponsor. Additionally, College of Southern Maryland and Allegany College of Maryland provided sponsorships, further demonstrating their commitment to student access and success in developing the talent Maryland’s industries require.
Congratulations to “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” award winners for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence! To learn more about this award and the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, please visit www.mbrt.org.
