TOWSON – JANUARY 20, 2026 – The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” Award, an annual recognition program in partnership with The Daily Record, recognizing Maryland’s outstanding high school students who excel in academics, community service, and leadership, with a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career interests.
Selected from each of Maryland’s 24 school districts, this year’s 24 Award honorees represent the brightest young minds highly engaged in their schools, communities and MBRT’s programs and initiatives. These exceptional students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, impact, and future-focused leadership, encouraging their peers and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
2026 “The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars” Award Winners:
- Briana Ciccarelli, Fort Hill High School, Allegany County
- Kayla Morrison, Meade High School, Anne Arundel County
- Naomi Boldon, Baltimore City College High School, Baltimore City
- Moréoluwa Falae, Perry Hall High School, Baltimore County
- Rondy Le, Huntingtown High School, Calvert County
- Shari Macario Deleon, North Caroline High School, Caroline County
- Trisha Savalia, Century High School, Carroll County
- Lillian Martin, North East High School, Cecil County
- Sydni Hawkins, Thomas Stone High School, Charles County
- Christian McNamara, Cambridge South Dorchester High School, Dorchester County
- Kiera Kincaid, Middletown High School, Frederick County
- Brady Garlitz, Northern Garrett High School, Garrett County
- Sophia Reinert, North Harford High School, Harford County
- Ilerioluwa Adubi, Reservoir High School, Howard County
- McKenzie Smith, Kent County High School, Kent County
- Siddharth Karnati, Clarksburg High School, Montgomery County
- Chelsea Ejerenwa, Bladensburg High School, Prince George’s County
- Jasmin Cota, Kent Island High School, Queen Anne’s County
- Renee Hale, Crisfield Academy and High School, Somerset County
- Aarav Sharma, Great Mills High School, St. Mary’s County
- Tessa Diefenderfer, Easton High School, Talbot County
- Nora Murthy, Boyd J. Michael III Technical High School, Washington County
- Sheraz Ahmad, Wicomico High School, Wicomico County
- Alaina Alvarado, Snow Hill High School, Worcester County
“The 24: Maryland’s Emerging Scholars recognizes students who combine academic achievement with civic responsibility and community impact,” said Sharon Markley Schreiber, executive director, MBRT. “With over 300 applications this year, each award winner distinctly represents our next generation of thoughtful, driven leaders in Maryland.”
The 24 Award winners will convene for an invitation-only ceremony in Annapolis on February 24, 2026, following the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education’s annual Youth Congress Day student event, presented by Whiting Turner.
About Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
Founded in 1992, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is a coalition of leading employers that have made a long-term commitment to support education reform and improve student achievement in Maryland. MBRT drives meaningful partnerships between business, government and education that empower student achievement to meet Maryland’s talent needs. For more information, visit http://www.mbrt.org/.
# # #
