In celebration of Mo Gaba Day, Anne Arundel County Public Schools is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards, honoring students who embody the resilience, kindness, and joy that defined Mo’s remarkable life.
This year’s award winners are:
Primary Elementary – Mailén Alvarenga Díaz, George T. Cromwell Elementary School
Intermediate Elementary – Clyde Hicks, Oak Hill Elementary School
Middle School – Riley Whitney, Magothy River Middle School
High School – Kezia Kyei-Boahen, Chesapeake Science Point High School
Legacy Award for Advocacy – Ashton Graham, MacArthur Middle School
A special video announcement featuring footage of each winner and messages from their school leaders premiered today across AACPS social media platforms. The video can be viewed here:🔗 2026 Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards Announcement Video
The five honorees will be formally recognized at the Board of Education meeting on February 4, 2026, where they will receive their awards. Each winner’s school will also receive a commemorative banner and a $500 grant, provided by the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, to support a school-based initiative that promotes kindness and positivity in Mo’s spirit.
About Mo Gaba and the Awards Program
Mosilla Kingsley “Mo” Gaba was a beloved AACPS student whose health challenges never dimmed his intellect, optimism, or the radiant joy he shared with others. An avid Orioles and Ravens fan, Mo became a local and national inspiration for his infectious laughter, uplifting spirit, and courage in the face of adversity.
Established in 2022, the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards were created to honor students who reflect all that Mo represented. Our honorees are also inspirations who rise above obstacles with grace, extend kindness to others, and bring light to their communities.
This year, 82 students across AACPS were nominated by their schools for exemplifying these qualities. Every nominee will receive a certificate and online recognition.
2026 Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Nominees
Primary Category
Levi Truesdale, Annapolis Elementary School
Joshua Gonzáles, George T. Cromwell Elementary School
Carson Steele, Germantown Elementary School
Olivia Bush, Seven Oaks Elementary School
Ayden Nichols, Sunset Elementary School
Patrick Burdack, Waugh Chapel Elementary School
Intermediate Category
Ava Janeski, AACPS Virtual Academy
Skai Johnson, Annapolis Elementary School
Paizley Holt, Cape St. Claire Elementary School
Sean Martin, Cape St. Claire Elementary School
Trent Huffman, Deale Elementary School
Harper Matthews, Folger McKinsey Elementary School
Harley Turner, Freetown Elementary School
Jose Gómez Bárcenas, George T. Cromwell Elementary School
Payzlee Guntrum Thrall, George T. Cromwell Elementary School
Jordyn Savage, Germantown Elementary School
Bryce Mason, Manor View Elementary School
David Morris, Nantucket Elementary School
Marion Arciaga, Park Elementary School
Shawn Young, Pasadena Elementary School
David Vo, Piney Orchard Elementary School
Adrian Flores Almendárez, Richard Henry Lee Elementary School
Landon Daniels, Riviera Beach Elementary School
Anh “Sophie” Le, Seven Oaks Elementary School
Christian Wilkinson, Shady Side Elementary School
Journey Walker, Tracey's Elementary School
Ryelyn Kooser, Two Rivers Elementary School
Middle School Category
Gbolahan "Paul" Kayode, Arundel Middle School
Jesutomiwo Ajayi, Chesapeake Science Point Middle School
John Trainor, Brooklyn Park Middle School
Ralph Steve, Crofton Middle School
Evelyn Snitcher, Lindale Middle School
Ace Kachinski, MacArthur Middle School
Iniesta “Andrew” Thompson, Northeast Middle School
Kendra Black, Old Mill Middle School North
Ghaidaa Awad, Old Mill Middle School South
Jahkiiya Howard, Phoenix Academy
Brayden Smith, Severn River Middle School
Evelyn Sears, Severna Park Middle School
Stella Stakolosa, Southern Middle School
Xavier Jones, Wiley H. Bates Middle School
High School Category
Celine Soriano, Glen Burnie High School
Daphne Clarke, South River High School
Iris Contreras, Phoenix Academy
Naila Arneaud, Northeast High School
Dawson Hughes, Chesapeake High School
Seth Hodges, Severna Park High School
Emerson Haislip, Center of Applied Technology - South
2026 Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Legacy Nominees
Chad Crews, AACPS Virtual Academy
Lilly Greene, Annapolis Elementary School
McKenzie Hood, Arundel Middle School
Luka Nappier, Brooklyn Park Middle School
QuiAri Green, Center of Applied Technology - North
Nicole Alfaro-Deras, Center of Applied Technology - South
Ava Samaniego, Chesapeake High School
Caitlyn Bathgate, Chesapeake Science Point High School
Micah Clarke, Chesapeake Science Point Middle School
Mason Willoughby, Crofton Middle School
Sofia Mejía Zepeda, Germantown Elementary School
Katie Wingard, Glen Burnie High School
Noah Bedell, Lindale Middle School
Joseph Podwojski, Magothy River Middle School
Serah Britsch, Manor View Elementary School
Madison Burris, Northeast High School
Savanna Longfellow, Northeast Middle School
Isabella Wolfe, Old Mill Middle School North
Levi González, Park Elementary School
Amelia Flye, Pasadena Elementary School
Ta'Vionte Antonio-Peek, Pershing Hill Elementary School
Austin Harkness, Piney Orchard Elementary School
Jesse Crews, Riviera Beach Elementary School
Michael Sellman, Seven Oaks Elementary School
Ella Atwood, Severna Park High School
Leah Haborak, Shipley's Choice Elementary School
Jennifer Landaverde Cartagena, South River High School
Paige Dixon, Sunset Elementary School
Abigail Ripple, Tracey's Elementary School
Brendy Cartagena-Cuéllar, Wiley H. Bates Middle School