Throughout her tenure at Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Jennifer Jerrell has always had a passion for seeking ways to broaden student access to media arts and technology courses and resources.
It is that passion which led her to create the district’s Anne Arundel Student Film & Digital Media Festival, an event which has not only opened doors for students, but elevated expectations for student achievement. It is that passion that has also put Jerrell, an Academic Specialist for AACPS’ Apex Arts Magnet Program, in the national spotlight.
The National Art Education Association has named the 20-year AACPS veteran as its 2026 recipient of the Art & Media Technology Outstanding Community Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and service advancing art and media technology education.
“As a longtime member of the National Art Education Association, I am truly grateful for this recognition,” Jerrell said. “Establishing the festival was an important step in expanding community student media arts and technology offerings and allowed students a platform to showcase their work, connect with peers, and see themselves as part of a larger creative community.”
In her current position, Jerrell serves as the primary leader of curriculum development for the district’s arts magnet program, ensuring instruction remains rigorous, innovative, and aligned with contemporary digital and media arts practices. The festival she helped create also provides students with authentic opportunities to showcase and receive professional-level feedback on their film, animation, and digital media work.
Colleagues credit Jerrell with expanding equitable access to digital tools, championing interdisciplinary collaboration, and positioning media arts as an essential component of a comprehensive visual arts education.
“Jennifer’s leadership, dedication, and advocacy continue to benefit students and educators across our county,” AACPS Coordinator of Visual Arts Casey Perkins said.