Severna Park High School student and Glen Burnie High School chapter also earn statewide honors
Central Elementary School’s commitment to creating a community where every student is included, valued, and celebrated has earned its Best Buddies program recognition as the 2026 Maryland Elementary Chapter of the Year.
The honor marks the second consecutive year that an Anne Arundel County Public Schools elementary school has received the award. Waugh Chapel Elementary School earned the statewide distinction in 2025 and was recently named Best Buddies International’s Overall Outstanding Elementary Chapter of the Year.
Central Elementary students and staff celebrated their statewide honor shortly before the end of the 2025–2026 school year during its Bounce for Inclusion schoolwide assembly. The event featured staff members dressed as colorful animal characters in inflatable costumes racing through an obstacle course as students cheered them on. Students also performed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a mantra for the school, underscoring the energy and sense of community surrounding the celebration.
During the assembly, Principal Pete Thompson and Best Buddies advisor Allison Williams, an Individualized Education Program facilitator at Central Elementary, acknowledged that the award belongs to the students, staff, and families, whose enthusiasm and commitment have made inclusion something that is actively practiced daily.
“This award is about the students who choose kindness and understand that everyone belongs at Central Elementary School,” Williams said. “We’ve had many events promoting inclusion, but I’m proudest about what happens every day. Seeing students wave to each other in the hallway, buddies sitting together at lunch, students helping, encouraging, and celebrating each other.” True to the school’s mantra, Williams concluded her remarks asking students to never “stop believing that one small act can change someone’s entire day.”
Best Buddies programs create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive experiences for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This recognition reflects the kind of school community we work to create every day – one where students know they belong and are encouraged to uplift each other,” Thompson said. “We are incredibly proud of Ms. Williams, our Best Buddies members, and everyone who helped make the program such an important part of Central Elementary School.”
Two additional AACPS honorees were recognized by Best Buddies Maryland:
Ella Atwood, a rising senior at Severna Park High School, was named Chapter President of the Year.
Glen Burnie High School was named Social Media Chapter of the Year.
More information about Best Buddies and its programs can be found at www.bestbuddies.org.
