Martin Luther King, Jr. Award Recipients Honored
Alisha Yocum
Each year, Frederick County Public Schools holds a celebration to honor students who exemplify the leadership and character traits shown by Martin Luther King, Jr. Those characteristics include responsibility, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, citizenship, and respect. King was a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality shaped the course of history. The theme for the 35th annual celebration was “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” Three Catoctin High School students, Gabriel Torrado, Tatiana Owens, and Faith May, also served as student emcees for the event. Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients from the Catoctin feeder schools!
Ruby Smith
Emmitsburg Elementary, Grade 5
Ruby meets each obstacle with an inspiring attitude. Ruby has chosen to rise above her circumstances, becoming a beacon of hope and resilience for those around her. Ruby’s heart is truly golden. She treats everyone with respect and kindness, embracing diversity and seeing the beauty of every individual. Whether she’s working at summer church camps, filling shoeboxes for those in need during the holidays, or donating her toys and canned goods to local charities, her acts of kindness reflect her deep commitment to helping others. Her involvement in activities like softball, cheer, dance, Sunday school and Girls on the Run showcases her spirit of teamwork and dedication.
Bryce Eaves
Thurmont Elementary,
Grade 5
In the classroom, Bryce demonstrates leadership by assisting his peers in their learning and serving as a role model for accepting and appreciating diversity within the TES school community. Outside of school, Bryce enjoys working on his family farm, where he takes charge of farm activities. He also actively volunteers through the Rocky Ridge Youth Group, completing numerous community service projects. Bryce has worked at carnival goldfish stands, volunteered at Fire Hall Banquets, collected canned goods for the local food bank, participated in monthly service activities, crafted holiday cards for a local nursing center and collected gifts for Toys for Tots.
AliAnna Matthews
Thurmont Primary,
Grade 2
AliAnna is a model student who demonstrates the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She shows ROAR—Responsibility, Ownership, Academic Effort and Respect—every day at TPS. Her kind and fair manner is evident in the way she helps in the classroom and throughout the school. She can be seen picking up trash, helping a classmate organize their desk, and returning a lost item to another classmate. She always has a smile and is a role model for our younger students. Her perseverance and determination allow her to persevere through any challenge she faces. AliAnna’s positive attitude will continue to make a difference in our community.
Richelle Zheng
Catoctin High School,
Grade 12
During her time at Catoctin High School, Richelle has excelled academically while demonstrating exceptional leadership and adaptability, qualities that will serve her well in life and in her service to others. As the Vice President of the Student Government Association, she has played a key role in advocating for meaningful change and collaborating with peers to improve the school community. Richelle is actively involved in more than ten clubs and honor societies, consistently taking on leadership roles that focus on service. Her dedication to the Student Voices group, in particular, has brought about significant, positive changes to our school culture.
Abby Hood
Lewistown Elementary,
Grade 5
Abby is a true role model in all her interactions. She consistently extends kindness and a smile to everyone—always taking the time to understand when others are struggling. She is able to see the best in others and is a good friend. She possesses a strong work ethic and gives her best in all she does. Abby helps within our school community, serving as a patrol and an anchor on the Lewistown Elementary School Morning News. She is an active Girl Scout who gives back to her community through service.
Abby Balsley
Sabillasville Environmental,
Grade 8
Abby is an eighth-grade student who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and positive character. Her dedication to being a role model and serving her school makes her an ideal recipient for this award. Abby is compassionate, always eager to help others, models positive behavior, and leads her peers in making a difference. She took the initiative to organize a Breast Cancer Awareness event, creating a flyer and meeting with the principal to discuss her plans. Abby also designed a T-shirt for her eighth-grade class, leads the flag club, and is a member of the Green team. She also assists younger students with their math facts each morning.
Anna Page
Thurmont Middle,
Grade 8
Anna is a natural leader who leads with respect and encourages others through her actions. As the Student Government Association President, she has been an active leader at TMS, elevating student voice. Anna has participated in TMS School Improvement Meetings, offering valuable insights and student voice for the School Improvement Plan. An excellent listener, she is always seeking solutions that benefit the school community. Anna is kind, thoughtful, and always considers the needs of others. She regularly volunteers at Thurmont Middle School’s monthly Community Food Distributions to support those in need. With her fantastic personality, Anna unites people and fosters a positive, forward-thinking environment for all.
