Board of Education Recognizes 2026 Friends of Education Honorees

May 6th, 2026

At its April 30 meeting, the Howard County Board of Education honored John Willets and the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (HCMC) as recipients of the 2026 Friends of Education Award. The award recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, non-profit groups, organizations, or associations for their support for the school system’s mission of ensuring academic success and social-emotional well-being for students.

Willets, a River Hill High School senior, was honored for establishing Suits 4 Students, which provides HCPSS high school students with donated professional attire for interviews and employment opportunities. He was also recognized for leading an initiative to provide students with business soft skills (e.g. resume writing, interview and networking skills) and partnering with the Howard County Library System to provide advertising and space.

“[Willets’] innovative approach has ensured access and equity for all students and their families and filled a void in the community allowing teens to support each other,” said Erin Alistar, HCPSS’ Student Member of the Board.

HCMC was recognized for its investment in students, volunteers and emerging professionals, as well as the many ways in which it supports HCPSS’ strategic focus on educational equity and instructional access.

“HCMC advances opportunity and access by intentionally creating clear, inclusive pathways that connect volunteers, interns, observers, and apprentices to meaningful, high-quality learning and career exploration experiences,” said Board of Education Vice Chair Meg Ricks.

The medical center also was honored for empowering students and staff to shape their experiences by encouraging creativity, initiative, and personal growth.

“By fostering a supportive environment where students and staff feel their contributions matter, HCMC inspires engagement, motivation, and a sense of purpose, ensuring that learning and service are meaningful, dynamic, and driven by those involved,” Ricks said.

The Board of Education also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Church, AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe, Mary Brzezinski, and Naomi Rader Gowda.

“The Board of Education is proud to honor the 2026 Friends of Education award recipients and nominees,” said Board of Education Chair Jennifer Mallo. “We express our deep appreciation for the valuable contributions they have made to our school system and our students.”

Watch the full awards presentation and learn more about the Friends of Education Award online.