The Arc Maryland Awards Program recognizes those individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) represent meritorious service or achievement and warrant special statewide recognition.
Throughout the year, and through their efforts to advance inclusion in schools, workplaces, healthcare, and the community, there are Marylanders who stand above the rest. They are the ones working to create a better world; a world where children and adults with IDD have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Let’s make sure they know we appreciate them and their contributions. They are the bedrock of our movement and essential to our future!
The 2025 awardees were celebrated at The Arc Maryland’s State Convention and Awards Banquet on May 29th at Turf Valley Resort. Check out the event program for information on each awardee!
The Arc Maryland’s 2025 Statewide Awards Honorees
Legacy Award
Terri Spurrier, The Arc Baltimore
The Lorraine Sheehan/Bernard A. Gould Award for Governmental Affairs Service
Liz Zogby, Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition
Outstanding Advocates of the Year
Laura LeBrun Hatcher, Hatcher Design Office
Chris Leacock, The Arc Montgomery County
School Inclusion Awards
Davidsonville Elementary School, Special Education Team
Tiasha Malitha Christian, Frederick Douglass High School
Employers of the Year
Greg Costa, Levy
Kieaira Suess, Home Depot, Lanham, MD
Stanley S. Sidle/William Ohge, Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award
Meghan Mckee Jones (posthumous)
Community Professionals of the Year
Zach and Courtney Davis, Groundswell MMA
Melissa Rosenberg, Autism Society of Maryland
Media Excellence Awards
Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
Natalie Jones, The Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette
The Arc Outstanding Employees of the Year – Administration/Program Management
Sherry Klapaska, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
Laura Mojica, The Arc Carroll County
Catalyst Awards
Rachel London, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Mat Rice, People On the Go of Maryland
Unsung Hero Award
*To be announced at the Awards Luncheon
Legislators of the Year
Senator Guy Guzzone, District 13, Howard County
Senator Cory McCray, District 45, Baltimore City
Delegate Ben Barnes, District 21, Prince George’s & Anne Arundel County
Delegate Emily Shetty, District 18, Montgomery County
Chapter Volunteers of the Year
Matt Yancisin, The Arc Baltimore
Corynne Courpas, The Arc Carroll County
Kelli Hrivnak, The Arc of Frederick County
Dr. John Rhead, The Arc Howard County
Kim Tart, The Arc Maryland
Ginny Colten-Bradley, The Arc Montgomery County
Susan Kemen, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
Nnena Wilson, The Arc Prince George’s County
Heath Hykes, The Arc Washington County
President’s Cup
Laura Howell, MACS