The Anne Arundel Board of Education singled out several students known for their positivity and kindness as part of the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards Wednesday.
“This program is in its fourth year, and I continue to be in awe of the students who are nominated,” said Maneka Monk, the school district’s director of communications, as she introduced the winners. “It’s important to note, too, that these students are not honored just because of what they’ve been through, they’re honored because of who they are.”
The award is given to students who share similarities with Mosilla Kingsley “Mo” Gaba. Gaba was a superfan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens and a sports radio personality, who died from cancer at the age of 14. Born in Baltimore, he was raised in Glen Burnie and attended Anne Arundel schools.
The board room, which tends to have rows of empty seats during board meetings, was packed with the honorees’ supporters Wednesday. Many adults stood up to clap and shed tears as each of the five kids were presented with their awards by Gaba’s mother, Sonsy.
Gaba’s first cancer diagnosis occurred at 9 months old, followed by three more before he turned 6. Gaba attended George Cromwell Elementary in Glen Burnie until he switched to virtual school from the hospital. He graduated from Lindale Middle School in Linthicum in 2020 after spending 75% of his life in hospitals.
Despite his health issues, Gaba was known for his passion for sports, resilience and positivity.
In 2015, at age 9, Gaba began calling into sports radio shows while his mother was at work. He generated a following and quickly gained the attention of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. In 2017, he threw a ceremonial first pitch for the Orioles during a series against the New York Yankees. He also participated in a coin toss at a Ravens game.
Gaba, who died in 2020, was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame. Since 2020, the letters “MO” have been painted in the Baltimore Ravens end zone at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Board of Education created the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards to recognize students who embody the characteristics he was known for. This year’s winners were announced Jan. 27
Two elementary school students, a middle school student and a high school student were selected for the award. Their schools will receive a banner and $500 in the winner’s name to be used for a school initiative that promotes kindness and positivity. More than 65 students were nominated by their schools.
Micah Shiflett of Brooklyn Park Elementary School, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3, was one of the winners.
“Most well known for her humor, kindness and inclusive spirit, her peers and teachers consider her a cheerleader as she uplifts everyone around her, even on the challenging days. Micah’s resilience, warmth and commitment to making sure everyone feels included truly show that she embodies the essence of this award,” said Tanya Montgomery, Brooklyn Park’s principal.
Aryana Bowles of Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School does not let her cognitive and medical challenges prevent her from getting to know everyone in her school.
“She’s like the mayor in the morning. She walks down the hall every day and stops to see all of her people on the way. Everybody gets a hug, everybody gets a smile. She specifically asks how they are that day,” said Cheryl Cox, Mills-Parole’s principal.
At the middle school level, Andre Turnage Jr. of Wiley H. Bates Middle School is “such an asset to Bates,” according to Principal Kathrine Hicks. Andre was selected to do the morning announcements at his school for his ability to spread kindness and cheer.
Javien Johnson of Northeast High School was partially paralyzed after being shot. Still, he plays basketball and football, and is working toward being able to walk across the graduation stage, which he practiced while accepting his award Wednesday.
“People are always looking for positive people to be around. Javien is that kind of person. He’s always smiling. He’s always upbeat,” said Timothy Swann, Northeast’s library media specialist. “Not only an incredible student, but an incredible person.”
Additionally, Isabella Garcia of Belle Grove Elementary School in Brooklyn Park was given an award for being a role model and advocate for her peers.
“She really helps out with the [English-language learner] students, making sure they feel comfortable in the classroom and succeed. She is a very positive and optimistic student,” said Caitlyn Milligan, a teacher at Belle Grove.
Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com, 443-690-7205 and x.com/brdgtbyrn.
