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Parkville High Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

McCormick & Company presents their annual McCormick Unsung Heroes where they honor high school athletes who have been models of sportsmanship and team. The 2020 McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards will take place in a virtual format on May 11. Every school in the region has a male and female athlete nominated for the award and Eastbaltco.com will profile each athlete from eastern Baltimore County over the next week. Eastern Tech, Mount Carmel, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Chesapeake have already been profiled.

Parkville
Girls soccer player Korionna “Kori” Skinner and Football player Da’Vaghn Curbeam are the two nominees from the school.

Korionna “Kori” Skinner

Coach Emily Wolf has coached Skinner for four years and said she is a true role model for her peers both on the field and in the classroom.

“Academically, Kori excels and is in the top 10 percent of Parkville’s graduating class. She participates in our magnet program as well as our AVID program. Electing to meet the requirements of both of these programs is a testament to Kori’s dedication to her education and desire to be the best version of herself,” Wolf said.

“Kori has even opted to take two of her graduation requirements at the college level in order to maintain space in her schedule to take all of the courses that she was interested in here at Parkville. After high school, Kori plans to pursue a degree in political science and pre-law.”

Wolf added that Skinner was born with albinism which had an impact on the senior’s vision.

“Not only was she learning and developing in her sport(s), but she also had to figure out how to accommodate the limitations of her eyesight. Never did Kori use this obstacle as an excuse to not work hard or keep trying to improve,” Wolf said.

“She also never complained about this disadvantage and would often advocate for her abilities.”

Skinner was also described as someone with a positive attitude and as a teammate that encourages others. She is one of the last athletes to leave the field. That included waiting for teammates to finish up running laps after practice.

“The mark of an unsung hero is someone who is willing to do things that no one else wants to do. And the last thing teenage athletes want to do after a tough practice or a long bus ride is to put away equipment<" Wolf said. "As trivial as equipment duties may seem, I believe it truly represents Kori’s character that she would always volunteer to help and even pick up her teammates’ slack to make sure that the task was done. Not only did Kori care about helping her teammates, she cared about helping her coaches as well."

Da’Vaghn Curbeam

Curbeam played both football and lacrosse. On the football field, Curbeam help the Knights to 9-0 regular season. Curbeam was a running back on offense and played cornerback on defense.

In an opening playoff game, Curbeam had an interception and fumble recovery in a 49-0 win over Wheaton. It was the first playoff win in team history.

Curbeam and the Knights made it to the 4A State Quarterfinals before losing to Old Mill.

School Board Releases Statement About Virtual Graduation

After Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020, BCPS board members described their decision to host virtual graduations for BCPS seniors in a statement.

“This was a difficult decision for all of us,” said Board Chair Kathleen Causey.
“We have heard from students and parents that what they want is an in-person graduation. We want that for them, too, but in the midst of this pandemic, for the safety of everyone, that is simply not possible. These virtual graduations will still provide opportunities to recognize students individually and to celebrate online together. In fact, the degree of personalization will be even higher than a standard graduation.”

“If it becomes possible, perhaps this summer, to host in-person celebrations, we want to make that happen,” said Board Vice Chair Julie Henn. “We are committed to honoring our seniors for their hard work and accomplishments in whatever ways we can. We recognize the tremendous disappointment our seniors and their families are feeling right now. But we also know that our graduates will remain connected to one another and to their extended BCPS family and that we will cheer and celebrate their successes – past, present, and future long beyond our current circumstances.”

Once plans are finalized, the revised graduation schedule will be posted on the BCPS website.

Kenwood Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

Kenwood
Track athlete Jade Malone is the female nominee and football and lacrosse player Austin Boothe is the male nominee for Kenwood High School in Essex.

Jada Malone

Malone was described by Indoor Track Coach Chris Mattern as team MVP and two-time captain for the Indoor Track team. She is a multiple time scholar-athlete award winner and a member of the schools AVID program. Mattern added that Malone has overcome and persevered through some hardships and adversity.

“The family tragedies she has overcome are truly remarkable,” Mattern said.

Kenwood Athletic Director Tony Ruocco said that Malone has been accepted to many four-year colleges and he said he is proud of how Malone has handled adversity.
[She is an] excellent student and has a very charismatic personality,” Ruocco said.

Austin Boothe

Boothe was a two-sport athlete at Kenwood where he played football and lacrosse. His football coach Derrick Krumholtz stated that Boothe was accepted to Towson and Stevenson but he decided to attend Alvernia University in the fall to play football.

“Austin was a Captain of the Varsity Football Team for 2019, and also was our team Unsung Hero award winner. He was a starter on the Varsity Football team in both his Junior and Senior years, sometimes both sides of the ball,” Krumholtz said.

“Austin was a Baltimore County Senior All-Star game nominee.”

Maryland DNR Clarifies Expanded Outdoor Opportunities

Given the announcement of the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state and on Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties.

BEACHES

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR-owned beaches will be opened and outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, and fishing will be permitted, however:

Guidance on social distancing must be followed. The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.
Chairs, blankets, and picnics will be prohibited.

BOATING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., recreational boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized vessels and personal watercraft, are permitted, however:

Boaters must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people can be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
Boats must be distanced from each other by at least 10 feet and are prohibited from rafting up, beaching, or having rendezvous events. Boats are prohibited from docking at restaurants or bars.
Vessel and boat races remain prohibited.

Marinas can reopen to recreational boaters, but must adhere to Maryland Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.

Pump-out stations and boats may resume operations under the Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.
Local jurisdictions may choose to open public boat ramps, but must ensure social distancing guidelines.
All normal boating rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed.

CAMPING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR will begin accepting reservations for overnight tent and RV camping in state forests, parks, and other campgrounds, however:

Campers must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. Guidance on social distancing must be followed.

No parties or reservations for more than 10 people will be granted for any one site. Reservations for cabin rentals will not be accepted at this time, however DNR will begin to consider protocols for accepting reservations again in the near future.
Reopening will likely proceed on a gradual or regional basis based on guidance from the Maryland Department of Health.

FISHING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m, recreational fishing activities, including catch-and-release, are allowed, however:

When fishing from a boat, one must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people may be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
When fishing from onshore or at a pier, social distancing guidelines must be followed. DNR fishing piers will reopen immediately.Fishing tournaments remain prohibited at this time.

All normal rules and regulations regarding fishing are in effect and must be followed, including creel limits, gear restrictions, and seasons.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Effective immediately, horseback riding activities, including riding in state parks, is allowed, however:

Equestrians must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed. No organized rides, gatherings, or races will be authorized.

HUNTING/TRAPPING

Effective immediately, all hunting activities are allowed on private and public lands under following conditions:

Hunters on public lands must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.

All normal rules and regulations regarding hunting are in effect and must be followed, including bag limits, firearm restrictions, and seasons.

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

Effective immediately, off-road vehicles can be ridden on DNR-owned lands where they are allowed, however:

Drivers/riders must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party. Gatherings and organized events remain prohibited.

POOLS

All DNR-owned swimming pools remain closed at this time.

SHOOTING RANGES

Effective immediately, DNR will reopen shooting ranges on state land, however:

Groups of no more than 10 will be allowed on the range at any time.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

Perry Hall Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

Perry Hall
Amanda Butz, who played badminton, basketball and softball is the female nominee and soccer player Kaleb Todjo is the male nominee for Perry Hall High School.

Amanda Butz
Butz almost had the rare distinction of being a 12-season Varsity starter at Perry Hall. Butz made Varsity for four years for Badminton and Softball but only made Junior Varsity for her freshman year of basketball.

Her basketball coach Linda Caccavalla said making the Varsity Perry Hall basketball team in her second year is still remarkable.

“I use to tease her that she is one of the only sophomores who is a three-sport varsity athlete at PHHS,” Caccavalla said.

Her softball coach Ally Bittner said that Butz would have been a four-year starter if the season would have not be canceled for COVID-19. Butz was Captain for her Junior year and was expected to have that title again for her senior season.

On the field, Butz made 1st County Outfielder as a freshman and made the 2nd County team in 2018 & 2019. Butz will be softball at McDaniel College in 2021.

“She has stepped up in different positions in times of need. Always on top of anything that needs to be done. Always a good attitude towards her teammates and opponent,” Bittner said of Butz.

“[She] works hard in the classroom and on the field. Great kid who is deserving of the recognition.”

Kaleb Todjo

Todjo was a three-year Varsity Soccer player, two year starter and the Captain of the Perry Hall Boys Soccer team his senior year. According to his coach Pete Eibner, Todjo has been a blessing to coach as he possesses skill, quickness and vision that most do not.

“As a sophomore, he worked hard and learned, developing each practice and improving each day. By the time he reached his senior year, he had matured as a young man and became a leader.” Eibner said of Todjo.

“While his ‘on the field’ accomplishments were impressive, it was his off the field resume that led him to be nominated for the McCormick Unsung Hero.”

Eibner added that Todjo is an unsung hero for his ‘behind the scenes’ work. Eibner gave an example on how his hard work would motivate his teammates. He was a good model for the underclassmen.

“Most impressively, Kaleb, along with Andrew Fitch and Sid Katilla, changed the culture of our program. Where, in years past, the underclassmen would have to pick up cones, get water, fill the ice bucket, carry the balls and move the goals, this year’s team had the seniors voluntarily do those tasks” Eibner explained.

“They did it in order to set the example of what it is like to serve others.”

Serving others is what Todjo did indeed as he drove underclassmen to off campus practices and he tutored teammates that needed help with academics.

“In 2018-19, we had 11 players on the ineligible list throughout the year and four with academic honors. This fall we had 13 make academic honors and none on the ineligible list,” Eibner noted.

“Aside from teammates, he helped underclassmen through the African American Male Mentorship Program.

Eibner added that Todjo’s hard work transferred in the classroom too as Todjo maintained a 3.74 GPA, is a three year National Honor Society Member and he also made the Honor Roll in every quarter of his high school career.

“He often goes unnoticed because of his humble and unassuming nature, but to our program, he is invaluable, and certainly worthy of this nomination,” Eibner said.

State of Maryland Officially Ends The 2019-20 School Year

As expected, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon officially announced on Wednesday afternoon that all Maryland public schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year as a result of COVID-19.

Schools were originally closed for the coronavirus pandemic from March 16 to March 27. Then in late March, Salmon made an announcment that the closure was extended until April 24.

On April 17, there was speculation that Salmon was going to close schools for the rest of the year but the announcement was to extend the closure until May 15.

Baltimore County Public School’s last day for the 2019-20 school year was set for Monday, June 22. BCPS has held online classes for its students

BCPS announnced it had already cancelled all senior activities for its students. and announced it will hold virtual graduations for BCPS seniors.

County to Provide Older Residents With Food Distribution

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that, beginning next week, the Baltimore County Department of Aging will be expanding its food distribution efforts by providing boxes of food to the County’s older adults. The program will be supported by $590,000 in funding provided through the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to specifically target individuals age 60 and older.

“We’re taking another important step to ensure older adults in Baltimore County will not go hungry through this crisis,” Olszewski said. “Promoting food security is a top priority of my administration and we will continue to use all resources available to us to support our residents.”

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this new support for older adults in the County who may have difficultly preparing nutritionally-balanced meals during this uncertain time,” said Laura D. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. “Before this pandemic, over 600 senior citizens relied on our Eating Together programs each day for nutritionally-balanced meals and we hope that this newly expanded meal distribution will help those in most need.”

Under this new program, each box of food will include three meals and a snack for six days.

“When combined according to the directions, each meal meets the nutritional requirements for adults age 60 and older,” said Jill Hall, Chief of the Division of Senior Centers and Community Services.

Boxes will be distributed by appointment only at three senior center locations in three different regions of the County:

•West
Tuesday, May 12
10 a.m. to Noon
Liberty Senior Center
3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133

•North
Tuesday, May 12
10 a.m. to Noon
Parkville Senior Center
8601 Harford Road, Parkville, Maryland 21234

•East
Thursday, May 14
10 a.m. to Noon
Ateaze Senior Center
7401 Holabird Avenue, Dundalk, Maryland 21222

Baltimore County residents over 60 years of age should call 410-887-2040 to schedule their pick-up date, time and location. Only individuals with appointments will receive a box of food. During the appointment, individuals will be asked to show proof of age through their BCDA Senior Center Membership Card or other identification.

Anyone unable to travel to these locations should contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-887-2594 to discuss other food options with the MAP staff.

The Department of Aging plans to continue to provide meals through the end of June, or until the senior centers reopen to the public, whichever comes first.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to combat food insecurity among older adults.

Since March 16, the Department of Aging has served over 8,300 meals for seniors—a 33 percent increase in the number of participants since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, through a partnership with Meals on Wheels, a home delivered meal service, Baltimore County is helping provide shelf stable meals or grocery box deliveries for nearly 200 senior citizens in urgent need of food. Department of Aging staff are also assisting with Baltimore County’s Saturday food distribution sites at the Hereford and Reisterstown Senior Centers.

Additional Food Resources

For younger residents, Baltimore County continues to offer other resources for grocery and produce. Find more information.

Baltimore County Schools to Hold Virtual Graduations

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced on its Twitter page that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020.

“This spring our graduations will be held online. We will explore face-to-face celebrations when it is safe to do so in accordance with the Governor’s orders. Once finalized, the revised graduations will be posted online,” said the statement.

BCPS announced in April that all physical high seniors activities, including graduations, were canceled because of COVID-19

Man Arrested & Charged in Middle River & Essex Robberies

Baltimore County Police charged a suspect in two armed commercial robberies in Essex last month and believed to be responsible for additional robberies in neighboring jurisdictions.

The investigation in Baltimore County began on April 29 with the robbery of two businesses under similar circumstances just hours apart.

Police were called to Dollar General in the 100 block of Beacon Road in Middle River around 7:30 p.m. after the suspect purchased items but stayed in the store and continued shopping. He returned to the check out with additional items, but this time he stepped behind the counter and produced a handgun, ordering the cashier to open the safe. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Just after 9:30 p.m. police responded to a second armed robbery, this time at Domino’s Pizza in the 600 block of Eastern Boulevard, in Essex. This time the suspect ordered food, then stepped outside. When he returned, he again stepped behind the counter, produced a handgun and ordered an employee to open a cash register and the safe. Again, the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Baltimore County Police Robbery Detectives worked cooperatively with the Anne Arundel County and Baltimore Police Departments, which had both experienced similar crimes, to identify the suspect, identified as Zachery Erin Kuhn (23) of the 1300 block of Pontiac Avenue in Brooklyn, MD. Kuhn and a female passenger were arrested during an April 30 traffic stop, at which time a loaded handgun was also located on Kuhn.

Kuhn faces the following charges:
Two counts of armed robbery
Two counts of robbery
Three counts of first degree assault
Three counts of second degree assault
Two counts of theft
Use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime

Kuhn is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on denied bail status following a bail review hearing on Monday. The woman was released without charge.

Patapsco High Students Nominated for Unsung Heroes Awards

Patapsco
Girls Lacrosse player Logan Welsh and Soccer and Lacrosse player Cameron Hood are the two nominees for Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts in Dundalk.

Logan Welsh

Welsh was described as a 12-season athlete at Patapsco on the field as she participated in a sport every season of her high school career. She was also a star as she balanced her rigorous course load to earn a 4.0 GPA.

“Over the course of the last two years, I have watched Logan grow as a student and as a person. She has a strong work ethic and he puts forth great effort, not only in class, but in all her classes, her job and athletics,” said Tyler Clough, who is one of her lacrosse coaches.

According to Clough, Welsh has taken four Advanced Placement (AP) classes during her high school career with the rest of her classes being either GT or Honors. In addition to sports and academics, Welsh had other activities at the school as she participated in the school’s orchestra magnet and being the first chair in the ensemble. She also has a part time job at an athletic club as a lifeguard.

Clough said all of Welsh’s hard work deserves to be recognized.

“I am proud to recommend Logan for the [McCormick Unsung Heroes]. She has been an asset to our school, and will be hard to replace,” Clough said about his nomination of Welsh.

Cameron (Cam) Hood

Although he is legally blind as the result of a lifelong degenerative eye condition, his coaches at Patapsco described Hood as someone who demonstrated tireless work ethic, commitment and leadership in the classroom and on the fields.

“Much like the modest salt and pepper in your McCormick based spice rack, Cameron (Cam) Hood is the understated, hardworking and crucial ingredient every successful team has,” Boys Lacrosse Coach Andrew Mininsky wrote in his nomination letter to the McCormick Unsung Heroes committee.

Mininsky said that Hood’s tenacity is “unparalleled”. Mininsky explained that Hood was described as competitive but he expects fellow teammates emulate the respect he brings to his competitors.

“Win or lose, you can always expect Cam to rally his team to go shake the other teams’ hands and congratulate them on a great game win or lose and then carry the water back to the bus. He is a true example of a competitor and gentlemen.” Mininsky added.

“Cam is someone his teammates choose to follow not because he is the best player but because he is a natural leader who is often one of the most consistent things in our young men’s lives. Our program will no doubt have a void after he is gone but it is with hope, we will see the fruits of his labor and have a generation of players who carry themselves the way he does.”

Off the field, Hood has maintained Honor Roll status. That includes taking Advanced Placement courses and as a member of the Patapsco AVID program.

According to Mininsky, Hood’s teachers describe the student as a role model who takes genuine interest in the classroom. Although he has to deal with the tough medical condition of being legally blind, Mininsky said that has not slowed Hood down at all.

“He continues to challenge himself and push the boundaries of what many believe is possible,” Mininsky said.

“We find it inspiring to see someone who has found strength in working through his challenges rather than being defined by them.”