5 Baltimore principals honored with Heart of the Schools Awards

The Fund for Educational Excellence recognizes exceptional school leaders annually

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:12am

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The Fund for Educational Excellence surprised five Baltimore principals with Heart of the Schools Awards on Friday, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting students. The honorees include Denita Plain of James McHenry Elementary, Cheyanne Zahrt of City Neighbor High School, Bettye Adams of Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary, Craig Rivers of Carver Vo-Tech High, and Darrin Brozene of Baltimore Design School.

Why it matters

Principals play a crucial role in setting the tone and culture of their schools, and these five leaders have gone above and beyond to create environments where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. Their recognition highlights the importance of strong school leadership and the impact it can have on student outcomes.

The details

The Heart of the Schools Awards are given annually by the Fund for Educational Excellence to honor exceptional Baltimore principals. This year's recipients were surprised with the news during special school events - Denita Plain at James McHenry Elementary's 'Sweetheart Breakfast' and Cheyanne Zahrt at City Neighbor High's senior lunch. The other honorees were Bettye Adams of Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary, Craig Rivers of Carver Vo-Tech High, and Darrin Brozene of Baltimore Design School.

  • The awards were announced on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Denita Plain

Principal of James McHenry Elementary School, a three-time winner of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott's Attendance Challenge.

Cheyanne Zahrt

Principal of City Neighbor High School, where the mission is for 'every kid to be loved and inspired academically.'

Bettye Adams

Principal of Historic Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Elementary School.

Craig Rivers

Principal of Carver Vo-Tech High School.

Darrin Brozene

Principal of Baltimore Design School.

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What they’re saying

“We create an environment of family first. Our children know that someone is in the building to make sure that they are seen, supported and loved. So, we just wanted to do that and give that energy back to me. I asked them to match my energy, and so you can see authenticity and the excitement. I love my children.”

— Denita Plain, Principal, James McHenry Elementary School (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Our mission at our school is that every kid is loved and inspired academically, and I think that's just key. Kids are really important. It's important to know and love children, and so every day, I greet them with hugs and welcome them at the door in the morning. I think putting that in gives you energy back.”

— Cheyanne Zahrt, Principal, City Neighbor High School (WBAL-TV 11 News)

The takeaway

These five principals demonstrate the profound impact that dedicated school leaders can have on their students and communities. By fostering cultures of care, support, and academic inspiration, they are helping to transform the educational experience for Baltimore's youth.