***NEWS RELEASE***
Stevensville, MD – Ms. Brandie Martensson, 3rd grade teacher at Bayside Elementary School (BES), and Ella Sroka, 3rd grader at BES, are the recipients of the 2025 National Read 180 award for outstanding achievement in literacy! This award recognizes the progress made by students in the areas of literacy and personal development beyond their academic pursuits. The award also acknowledges educators who are dedicated to guiding their students toward success. The 19th annual 180 Awards program is organized by HMH, a leading learning technology company that honors exceptional students and educators for their remarkable growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Ms. Bridget Passyn, English/Language Arts Supervisor, shares “Ms. Martensson implements the Read 180 program with enthusiasm, expertise, and care. She has demonstrated admirable commitment to the success of her students. Ella has clearly been working hard in Ms. Martensson’s class and I am thrilled her hard work and effort is being recognized. I am so excited for both Ms. Martensson and Ella!” Ms. Catelyn Pervola, District Reading Specialist who supports BES, nominated Ms. Martensson and Ella for the awards. Ms. Pervola says, “Ms. Martensson’s dedication and passion shines as she provides creative, individualized, and small group instruction for her students. Ms. Martensson identifies each students’ unique strengths to help them set and achieve their academic and personal goals. We are also very proud of Ella for her eagerness to learn, resilience, and positive attitude. Ella has approached her learning with determination and has been dedicated to achieving her goals, which has resulted in tremendous growth this year. Congratulations to Ms. Martensson and Ella!
Ms. Louisa Welch, principal at BES, is very proud of Ms. Martensson and Ella. Ms. Welch comments, “I am so pleased that Ms. Martensson and Ella have been recognized with these awards. This is a testament to the effort and dedication Ms. Martensson has put into implementing the Read 180 program this year. We are extremely proud of Ella’s accomplishments as well. She made tremendous growth this year in her literacy achievement. That is thanks to Ms. Martensson’s guidance and Ella’s hard work and perseverance.”
HMH is planning to celebrate Ms. Martensson and Ella at an awards ceremony at BES.
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.