Baltimore Design School’s Community School Site Specialist Selected as a Winner of the 2026 Community School Champion Award for Central Maryland
Baltimore Design School’s Community School Site Specialist, Christine Frederick, was selected as 1 of 2 winners of the Community School Champion Award for Central Maryland. Last year, Frederick was a nominee during the inaugural award competition, rising to the top position this year, due to the nominations from school staff, partners, a Board member, and […]
Baltimore Design School’s Community School Site Specialist, Christine Frederick, was selected as 1 of 2 winners of the Community School Champion Award for Central Maryland. Last year, Frederick was a nominee during the inaugural award competition, rising to the top position this year, due to the nominations from school staff, partners, a Board member, and students. “It was a truly humbling experience,” said Mrs. Frederick. “I love my school community, so I’m driven to serve them. I am grateful for the guidance, training, and professional development that City Schools has provided to help guide my purpose and ensure I’m focused and aligned with Principal Brozene’s School Performance Plan. After 7 years, I guess I did something right,” laughed Frederick.
One nominee commented about Mrs. Frederick:
“I have known Mrs. Frederick for 10 years and have personally experienced the reason she has influenced the BDS school culture in such a meaningful way. It is rare to encounter a leader who generously shares her brilliance while remaining deeply committed to supporting growing scholars within a vulnerable community. Christine’s impact at Baltimore Design School is both measurable and transformative. Her influence extends beyond her own school. She is a true multiplier—training and mentoring other coordinators across the district and opening her practice to those interested in the role by offering opportunities to shadow her and gain one-on-one insights. She models excellence, builds capacity in others, and intentionally works to replicate success. Christine Frederick is the embodiment of what this award represents. She is a leader you can proudly honor—one whose work is worthy of being honored. Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate her extraordinary contributions.” – Z. Valentine
The Maryland Center for Community Schools (MCCS) held its Inaugural Convening at Towson University on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. The celebration acknowledges the work of community coordinators across Maryland, including an awards ceremony to recognize Community School Champions from across the state. Awards were presented across 4 regions of the state (Western Maryland, Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and Central Maryland) for Community School Coordinators who have prestigiously incorporated key practices for community schools into their day-to-day work, resulting in positive changes within the school community.
Stakeholders submitted detailed ballots to nominate candidates, and among 125 submissions, the following were announced as winners for their region. There were 2 winners selected for Central Maryland:
Christine Frederick, Central Maryland | Community School Site Specialist, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Design School
Phi Thach-Seals, Central Maryland | Community School Program Manager, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
