5 Maryland Students Making The Free State Proud

Maryland is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Maryland students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Gracyn Green (Anne Arundel-Annapolis): Few high schoolers are interested in politics, but Gracyn Green, 15, spends her free time pushing eco-friendly legislation in Annapolis. When Green isn't at the state capital advocating for plastic reduction, she's leading field hockey and lacrosse teammates or coordinating beach clean-ups. "I see a lot of plastic bottles and trash just come up on our shoreline, and it's honestly really disgusting," Green told Patch. "Our community deserves a little more than we have right now." Read more here.

Tim Forloine Jr. (Bel Air): When people visit the running trail at Harford Christian School or stay at the nonprofit Christian Camp-Wo-Me-To, they're enjoying the amenities built by local Boy Scouts who place volunteerism and stewardship in the forefront of their lives. Tim Forloine Jr. has been in Boy Scouts for six years and in the Scouting program for nine years. For his Eagle Scout project, he made three different outdoor workout stations for his school’s running trail. Read more here.

Piya Scielzo (Bethesda-Chevy Chase): Piya Scielzo served as Miss Montgomery County's Teen (in the Miss America Organization), through which she advocates to raise awareness and promote education around neurodiversity. She has advocated for training school teachers to create more inclusive classrooms where students can thrive. Through her initiative, local libraries have created book displays to recognize Neurodiversity Celebration Month. She has created her own "Think Differently" stickers to distribute to kids in the community. Read more here.

Lily Saunders (Annapolis): Lily is an aspiring journalist, a member of National Honor Society, and served as editor of the Broadneck High School newspaper. She is actively engaged with volunteer opportunities at her school, the Travis Manion Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Light House Shelter. Read more here.

Ian Wilson (Bel Air): Ian is a selfless servant of his school and community. He volunteers his time at our recreation sports programs and is a fan favorite among our youth. He is also a part of our "Cougar Cares" program at Fallston High School, where he visits local elementary schools weekly to work with young students. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Maryland. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!