The Arc Baltimore Presents School Inclusion Award to Dr. Bennie Berry

Baltimore City Public Schools educator Dr. Bennie Berry, the instructor for The Arc Baltimore’s Project SEARCH program at the University of Maryland, is the recipient of The Arc’s School Inclusion Award.

Presented to Dr. Berry at The Arc Baltimore’s recent Catalyst for Change Awards Ceremony, the School Inclusion Award is presented to an education professional who has exhibited exceptional dedication to inclusive education that integrates students with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the larger school environment and among all students.

“Dr. Berry's passion for Project SEARCH and Baltimore City youth is unmatched,” says Kathleen McNally Durkin, The Arc Baltimore’s Chief Executive Officer. “She displays unparalleled commitment to helping the high school seniors graduate and live meaningful lives through individualized instruction, job experience, and life skills development.”

Durkin continues, “Dr. Berry consistently goes beyond the classroom, ensuring valuable work placements and real-world experiences. She empowers students and helps them bridge connections to the hospital and university. Her patient approach caters to each student's unique needs, promoting independence and self-advocacy.”

Project SEARCH is an innovative one-year internship program for motivated Baltimore City and Baltimore County high school students and adults with disabilities. The program provides guidance and experience to those individuals who want to explore career options, develop real job skills, and learn to live more independently.

Kicking off The Arc Baltimore’s yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, The Catalyst for Change Awards allow The Arc Baltimore to recognize those individuals who have gone that extra mile in their commitment and service to the organization and those people with developmental disabilities who are recipients of The Arc’s programs and services.

The awards ceremony was preceded by The Arc Baltimore’s Annual Meeting, which included election of the 2025-26 Board officers and directors. Emceeing the evening’s festivities was former WMAR-TV 2 news anchor Jamie Costello, who with his wife Cheryl produce, shoot, write, and edit compelling video narratives through their company, CosTELLo YOUR STORY.

Since 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been supporting people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. With more than 800 full- and part-time employees, The Arc Baltimore provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care, and public policy advocacy.

For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org, email contactus@thearcbaltimore.org, or call 410-296-2272.