For the past 31 years, FCPS has been holding the “Annual MLK Celebration.” The celebration was put in place to recognize kind, courageous and caring students. One student from each school in the county is chosen to receive the award. Senior Maya Apau was selected for Linganore High School. 

The award is given to “Students who lead with their hearts and make a difference each day through their positive actions.” said superintendent of FCPS schools Theresa Alban in the virtual ceremony.

Apau is a club leader for the African American Culture Club. This club is a place where students can share their feelings and thoughts on current events and work toward systematic change. The leaders of this club Apau, Sammy Thomas and Kaya Cooper create and have presented lessons on colorism, systematic racism and microaggressions. 

“She is respectful to everyone and is a model for how a leader speaks and acts. She works hard to get everyone to participate,” said Elizabeth Ericsson, AACC faculty leader. 

Just in the past year across the country there were thousands of people standing up for racial equality through Black Lives Matter. It is very important to stand up for positive change every day. Apau often uses her voice to speak up about these important topics.

As co-editor-in-chief, Apau, with Sierra Rossman, uses The Lance to contribute stories about topics like diversity. 

“Maya impresses me each week with her dedication to teaching others about the racial inequity and injustice that exist in our society,” said Ericsson. 

In order to receive the award, students must be nominated by the principal of their school. 

“Maya is an outgoing, people person. She views herself as an impartial individual who is passionate about what she believes in and is not afraid to stand up for it.” said principal Cynthia Hanlon.

People nominated for this award must be courageous, hardworking and kind to everyone around them. Maya is involved in many clubs such as NHS, Mock Trial, and NEHS. She has also taken many AP, honor level and Dual Enrollment classes. 

“As NEHS president, Maya has initiated book studies with the AACC.  We have talked about Colson Whitehead’s novel The Nickle Boys.  These are opportunities for Maya to share her knowledge with others and help us all to see from many perspectives,” said NEHS advisor Natalie Rebetsky.

“Overall, she displays character qualities such as respectfulness and responsibility. She exhibits a strong moral compass and demonstrates positive behavior in and out of the classroom,” said Hanlon. 

“I remember in middle school seeing peers and other students win, and I would always wonder, hmmm what is that and is it possible that I could win? So I was ecstatic when I got the letter in the mail,” said Maya.