2008 - The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will recognize up to two youth Service Stars from each school system in Maryland and a Service-Learning Principal of the Year at a Service Star Recognition Reception.  The event will be held on May 12, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City Maryland. 

Service Star and Principal of the Year nomination applications are due to MSDE by January 15, 2008.  For more information, contact Michele Milligan at 410-767-0357 or mmilligan@msde.state.md.us.

2005 - The Maryland State Department of Education recognized twenty-one students from around the state of Maryland as this year’s Service Star Award recipients and eight new State Service-Learning Fellows at Maryland’s Service-Learning Leadership Recognition Reception on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at the Maryland State Department of Education - State Board Room.

State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Grasmick, began the ceremony by speaking about the impact quality service-learning has on Maryland’s students. Students and Fellows were invited to share with the board what they have done for service-learning and why they value the program.

MSDE presents the annual Service Star award to at least one high school student from each school district to show appreciation and respect for the contributions students make to their community. These students demonstrate the impact they and other students make on their community. These students are a role model for others, inspiring fellow students and adults to become similarly involved. The 21 high school student Service Stars were recognized for the extraordinary contributions they have given to their communities through service-learning and for their leadership in promoting service among their peers. These students have gone beyond their district’s service-learning plan, giving hundreds, and in some cases, in excess of 1,000 hours of service to their communities.

MSDE selects new Service-Learning Fellows annually. Fellows are educators who facilitate high quality service-learning programs for Maryland K-12 students and who are willing and enthusiastic about sharing their expertise in service-learning by mentoring and training their peers. MSDE offers on-going leadership training for Fellows through a variety of professional development activities.