Arno Carrera — Friends Meeting School
Friends Meeting School has selected Arno Carrera as a recipient of the Student Peace Awards of Frederick County in recognition of his leadership and commitment to helping the school achieve Green School status. Through this work, Arno demonstrates that peace is built not only through dialogue, but also through responsible action, community engagement, and care for our shared environment.
By leading efforts to earn Green School status, Arno has addressed one of the most important foundations of peace: sustainability. Environmental degradation and resource scarcity are well-documented contributors to conflict, both locally and globally. Arno’s initiatives—including promoting energy conservation, reducing waste, and encouraging environmentally responsible habits—help create a healthier and more resilient community while modeling solutions that reduce competition over limited resources.
Equally important is the way Arno brings people together. His work requires collaboration among students, teachers, administrators, families, and community partners. Through patience, communication, and respect, Arno fosters cooperation across differences and demonstrates that peaceful change is achieved through inclusion and shared purpose.
Arno’s commitment also reflects a deep concern for equity and justice. Environmental issues disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, and by helping peers understand these connections, Arno builds awareness that sustainability and fairness are inseparable. His work encourages empathy and a shared sense of responsibility—cornerstones of lasting peace.
Through his leadership, vision, and dedication, Arno exemplifies the values honored by the Student Peace Awards of Frederick County. His efforts strengthen the Friends Meeting School community while contributing to the broader goal of a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Jeremiah Nixon — Linganore High School
Jeremiah Nixon, a member of the Linganore High School Class of 2026, is recognized for his leadership, humility, and commitment to supporting others in his school community.
During his time at Linganore, Jeremiah has been active in several school activities, including the football team, the track program, and the school’s chapter of No Place for Hate. In each of these roles, he consistently works to bring a positive spirit, encourage respect, and advocate for those who may otherwise go unnoticed.
Peers and teachers alike describe Jeremiah as a thoughtful and compassionate leader who seeks opportunities to promote tolerance, kindness, and understanding. Though soft-spoken, he reflects carefully before acting and demonstrates maturity in the way he approaches challenges and decisions.
Jeremiah’s quiet leadership and genuine care for others help foster a more respectful and inclusive environment within the Linganore community. His example reminds others that meaningful leadership often begins with empathy, humility, and a willingness to support those around us.
Madeline Johnson — Oakdale High School
Madeline Johnson is recognized for her kindness, leadership, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all students feel respected and supported.
Through her involvement in the Leadership Academy, the Interact Club, and her work as a PACEE student, Madeline demonstrates a strong dedication to service and to building understanding among her peers. In the Leadership Academy, she encourages open and respectful dialogue and helps create a classroom environment where students feel safe sharing their perspectives. Her thoughtful tone and respectful approach allow others to feel heard, even when opinions differ.
Madeline’s Leadership Academy service project focused on supporting Frederick County pre-kindergarten students learning English during the summer. She coordinated high school volunteers with Spanish language backgrounds to help young students learn basic classroom vocabulary. Her efforts reflected her belief that all students deserve equal opportunities for success regardless of language barriers.
As a leader in the Interact Club, Madeline also organized a collection drive for essential items for a local shelter, contributing to a student-led service organization connected with Rotary clubs around the world.
In addition, Madeline serves as a PACEE student in an Algebra Readiness class that includes students with diverse academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. She patiently supports classmates both academically and emotionally, building relationships that help students feel confident and supported as they learn.
Through her empathy, service, and inclusive leadership, Madeline helps create a more caring and supportive school community.
Cameron Johnston — Governor Thomas Johnson High School
Cameron Johnston is recognized for his dedication to supporting students with special needs and for promoting a culture of inclusion, respect, and compassion at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
Cameron is a multi-year participant in Unified Sports, where students with special needs compete alongside general education students. He also serves as Vice President and Fundraising Chair of the school’s Neck-Tie Club, a community service organization focused on mentorship and leadership. In that role, he independently organized fundraising efforts that raised more than $2,000.
During his senior year, Cameron has also served as an intern in the PATS department, assisting and mentoring special needs students for three class periods each day while also supporting the school’s Unified Physical Activity class.
Through these roles, Cameron works closely with students who require additional academic, social, and emotional support. He approaches this responsibility with patience, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and included. Whether providing academic help, behavioral support, or encouragement, Cameron adapts his approach to meet the needs of each individual student.
His maturity, compassion, and consistent respect for others have made him a trusted role model within these programs. Cameron’s dedication to inclusion and dignity for all students exemplifies the spirit of the Student Peace Awards.
Alejandra Sierra Manrique — Urbana High School
Alejandra Sierra Manrique is recognized for her extraordinary leadership, resilience, and dedication to advancing dignity, equity, and cross-cultural understanding.
After immigrating to the United States from Venezuela, Alejandra transformed personal experiences with prejudice into a commitment to advocacy and bridge-building. She has dedicated herself to challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding across cultures, and encouraging systems that recognize the inherent worth of every individual.
Alejandra’s work spans both community service and civic engagement. Through advocacy with members of Congress in support of the Venezuelan Adjustment Laws, she has sought fair legal pathways for immigrants through constructive democratic participation. Her invitation to the Governor’s House during Hispanic Heritage Month and her keynote addresses for civic and corporate audiences reflect her ability to bring diverse communities together and elevate a wide range of perspectives.
For seven years, Alejandra has served the Centro Hispano de Frederick as a mentor and teacher for K–12 students. She helps create welcoming spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds feel supported academically and personally while also helping ensure that community programs and meals are provided to families in need.
At Urbana High School, Alejandra serves as President of the Key Club, leading service initiatives that emphasize compassion, inclusion, and collaborative problem-solving. As a member of the Mock Trial team, she demonstrates an exceptional ability to engage opposing viewpoints respectfully while advocating with integrity and professionalism.
Alejandra also excels academically, maintaining a 4.87 weighted GPA while completing the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In the classroom, she models constructive dialogue and encourages diverse perspectives, strengthening the learning environment for her peers.
Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to respectful dialogue, Alejandra embodies the ideals of peacemaking and civic responsibility honored by the Student Peace Awards of Frederick County.