12-01-2025 9:05am

Teacher & Student

Ridge Ruxton School teacher Ashley Thorn, Carver Center student Ivy McKnight honored by Baltimore

County Commission on Disabilities

Towson, MD – The Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities has named as its 2025 Teacher of the Year Ashley Thorn, a staff development teacher at Ridge Ruxton School. Ivy McKnight, a Grade 11 student at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, has been named as the

commission’s 2025 Student of the Year. Thorn is in her eighth year of teaching; she began working at Ridge Ruxton in August 2018.

She works with all teachers and paraeducators at the school to adapt instructional strategies and curriculum to meet students’ diverse and complex needs. She leads a transformative daily writing program that supports Ridge Ruxton students in building their comprehension and communication skills and gives them the experience of “publishing” their writing. She also leads the school’s monthly student recognition program to celebrate student growth and accomplishment.

In announcing Thorn as the Teacher of the Year, the commission said, “As the staff development teacher at Ridge Ruxton School, Ms. Thorn serves as an inspiring leader dedicated to recognizing and advancing student growth and achievement. She plays an active role on the school’s leadership team and leads numerous committees that accelerate student success. Ms. Thorn expands opportunities in reading, writing, and math to help students reach their full potential. She is a highly regarded, trusted mentor.”

McKnight is enrolled in the literary arts prime at Carver Center. As a student leader, she is involved with the advocacy organization Disability EmpowHer Network, which is dedicated to advancing causes important to disabled women. Her efforts have taken her to Congress to meet with U.S. Senaator Angela Alsobrooks’ staff.

In announcing McKnight as the Student of the Year, the commission said, “From a young age, Ivy
McKnight has been a passionate advocate for students with disabilities in our community. As a student at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, she co-founded the school’s Neurodiversity and Disability Group, to promote awareness, inclusion, and understanding among her peers.

Ivy recently completed a research project focused on improving emergency evacuation procedures for people with disabilities attending large public events. Ivy’s positive attitude, compassion for others, and commitment to creating meaningful change inspire peers and the broader community.” The award ceremony was held on November 13 at Valley Mansion in Cockeysville.

(Editor’s note: Photos of McKnight and Thorn can be found on Flickr.)