Eighteen dancers from Anne Arundel County Public Schools earned All-State honors in January 2026, placing them among the top 26 dancers statewide in Maryland following a rigorous audition process. One additional student received honorable mention, and a senior from Meade High School secured the Excellence in Student Choreography Award at the Maryland Public High School Showcase.
The All-State selections were determined by a panel of arts administrators and college or university dance faculty. Criteria included demonstrated technique, musicality, professionalism, performance quality, attitude, and potential for future success in dance. Candidates also required a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, evidence of leadership within their schools, and a record of service to their local dance programs.
AACPS Academic Specialist for Dance Education Nicole Deming praised the recipients. “We couldn’t be prouder of our dance program and our incredible students for achieving the honor of All-State Dance and honorable mention,” Deming said. “Their hard work, passion, and dedication have truly paid off, and this recognition is a testament to their talent and commitment to excellence.”
The 18 All-State dancers are Mariah Barbee from Severn Run High School, Vittoria Beatty from Severna Park High School, Ellis Byrd from Annapolis High School Apex Arts, Ashlyn Carruthers from Broadneck High School, Cynnia Carter-Henry from Arundel High School, Sophia Crivella from Severna Park High School, Haylen Fitzmaurice from Severna Park High School, Jaden Ford from North County High School, Abigail Greer from Northeast High School, Janae Johnson from North County High School, Leola Keys from Severn Run High School, Ava Lazzor from Severna Park High School, Cecilia Peixoto from Annapolis High School Apex Arts, Madelyn Purdum from Crofton High School, Marlowe Richardson from Severna Park High School, Camila Sandi from Crofton High School, Callie Schlude from Broadneck High School, and Mallory Willis from Broadneck High School.
Gabrielle Guy of Meade High School received All-State Honorable Mention.
In choreography, Daphne Dobill-Dalle, a senior at Meade High School, earned the Excellence in Student Choreography Award at the Maryland Public High School Showcase. The award recognizes exceptional talent and innovation in student-created work, highlighting Dobill-Dalle’s visionary approach to movement and performance. This marks the second consecutive year an AACPS dancer has received the honor since its inception, reflecting the district’s emphasis on student-led creativity in the arts.
These achievements continue an annual tradition for AACPS dance programs, which consistently place students on the state stage. The district’s dancers will next perform during the 45th annual Anne Arundel County Public Schools Dance Festivals, beginning Feb. 17, 2026. Schedule details and performance times are available on the AACPS dance page.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools serves more than 84,000 students across 126 schools, with arts education integrated across grade levels to support student development in creative disciplines. The dance program’s success builds on prior years’ recognitions, including multiple All-State placements and choreography awards.
