Stacy Pellegrin, Manager of Student Leadership for Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 2017, has been named the 2026 Maryland State Regional Advisor of the Year by the Maryland Association of Student Councils. The award recognizes her extensive work in empowering student voice, developing leadership skills, and fostering civic engagement among secondary students in the county.
Pellegrin, who previously spent 23 years as a math teacher and school-based instructional coach, received the honor during the Maryland Association of Student Councils’ annual convention, where she was surprised with the announcement. “It has been the greatest honor and truly the highlight of my 32-year career in AACPS,” Pellegrin said. “Our student leaders embody everything that is powerful, inspiring, and full of promise for the future.”
In her role, Pellegrin supports the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils (CRASC), the official representative body for all AACPS secondary school students. CRASC focuses on building leadership abilities, encouraging good sportsmanship, and driving student-centered improvements and activities. Maryland law designates CRASC as the entity responsible for selecting the annual Student Member of the Board of Education, and the group provides regular student input through reports at Board of Education meetings and other forums.
Nominators highlighted Pellegrin’s personal dedication and influence. CRASC President Michelle Fadele, a senior at Chesapeake High School, wrote in her nomination letter: “Ms. Pellegrin is truly the reason and my inspiration in still getting involved with student council. There have just been so many different things that have happened, and if she wasn’t there, I do not know where I would be… She has been there through thick and thin, rain or shine, good times and bad. I say it again and again, Ms. Pellegrin is a blessing from above.”
Kieran O’Connor, Student Council Advisor at Wiley H. Bates Middle School, added in a nomination letter: “What truly sets Stacy Pellegrin apart is her core belief that every student deserves the opportunity to lead and be heard. She intentionally creates spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and where students learn that leadership is rooted in service and integrity.”
The award, presented annually since 2018, honors regional student council advisors who deliver leadership training and guide students in tackling local issues. It is named for Karen L. Crawford, a veteran advisor from Montgomery County Public Schools who has contributed extensively at both regional and state levels with the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Monique Jackson, Chief Officer for Student and Systemic Supports who oversees the Office of Student Leadership, praised Pellegrin’s alignment with district priorities. “Ms. Pellegrin’s work reflects an unwavering commitment to empowering students, developing their leadership skills, and providing authentic opportunities for civic engagement,” Jackson said. “She lives the AACPS Strategic Plan – Belong, Grow, Succeed – by creating pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to step into leadership roles with confidence and purpose. Her influence ensures that all students, regardless of identity or school community, feel included and valued in the leadership landscape.”
Beyond CRASC, Pellegrin facilitates the Superintendent’s Teen Advisory, supports school-based student government associations, and contributes to systemwide wellness and student support efforts. Her approach emphasizes inclusive, service-oriented leadership that amplifies student perspectives across Anne Arundel County’s diverse schools.
The recognition underscores the value placed on student involvement in Maryland public education, particularly in regions like Anne Arundel County, where structured programs help young people develop skills for future civic participation.