Six Harford County Public Schools students competed in the Exploring Educational Careers Educators Rising Competition and placed in the state’s top 10.

The students include: RayAnn Brezna and Jenna Dawkins from Havre de Grace High School, who both received second place; Savannah Farley and Gianna Crisostomo from Patterson Mill High school, who placed first and second respectively; and Addy Davis and Olivia Davis from Bel Air High School, who both finished fourth.

The students competed against peers from across Maryland and are enrolled in the Teaching Academy programs at their respective schools. Educators Rising is a national program that prepares high school students for careers in education through hands-on learning, leadership development and competitive events.

Bel Air’s Main St. Design Wins National Award for Pediatric Dental Website

Main St. Design, a boutique graphic design and web development firm, was given the 62nd American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for it’s work on the Growing Smiles website.

The project was recognized in the Website + UX/UI Design category, which highlights digital experiences created across the country.

The Growing Smiles website was designed to create a warm, welcoming and intuitive experience for families seeking pediatric dental care. The site has a bright, friendly visual system, clear navigation and thoughtfully organized content that supports both parents and children as they explore services and resources.

“We put a lot of emphasis on understanding the emotional side of a brand before we ever touch design or development,” said Marianne Panos, art director at Main St. Design, in a news release. “For Growing Smiles, it was about creating an experience that feels welcoming, trustworthy, and easy to navigate, especially for busy parents.”

Harford County Public Library February events

Harford County Public Library has an extended list of events occurring throughout February.

On Feb. 21, the Joppa Library will be hosting a “Journaling to Look Back” event where journaling-enthusiast Liz Neal will lead guests through the practice of journaling. The session will explore the past places people have lived and traveled.

Participants should register beforehand at programs.hcplonline.org/event/14672043. The event takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

On Feb. 26, residents will get to meet author Jennifer Vido from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Abingdon Library. At the event, Vido will discuss her new book, “Simplicity by the Sea,” the third and final book in her Gull Island series.

Guests will enjoy an evening of conversation and conclude with a question-and-answer session, followed by a book signing and photo opportunity. Copies of Vido’s book will be available for purchase.

Also on Feb. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Norrisville Library, residents can spend an evening with naturalist Frank Marsden and learn the story behind photos as he shares his experience with wildlife photography.

Residents interested in attending should register at programs.hcplonline.org/event/14713977.

St. John A.M.E Zion Church exhibit

An exhibit highlighting the legacy of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church will take place on March 1 at the Odenton Heritage Society.

The exhibit shares the story of the free Black and Quacker communities that shape the Forks/Wilsontown area and the role of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church as a center of faith, resilience and community life.

Through historical research, documents and community collaboration, the exhibit connected records, families and generations who built and sustained the church.

Guests will learn about the early free Black community in the Forks/Wilsontown area, the founding and growth of the church, the legacy families whose roots trace back to the original Wilson brothers and the church’s continuing role in the community.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfostet@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.