February 25, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Kettering Middle School Celebrates Selection as National Winner of Crayola Creative Freedom Campaign
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Kettering Middle School officially joined an elite group of American educational institutions, celebrating its selection as a national winner of the Creative Freedom Campaign. A partnership between the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) and Crayola Learning, the initiative selected Kettering as one of only three public schools in the nation—and the only middle school in Maryland—to receive this prestigious honor.
“Being selected as a national winner is a testament to the talent and dedication within Prince George’s County Public Schools,” said Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph during a ceremony that was held at the school. “This partnership provides our students with a unique lens through which to view history and identity, ensuring they graduate not just as scholars, but as thoughtful, global citizens.”
As part of the award, Kettering received a museum-quality replica of the Declaration of Independence, along with original artworks on loan from FAPE. The art is meant to bring together students, community members, artists, and government leaders and inspire dialogue around the theme, “What Does It Mean to Be American?”
FAPE is also lending two contemporary works of art—Joel Grey’s The Statue of Liberty and Carrie Mae Weems’ Echoes For Marian. Together, the exhibition invites students and community members to reflect on how freedom of expression has evolved since 1776 and how artists have used that freedom to shape public dialogue and inspire change.
“The Moore-Miller administration is proud that Kettering Middle School is being recognized for its excellence in educating Maryland’s young students,” said Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, who was among the dignitaries who gave remarks during the assembly. “Art is a powerful catalyst for creative expression and self-discovery. By bringing these world-class works into the heart of this school, we are showing our students that their voices matter and the importance of embracing our history and culture.”
In addition, County Executive Aisha Braveboy and Councilmember At-Large Wala Blagey were among the officials who gave remarks. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and FAPE Board member Eugene Robinson delivered the keynote address, and renowned Puerto Rican American artist and activist Roberto Lugo performed spoken word.
Beyond the ceremony, students participated in immersive workshops led by industry leaders including FAPE, Crayola, Crozier Fine Arts, and the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute. These sessions provided a "behind-the-scenes" look at:
Art preservation and the logistics of professional installation.
The role of civic identity in creative works.
Cross-cultural expression within the school’s framework as an International Spanish Academy.
Launched to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and FAPE’s 40th anniversary, the Creative Freedom Campaign brings world-class American art into public spaces to foster civic engagement and inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.
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