Padonia Elementary Principal Wins Hero Award At Baltimore's 9/11 Run

HUNT VALLEY-COCKEYSVILLE, MD - From Baltimore County Public Schools: From among five finalists, Padonia International Elementary School Principal Melissa DiDonato has been voted the winner of the Mercy Run to Remember 2017 Hero Campaign.

In her online nomination profile, DiDonato is described as a dedicated elementary school principal. She was a finalist for Baltimore County Public Schools Elementary School Principal of the Year in 2017 and a finalist for BCPS Principal of the Year in 2015. The profile describes her commitment to the academic and personal success of every child in her school. It highlights her successful advocacy for school renovations and expansion; her efforts to ensure that students have food when there is no school; and the many ways she fosters unity, collaboration, and good health habits among staff.

The Hero Campaign is designed to honor “everyday heroes” and is part of the Mercy Run to Remember event sponsored by Mizuno. The Run to Remember honors the victims, survivors, and rescuers involved in 9/11. Funds raised by the race, more than $400,000 since 2002, support the Baltimore City Police Foundation and the Baltimore City Fire Foundation.

In addition to being honored as the event’s hero, DiDonato participated in the 5k and placed 122nd out of 528 runners. The 5k course started at the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland outside the World Trade Center in Baltimore.

Image via Baltimore County Public Schools