SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Southern Maryland is a region rich with stories of resilience, generosity, and connection, and 2024 has been no exception. From inspiring acts of kindness to heartwarming celebrations and impactful initiatives, the communities in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties have shown the true spirit of togetherness.
As the year comes to a close, we’ve rounded up the top ten community stories that captured the hearts and minds of Southern Marylanders. These stories remind us of the power of unity and the importance of celebrating the people and events that make this region special.
#1 Story: GoFundMe Created For Local Family After Tragic Accident
Published on March 18, 2024
Written by BayNet Staff
Summary: On March 16, a motor vehicle crash in Leonardtown, Maryland, involved a 2008 Honda Odyssey that overturned multiple times before striking a tree. Three children in the car had not been properly restrained; two were ejected and suffered life-threatening injuries, while 8-year-old Brysen Carter was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Brysen, a member of the Pax River Raiders football team, had been beloved by the community, and a GoFundMe raised over $19,227 to assist with burial and medical expenses.
#2 Story: Community Outcry After Students With Disabilities Were Denied Service At Waldorf Cracker Barrel
Published on December 4, 2024
Written by Katie Callander
Summary: A group of students with developmental disabilities from Dr. James Craik Elementary School reportedly faced discrimination during a planned outing to Cracker Barrel in Waldorf on December 3, when staff and management allegedly refused to serve them despite prior assurances that no reservation was needed. The incident, described as discriminatory by parents and teachers, sparked outrage on social media and led to calls for accountability. Parents emphasized the importance of community outings for students’ development, while local residents organized a demonstration to raise awareness. Cracker Barrel’s corporate office had not commented on the matter.
#3 Story: Winter Survey Takes Stock Of The Chesapeake Bay’s Blue Crabs
Published on February 27, 2024
Written by Joe Zimmermann, science writer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Summary: Maryland’s annual blue crab winter dredge survey, led by the Department of Natural Resources and local watermen, monitored the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population by sampling 750 sites during the cold months. This critical effort tracked juvenile, female, and male crabs to assess the health and sustainability of the population, which had faced recent declines due to factors like predation and habitat loss. While the 2023 survey showed a slight recovery from a record low in 2022, scientists emphasized the need for ongoing conservation.
#4 Story: What Anglers Can Do After Harvesting Invasive Fish Species Such As Blue Catfish Or Northern Snakehead
Published on April 8, 2024
Written by the Department of Natural Resources
Summary: To combat the ecological threat posed by invasive fish species like blue catfish, northern snakehead, and flathead catfish in Maryland, the Department of Natural Resources urged anglers to kill any invasive fish they caught, as transporting them alive was illegal. Anglers utilized their catches in several ways, such as consuming them as meals, using them as bait, composting for garden fertilizer, donating to wildlife rehabilitation centers, or selling them to commercial processors. Proper disposal methods, like using designated waste areas, helped ensure these invasive species did not reenter the ecosystem.
#5 Story: Local Teacher Demoted After Request For Breastfeeding Breaks
Published on August 19, 2024
Written by BayNet Staff
Summary: Katelyn Hawkins, a teacher at St. Mary’s Bryantown Catholic School, was demoted after requesting breastfeeding breaks upon returning from maternity leave in January 2024. Despite federal law granting nursing employees the right to reasonable break time for pumping, Hawkins’ request was denied by the principal, who deemed it unreasonable. Faced with the choice of accepting a demotion to a lower-paying aide position or leaving, Hawkins chose the demotion, feeling discriminated against. She later joined St. Mary’s Public Schools, where she was supported and accommodated. Hawkins shared her experience in hopes of raising awareness of breastfeeding rights in the workplace.
#6 Story: Woman Rescued After Being Trapped In Overturned Vehicle For Two Days
Published on July 24, 2024
Written by TBN News Coordinator – JB
Summary: A woman was rescued after being trapped in her overturned vehicle for two days in Nanjemoy, Maryland. Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, prompted by a welfare check from the woman’s GPS monitor, discovered the vehicle on Riverside Road on July 23, 2024. The 40-year-old woman, suffering from head injuries, was extricated by firefighters and transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center after weather conditions prevented airlifting her.
#7 Story: Jamari’s Law Has Passed The Senate
Published on February 23, 2024
Written by JJ Atchison
Summary: Senator Jack Bailey announced the unanimous Senate passage of Senate Bill 26, known as Jamari’s Law, which increased maximum penalties for vehicular manslaughter from 10 to 20 years and up to 30 years for subsequent convictions. Named after 18-year-old Jamari Duckett, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2022, the legislation addressed the perceived inadequacy of current penalties for such crimes. St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling emphasized the need for stronger deterrents and justice during a Senate hearing, urging legislators to act to honor victims like Jamari.
#8 Story: Community Rallies Around Chloe Clagg After Vehicle-Pedestrian Collision In Calvert County
Published on September 27, 2024
Written by the Town of Chesapeake Beach, MD
Summary: The Chesapeake Beach community rallied in support of Chloe Clagg, a town resident and seasonal employee, who was injured in a vehicle-pedestrian collision at Bayside Road and Bristol Drive. Chloe’s mother, Heather, shared an emotional plea for prayers on Facebook, emphasizing the critical importance of prayers and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
#9 Story: GoFundMe Created For Charles County Family After House Fire
Published on February 17, 2024
Written by JJ Atchison
Summary: A GoFundMe was launched to support a Charles County family after a devastating house fire destroyed their two-story home and vehicles on February 12. While the family was grateful everyone escaped unharmed, they continued to search for their missing cat, Na’la, and faced the emotional loss of a home filled with decades of cherished memories and traditions. The family was determined to rebuild and was thankful for donations and prayers to help them recover.
#10 Story: Great Mills High School Student Makes New York Fashion Week Debut
Published on February 17, 2024
Written by Sam McGregor
Summary: Logan Berry, a junior at Great Mills High School, made his debut at New York Fashion Week, walking the runway for UNTITLED_Apparel in the category of New Companies. The opportunity arose through his mentor, Derek Sabedra, who connected Berry with the clothing brand’s owner. This was Berry’s first runway experience and first trip to New York City. He hoped for more modeling opportunities in the future, with plans to attend shows in North Carolina and California later that year. Balancing school and modeling remained a top priority for Berry and his mentors.
As we reflect on these incredible moments from 2024, it’s clear that Southern Maryland is more than just a region—it’s a thriving, close-knit community that uplifts one another through challenges and triumphs.
The BayNet is honored to share your stories and highlight the strength, kindness, and creativity that define Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey, and we look forward to uncovering and celebrating even more community stories in the year to come. Here’s to a hopeful and inspiring 2025!
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
