Service Learning Stars Honored by Allegany County Public Schools
CUMBERLAND, Md. — August 13, 2026 — Four members of the Allegany County Public Schools’ Class of 2026 were selected as the 2025-2026 Service Learning Stars: Chloe Jayde Hill, Ellie Harbert, Jordyn Sneathen and Makinlie Thomas. These individuals showed exceptional commitment to serving others.
“As we prepare for the new school year, we encourage our students to participate in service learning activities,” said ACPS Service Learning Coordinator Kara Kennel. “Their dedication, compassion, and leadership set an example not only for their students, but for our entire community.”
Each year, ACPS invites its high schools to select a senior who best exemplifies the spirit of service learning. These students give their time, talent and heart to make a lasting difference in their communities.
This year’s honorees represent Allegany High School, the Center for Career and Technical Education, Fort Hill High School and Mountain Ridge High School. Their combined service spans thousands of hours and touches nearly every corner of the community, from local fire departments and nursing homes to youth mentoring programs and houses of worship.
Chloe Jayde Hill — Center for Career and Technical Education
Hill completed 1,437 service-learning hours, including more than 1,000 hours with the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department, where she has helped save lives and supported the department’s ongoing community effort. Hill has also painted rocks to raise awareness for mental health and volunteered at local nursing homes and the hospital. She earned her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant licensure through the National Healthcareer Association. She is employed in the workforce.
Ellie Harbert — Mountain Ridge High School
Harbert has logged 714 total service hours, including 549 hours volunteering as an EMT, where she has helped people during emergencies and made a genuine difference in the lives of others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Harbert made masks to support her community. Harbert graduated from Mountain Ridge’s Biomedical Science Program. She is continuing her education at the University of South Carolina.
Jordyn Sneathen — Allegany High School
Sneathen has contributed 630 service hours to the local community. A standout softball player and member of the National Honor Society, Sneathen has volunteered throughout middle and high school at fundraiser walks and dinners, summer camps, youth summits, Unified Sports events and school activities. She is continuing her education at Saint Francis University.
Makinlie Thomas — Fort Hill High School
Thomas has completed more than 534 service-learning hours with organizations including the Summer Lunchbox Program, Allegany Nursing Home, Evergreen Heritage Center and Emmanuel United Methodist Church. She is continuing her education at Allegany College of Maryland.