Mo Strong: Students Recognized For Positivity

Many sports talk radio fans around Maryland can fondly remember the occasions when Mossila “Mo” Kingsley Gaba would call the programs while his mother was at work. The Baltimore Orioles and Ravens superfan will forever be remembered for his fun-loving spirit and ability to make people smile, instead of the cancer that took his life in July 2020 at the age of 14.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) established the annual Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards in 2021 to honor the former Lindale Middle School student.

This year’s process started with 83 nominees and resulted in five award winners, who were announced in a video on January 26, what would have been Mo’s 20th birthday. A student from Oak Hill Elementary School and one from Magothy River Middle School were among those winners. Each of the five honorees represented a different category – for primary and intermediate grades, middle and high school, and a legacy award winner.

Students usually show up at school wearing purple and orange, but this year’s snowfall prompted kids to show their solidarity online.

“While we didn’t get to high-five in hallways or see our schools glowing in orange and purple in person, our AACPS family still showed up online spreading Mo’s message of joy, courage and kindness through social media posts, videos and plenty of cozy snow-day smiles,” said Maneka Monk, AACPS manager of communications.

The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County recognized the 2026 winners of the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards at its meeting on February 4.

Clyde Hicks

Oak Hill Elementary
Intermediate Grades Winner

Oak Hill Elementary School fourth-grader Clyde Hicks has fought a rare pediatric spinal cancer and brain cancer. As his family told the Severna Park Voice last year, Clyde loves his family – his parents, sister and pets – as well as his friends, art, chess, puzzles, math, “Despicable Me” and “Minions.” He is especially passionate about baseball, and he treasures the memory of his teammates pushing his wheelchair to first base one summer.

Clyde is known for his encouraging expressions including “let’s do this!” as he is assisted in his daily schedule. He understands the seriousness of his disease, but despite this knowledge, and perhaps because of it, Clyde makes the most of every day.

In the AACPS video announcement, Oak Hill Elementary School Principal Deneen Houghton proudly raised a shirt with the words “On Clyde’s Side.”

“He is an inspiration to Oak Hill Elementary School. He radiates optimism with his positive spirit,” Houghton said. “Oak Hill’s motto is ‘Rise Above It,’ and Clyde embodies ‘Rise Above It’ every day.”

Riley Whitney

Magothy River Middle School
Middle School Winner

Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 5, Riley Whitney enjoyed years of remission before the cancer returned in 2024. He is also managing diabetes and Addison’s disease.

“The smile on this boy’s face steals the room; it’s why they call him ‘Smiley Riley,’” said Melissa Walker, organizer of a 2024 Rally for Riley event and friend of the Whitney family.

Even following medical procedures — often while still experiencing pain — Riley chooses to come to school, determined to learn and connect with his friends and classmates. Riley focuses on the positive and approaches each day with gratitude and strength.

Magothy River Middle School Principal Lindsay Abruzzo and school counselor Laurel Hulkenberg filmed the video message to Riley.

“Riley exemplifies extraordinary perseverance and positivity, having bravely overcome childhood cancer twice while managing significant medical challenges,” Hulkenberg said. “Riley inspires his classmates, teachers and entire community by showing up each day with unwavering strength, determination, kindness, positivity and joy.”