RIDGE, Md. — Miss Maryland 2025 Maria Derisavi visited St. Michael’s School on December 16 to spend time with students and share an inspiring message focused on resilience, perseverance, and the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals.
Derisavi, a St. Mary’s County native and Little Flower School alumna, said the visit was especially meaningful because of her personal connection to the school. As a student, she attended basketball games and school dances at St. Michael’s, making her return a full-circle moment.
“Coming back to St. Michael’s is so fun and meaningful,” Derisavi said. “I used to come here for dances and games, so it means a lot to be back. These are children I really see myself in.”
During her visit, Derisavi read stories to PreK–2nd grade students, encouraging early literacy and engagement. She then met with students in grades 3–8, leading an interactive discussion on SMART goal-setting.
Using personal experiences, Derisavi shared how she struggled early in high school when she repeatedly tried out for sports teams and did not make them. Rather than giving up, she explained how learning to set realistic goals and focus on her strengths ultimately helped her succeed.
“I hope the students realize that trying and failing is a positive thing,” she said. “Failing is just the first step to success. It’s not bad or embarrassing. It’s an important part of the journey.”
The visit was coordinated by John Padukiewicz, St. Michael’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) instructor, who said Derisavi’s message closely aligns with the school’s academic environment and emphasis on perseverance.
“She talked about goal-setting and perseverance, which connects directly to what students experience in the classroom — especially in science,” Padukiewicz said.
He added that in subjects like science, students learn through trial and error, reinforcing the message Derisavi shared.
“If an experiment fails, you don’t give up,” Padukiewicz said. “You keep trying until you get the results you want. That’s exactly what she was encouraging students to do.”
Students were invited to share their own goals related to academics, athletics, and personal development and were encouraged to apply SMART strategies to help achieve them.
Brandon Cambara Gonzales, a seventh-grade student at St. Michael’s, said her presentation made a lasting impression.
“It was really good to hear from Miss Maryland,” Brandon said. “I’m going to use SMART goals to help me in basketball and my education. It made me think more about planning and not giving up. I’m thankful she came to talk to us.”
Derisavi regularly visits schools throughout St. Mary’s County to encourage students to believe in their potential and stay motivated. She is the first Miss Maryland from St. Mary’s County.
In addition to her role as Miss Maryland, Derisavi works full time as a litigation paralegal at a corporate law firm in Washington, D.C., and plans to apply to law school next year. She credits scholarship opportunities through the Miss Maryland program with helping her graduate debt-free from the University of Alabama.
Story and Photos by Marcia Hart