BALTIMORE, Md. – St. Mary’s County was proudly represented on the national stage as two local leaders were honored during the 2026 Becoming Everything You Are STEM Conference Awards Ceremony held Saturday, February 14, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Adrienne M. Somerville received the 2026 BEYA Visionary Award, recognizing sustained impact, innovation, and a longstanding commitment to developing talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across public, private, and community sectors, including through the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation. The honor is presented to leaders whose work strengthens organizations while intentionally investing in people and future generations.
Sharing the national spotlight, Mr. William (BJ) Hall was presented with the CAPT. Donnie Cochran Award at the BEYA Conference. Hall’s career in STEM, combined with his service to young people through his Reach Back and Lift 1 Youth in Aviation Program, distinguished him among a competitive field of nominees and reflects years of technical excellence, leadership, and measurable impact.
The CAPT. Donnie Cochran Award, named for the first African American commanding officer of the Blue Angels, represents courage, barrier breaking leadership, and national influence.
The BEYA STEM Conference remains one of the country’s premier gatherings celebrating diversity and excellence in STEM fields. For St. Mary’s County to see two of its own recognized during the same national ceremony underscores the depth of leadership emerging from Southern Maryland.
Both awardees maintain strong ties to the local community and have dedicated their careers to advancing mission readiness, strengthening teams, driving workforce development, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Their recognition reflects not only personal achievement, but the expanding national footprint of Southern Maryland professionals who are shaping industries, opening doors, and setting a standard of excellence that reaches far beyond county lines.
In a moment that placed St. Mary’s County on a national stage, their collective recognition serves as a reminder that world class leadership can rise from our local community.