This year at the Tall Ships America Annual Conference, Living Classrooms received two national awards. Lady Maryland’s Captain Laura "LP" Page was awarded Sail Trainer of the Year and Living Classrooms Foundation was awarded the National Maritime Excellence Sail Training Program of the Year award! The Sail Trainer of the Year is awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to sail training through the demonstration of leadership by means of empowerment and inspiration. The Captain Frank Bailey National Maritime Excellence Fund Sail Training Program of the Year award recognizes an organization's program that significantly contributes to the development of seamanship, navigation skills, teamwork, and leadership skills. Living Classrooms Foundation’s Maritime Education Programs, aboard the world‘s only pungy schooner Lady Maryland, skipjack Sigsbee, and Chesapeake Bay buyboat Mildred Belle, provide thousands of students annually with “learning by doing” programs that emphasize applied learning of math, science/STEM, history, language arts, and leadership skills. Our Maritime Education team works tirelessly to introduce students to hands-on STEM learning through environmental science and real-world exploration of our waterways. Captain LP and Living Classrooms Foundation both received multiple letters in support of nominations, which is a testament to this life-changing work and impact in our communities.

Joseph Gover, from Baltimore City College High School raved about his students experience with our maritime education program in his letter of support:

In October 2025, we were honored to take a group of students aboard the Lady Maryland to participate in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. It was incredible to see them quickly form into watch teams- working together to learn about and complete shipboard tasks. It was a joy for everyone involved to witness their engagement in such real-world tasks that clearly had great importance and immediate impact on all the participants' well-being. I can definitely say the experience offered by the Lady Maryland is life-changing for these students who may otherwise never have such an opportunity.

The Foundation's award came with a financial prize of $31,000, which will go back to supporting the program and creating lasting impact in our communities during our upcoming 41st sailing season. Congratulations Captain LP and the whole Maritime STEM Education team on this wonderful and well-deserved recognition!