ESSEX, MD—A community school facilitator at Kenwood High School was named the 2025 Ravens/M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers winner on Monday, celebrated for his tireless advocacy for students in a surprise ceremony that drew cheers from 900 students.
Andrew Goldbeck received the award from Baltimore Ravens star defensive lineman Roquan Smith, who presented him with a personalized Ravens jersey. M&T Bank officials also awarded Goldbeck a $5,000 grant during the event, which included Ravens cheerleaders, mascot Poe, and Goldbeck’s family. The ceremony, kept secret for a month by Kenwood Principal Kate Smith, caught Goldbeck off guard.
“I didn’t see this coming,” Goldbeck said. “I really thought I was coming to an assembly, that this was for something else.”
Goldbeck, a 17-year veteran educator with Baltimore County Public Schools, was recognized for his innovative efforts to support Kenwood’s 1,900 students. His initiatives include establishing a thrift shop at the school and rallying community support for homeless students. Earlier that day, he had been delivering professional clothing to a student preparing for a summer internship.
“Andrew is essential to the work we’re doing at Kenwood to improve and grow,” Principal Kate Smith said. “He always dreams bigger, and he helps us to dream bigger.”
The Touchdown for Teachers program, a partnership between the Ravens and M&T Bank for over 12 years, honors central Maryland educators who show exceptional dedication to their students and communities. Goldbeck was nominated by Katherine Nichols, founder of Vanessa’s HEART nonprofit, which partnered with Goldbeck to provide clothing and toiletries for students in need.
“This was our first year working with schools,” Nichols said. “Mr. Goldbeck was the only one who responded and wanted to work together. He’s actually inspired me as much as anything.”
Goldbeck, who rejoined Kenwood last year after an eight-year absence, emphasized the importance of advocating for his students. “We have 1,900 kids here who do the right thing and make good decisions, over and over, every single day,” he said. “We need to be the voice for them and tell their story.”
Looking ahead, Goldbeck plans to expand his outreach next school year by mobilizing new spaces within the school and growing his family needs programs and network of partners. Principal Smith noted his relentless optimism: “No matter the work, he’s always telling us that we can do something, that it’s within our reach.”
Photo via BCPS
