Mary Barnett grew up in Baltimore’s Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, went to Seton High School and graduated from Towson State Teachers College in 1971. She taught second grade for two years and then became a full time mother of two boys and a girl. Little by little, she eventually returned to teaching. First, as a volunteer, next as a substitute, and finally, full time. She ended her career as a reading teacher at Pine Grove Middle School in Baltimore County. Mary was a special person. She had a gift for teaching and shared her love for learning with her students and made a lasting impression in their lives. She always had a positive attitude about education, life, and the people around her. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She fought hard, but lost the battle against the disease. Mary died of uterine sarcoma on September 6, 2002 at the age of 55.

Jennifer Searing grew up in Harford County, Maryland. She attended North Harford High School where she was president of her senior class. While in high school, she was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for her work with migrant children and a Senatorial Scholarship for her community service. Before graduating from Towson State University in 1990, Jenny completed a year abroad at Melbourne University in Australia. After graduation, she worked for the City Paper in Baltimore. Jenny was a caring and sincere young woman. Those who knew her, even for a short while, felt blessed by her presence in their lives. Always ready with a smile, a word of encouragement, or her contagious laugh, she made a positive impact on those around her. Jenny died of ovarian sarcoma on July 16, 1995 at the age of 26.