One afternoon, Jethro Sparks, CEO of Global Recognition Awards, watched a startup founder celebrate landing their first major client after winning a blockchain-verified business award. The celebration was about economics inasmuch as it was about recognition.

That single award had generated more qualified leads than six months of traditional advertising, at a fraction of the cost. This scene, playing out in different offices, is a growing trend in how businesses acquire customers.

The global awards industry, valued at $13.3 billion and growing, has become an unexpected battlefield for marketing efficiency. Companies worldwide are discovering that recognition programs can slash customer acquisition costs by 35% to 50% compared to conventional advertising methods. Though the primary benefit on the surface level is that awards programs help save costs, the more interesting gain is how efficiently they build credibility.

Why smart companies pay less for better leads

Traditional marketing often commands high expenditure in the hopes of hitting the right targets. Awards recognition works differently. When Global Recognition Awards processes thousands of evaluations annually, maintaining a high rejection rate, the selectivity creates inherent value. Winners report a 72% increase in client inquiries, a metric that implies reduced acquisition costs.

A typical B2B company might spend $50,000 on digital advertising to generate 100 qualified leads. The same company, aiming for awards and recognition, could achieve similar results for more than half the cost. The difference comes from third-party validation.

This approach to lead generation has economic advantages as it creates persistent credibility assets. While advertising spend disappears once campaigns end, recognition certificates continue generating value. Blockchain-verified awards, processed in 14 days rather than the traditional three to six months, accelerate this value creation. Companies can leverage recognition for sales presentations, investor pitches and partnership negotiations, multiplying the initial investment’s impact.

Building credibility across borders without breaking budgets

The rise of remote business relationships has amplified the importance of verifiable credibility. Companies entering new markets face the challenge of establishing trust without face-to-face interactions. Awards recognition provides instant validation that would typically require years of market presence to develop organically.

Consider the challenge facing a German software company expanding into Southeast Asia. Traditional market entry strategies might involve expensive local partnerships, extensive advertising campaigns and gradual relationship building. Strategic awards recognition can compress this timeline dramatically. Blockchain-verified credentials provide immediate credibility across cultural and linguistic barriers.

The technology behind this change matters. Blockchain verification eliminates the fraud that has plagued traditional awards programs. When recognition can be instantly verified and cannot be tampered with, it becomes a reliable signal in crowded markets. This technological foundation supports the economic benefits; buyers trust verified achievements more than self-reported capabilities.

Small businesses particularly benefit from this democratization of credibility. Previously, recognition often correlated with marketing budgets rather than actual achievement. Merit-based evaluation levels the playing field. A startup with superior products or services can compete with established corporations based on performance. CEO awards can provide executive leadership validation that resonates strongly with corporate buyers seeking trusted partners.

Merit beats marketing spend every time

The effectiveness of awards-based customer acquisition depends entirely on authenticity. Pay-to-win programs, which dominated the industry for decades, have created skepticism among buyers. This skepticism actually benefits legitimate recognition programs. When buyers encounter verifiable, merit-based awards, the contrast with questionable credentials becomes stark.

High rejection rates become quality signals. Programs that accept most applicants generate little market value. Selective recognition, where the majority of applicants are rejected, creates scarcity and perceived value. This selectivity directly impacts customer acquisition effectiveness, as buyers respond more positively to rare achievements than common ones.

The speed of modern business cycles demands immediate credibility establishment. Traditional reputation building occurs over the years through consistent performance and gradual market recognition. Contemporary markets often do not allow such leisurely development. Companies need credibility immediately to compete for contracts, attract investors and secure partnerships.

Geographic expansion further complicates credibility building. A company might have strong recognition in domestic markets but remain unknown internationally. Awards recognition transcends geographic boundaries, providing instant credibility across multiple markets simultaneously. This global recognition supports international customer acquisition strategies at scale.

Award-winning companies report improved employee morale and retention rates of 64%. Better talent attracts better clients, creating a virtuous cycle. Recognition also facilitates media coverage, partnership opportunities and investor interest, all contributing to reduced acquisition costs across multiple channels. Female entrepreneur awards have proven particularly effective at attracting diverse client bases and opening doors to previously inaccessible markets.

Yet, awards as a marketing strategy require careful execution. Companies must align recognition pursuits with genuine achievements. Pursuing awards for marketing purposes alone often fails. Evaluators can distinguish between authentic accomplishments and manufactured achievements. Companies that succeed treat awards as validation of existing excellence rather than marketing fabrication.

The future of customer acquisition increasingly favors trust-based strategies over interruption-based advertising. Consumers and business buyers alike have developed sophisticated filters for promotional messages. Third-party validation cuts through this noise more effectively than self-promotional content. This trend suggests that award-based customer acquisition will become more prevalent.

The awards industry’s transition from ceremonial recognition to a strategic business tool reflects broader changes in how trust operates in digital markets. Verification technology, global connectivity, and accelerated business cycles have created conditions where recognition can substitute for traditional credibility-building activities. Companies that understand this change gain significant advantages in customer acquisition efficiency.

In a bombshell revelation that’s sending shockwaves through the public relations industry, Baden Bower’s CEO, AJ Ignacio, has broken his silence on the debate surrounding paid versus earned media placements. The PR industry disruptor has prepared a transparency initiative that aims to turn skeptics into believers. What he’s revealed opens new opportunities in the market for entrepreneurs seeking a top PR agency catering to small businesses.

The guaranteed placement pioneer, which has achieved a staggering 685% year-on-year growth while serving over 3,600 clients globally, is preparing to unleash an unprecedented transparency offensive that could revolutionize the PR world.

The truth about paid media

Paid media, often dismissed by industry traditionalists, can actually provide brands with crucial advantages that earned media simply cannot deliver. Unlike the uncertainty of traditional PR pitching, paid placements offer complete control over messaging, guaranteed timing and predictable outcomes; exactly what cash-strapped startups and growing businesses desperately need.

Paid media allows brands to leverage the credibility of trusted publications while maintaining complete narrative control. When Baden Bower secures guaranteed placements on tier-one outlets within 72 hours, clients receive immediate third-party credibility without the months of speculative pitching that traditional agencies demand. In some cases, the media secured is sponsored, in other cases it is organic. The result depends on the particular commercial relationship the PR agency has with its publishers.

Why earned media alone is failing modern businesses

Earned media was once the so-called “holy grail” of PR, but it can come with limitations that industry veterans refuse to acknowledge. While earned coverage provides unparalleled credibility through genuine editorial endorsement, it’s notoriously difficult to secure and impossible to guarantee and offers zero control over timing or messaging.

Building genuine relationships with journalists fosters trust and opens the door to organic coverage, but earned media requires considerable investment in relationship-building and is not guaranteed to produce results. Ignacio believes that this uncertainty can be financially catastrophic for startups and emerging brands.

Companies relying solely on earned media often face months of waiting with nothing to show for their investment, a luxury most growing businesses simply cannot afford.

Baden Bower’s hybrid solution

Baden Bower is pioneering hybrid packages that combine guaranteed paid placements with traditional earned media through its relationships with journalists, which guarantees its clients exposure in tier-1 publications and podcasts.

This strategy aims to deliver the best of both worlds. Hybrid models blend the advantages of all media types, allowing businesses to secure immediate credibility through guaranteed placements while simultaneously building long-term journalist relationships for organic coverage.

What makes the current media landscape particularly compelling is the emergence of a new category that blends the advantages of all three media types. This hybrid approach allows some credibility mojo to rub off on business, while also granting a measure of control over the message.

The credibility crisis that’s rocking the PR world

The industry’s credibility concerns stem from growing advertiser demands for transparency and accountability. Eighty-one percent of marketers say corporate responsibility and brand values now play a more prominent role in marketing decisions, and 60% of advertisers are willing to downgrade partners based on trust factors alone.

Editorial content maintains authenticity through unbiased information delivery, while sponsored content navigates different priorities, focusing on product visibility. The key difference lies in transparency and proper disclosure practices.

Baden Bower’s transparency gambit

Baden Bower is preparing to launch  a comprehensive transparency initiative in the PR industry. The radical approach will include a four-pronged approach to transparency. It now publishes a regularly updated list of all media outlets, clearly distinguishing between paid, sponsored and earned placements. It has developed educational content that explains its methodology and quality-control processes. Furthermore, Baden Bower allows prospects to examine sample articles and publication domains before purchase,.

Why brands are abandoning traditional PR

The statistics don’t lie: Hybrid approaches create feedback loops between paid and earned media, driving continuous improvement in both areas. Smart brands are discovering that paid campaigns can amplify earned media content, extending reach and highlighting positive reviews to broader audiences.

By combining the strengths of both methods, businesses can achieve results that neither strategy could accomplish alone. This approach preserves the authenticity of earned media while leveraging the scalability of paid media.

For startups and emerging brands, the choice is becoming crystal clear: embrace hybrid models that can deliver immediate results while building long-term credibility, or continue gambling with traditional approaches that offer no guarantees.

The industry change that’s coming

Baden Bower’s transparency initiative represents more than damage control. It’s positioning the company to capture massive market share from agencies struggling with credibility challenges. In an industry where trust factors now weigh more than ever on media-buying decisions, radical transparency could establish entirely new standards.

Companies that master the hybrid approach while maintaining transparent practices may emerge as the next generation of industry leaders. Those relying on outdated models risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive landscape where results matter more than reputation.

Picture this scene from Madison Avenue’s most exclusive PR boardroom. A startup founder walks into a gleaming office clutching a $50,000 retainer check, desperate to get featured in a major magazine, which might never happen. Three months later, he’s still waiting while his competitor, who spent half that amount with a scrappy outfit called Spynn, already flashes an “As Featured In Forbes” badge on his website. The traditional PR titans are discovering that guaranteed delivery beats beautiful promises every single time.

Matteo Ferretti’s Spynn has turned the genteel world of public relations into something resembling a paid subscription service for media coverage, complete with guaranteed delivery dates and contractual promises. While legacy agencies might still operate like Victorian-era matchmakers, arranging introductions between clients and journalists with no promises of matrimony, Spynn functions more like a Las Vegas wedding chapel — quick, certain and surprisingly effective.

The death of “pitch and pray”

Spynn delivered over 10,000 guaranteed media placements across premium publications in 2024 alone, serving more than 3,000 clients with the efficiency of a well-oiled luxury car assembly line. Their 4.9 out of 5 rating on Proven Expert suggests clients are getting something traditional agencies have struggled to provide: actual results instead of artfully crafted excuses.

Traditional PR operates on Ferretti’s description of the “pitch and pray” model. Agencies collect monthly retainers while crossing their fingers that editors will bite on their story angles. It is like paying for a dating service that introduces you to people but makes no promises about whether they will return your calls. Spynn’s approach resembles more of an arranged marriage: awkward, perhaps, but with a much higher success rate.

The company’s $12.5 million in annual revenue, growing at 83% year over year, suggests the market is hungry for certainty in an industry built on uncertainty. When businesses can choose between paying $10,000 monthly for three months of hopeful pitching or getting guaranteed media placement for a fraction of that cost, the math becomes as simple as choosing between a lottery ticket and a savings bond.

David meets Goliath on digital steroids

Spynn’s competition reads like a who’s who of PR aristocracy, with their century-old pedigree and admiration from Fortune 500 companies. Yet Ferretti’s outfit is growing fast, expanding from 1,500 to 3,000 active clients while maintaining a 95% retention rate.

The secret sauce is not mystical; it is methodical. Spynn has developed proprietary technology and editorial partnerships that contractually ensure media coverage in major publications. While traditional agencies spend decades cultivating relationships with journalists who might say yes, Spynn has built systems that guarantee yes from the start.

Their expansion plans read more like a tech startup’s roadmap than a traditional PR firm’s growth strategy. Six key time zones, specialized remote teams with native market expertise and a goal of capturing 60% market dominance in guaranteed placement services within five years. They are treating PR like a software problem that can be solved with better algorithms and stronger partnerships.

The credibility arms race

Traditional PR has typically been the exclusive domain of companies with deep pockets and patient timelines. Spynn’s model focuses on creating a PR strategy for startups and entrepreneurs that makes major publication coverage accessible.

This democratization challenges the traditional PR industry’s business model. When credibility becomes a commodity that can be purchased with certainty rather than rented with hope, the entire ecosystem changes. Legacy agencies built their moats around relationships and expertise, but Spynn has built bridges that aim to bypass those moats entirely.

The company is focused on startups expanding to the U.S. and cryptocurrency projects, sectors where traditional PR agencies often struggle. These fast-moving industries want credibility quickly, meaning results that can be measured in weeks, not quarters.

The traditional PR industry is changing, not disappearing. The agencies that adapt to client demands for measurable results and guaranteed outcomes will survive. Ferretti’s Spynn aims to provide  clients with what they actually want versus what the industry has traditionally provided.

The Walters Art Museum, in collaboration with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, hosts the 2025 Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize Finalists Exhibition. The exhibition showcases the work of five finalists — Aliana Grace Bailey, Amanda Leigh Burnham, Lillian Jacobson, Jacob Mayberry and Wonchul Ryu.

This was the 20th annual competition for the award that grants a $30,000 fellowship to assist in furthering the career of a visual artist or visual artist collaborators in the greater Baltimore region.

Amanda Leigh Burnham was named the recipient of the prize. Her compositions, along with the works of the other finalists, can be seen at the exhibition on view through July 20.

In a city known for its luxury, innovation and high standards in health care, Dubai offers a vast array of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. Among these, liposuction in Dubai remains one of the most sought-after solutions for permanent fat removal and body contouring. However, as more patients in the region demand cutting-edge techniques, natural-looking results and personalized care, many are turning to internationally renowned experts such as Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu for their transformation.

Image provided by Ascend Agency

Who is Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu?

Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon with a strong international reputation for excellence in body contouring. He was trained in Europe and certified to global standards.

He is particularly recognized for:

• Expertise in liposuction and advanced body sculpting

• Precision-driven techniques including hi-def liposuction

• Patient-centered approach with customized treatment plans

• Providing seamless support for medical tourists

His commitment to both safety and artistry makes him a trusted choice for individuals seeking transformative yet natural results.

Why choose liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical fat removal technique designed to eliminate stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. It is not a weight-loss method but a body-shaping tool that allows patients to refine their silhouette, enhance muscle definition and improve overall proportions.

Common treatment areas include:

• Abdomen and flanks

• Arms and back

• Inner and outer thighs

• Chin and neck

• Chest (especially for men with gynecomastia)

• Hips and buttocks

Liposuction in Dubai, particularly when guided by the skill of surgeons like Dr. Kandulu, is now more advanced, comfortable and effective than ever before.

Types of liposuction performed by Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu

1. Traditional liposuction

Ideal for larger fat deposits, this technique uses small incisions and suction cannulas to remove fat.

2. Vaser liposuction

A next-generation approach using ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before extraction. This method is less invasive, with better skin tightening and reduced bruising.

3. High-definition liposuction

Dr. Kandulu specializes in hi-def lipo, which creates visible muscular contours (such as abs, obliques and pectorals) for a naturally athletic appearance.

Benefits of liposuction with Dr. Kandulu for Dubai patients

• Minimally invasive techniques with faster recovery

• Natural, sculpted results customized to body type

• World-class hygiene and safety protocols

• Affordable premium care compared to UAE private hospitals

• No compromise on comfort or luxury during your stay abroad

Patients often report a boost in self-esteem, physical confidence and renewed motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.

Ideal candidates for liposuction

Not everyone is suitable for liposuction. Dr. Kandulu only accepts candidates who meet certain health and aesthetic criteria to ensure optimal results and safety.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You are in good physical health

• Your BMI is under 30

• You have good skin elasticity

• You struggle with localized fat deposits

• You have realistic expectations

Your journey: From Dubai to Istanbul and back

Here’s how a typical liposuction journey with Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu works for Dubai patients:

Step 1: Virtual consultation

After initial contact, patients provide photos and medical history. A video consultation is arranged to discuss goals, expectations, and procedure details.

Step 2: Travel and pre-surgical assessment

Upon arrival in Istanbul, the clinic team assists with check-in, blood work and in-person examination.

Step 3: Surgery day

• Procedure duration: 1-4 hours depending on areas

• Type of anesthesia: local with sedation or general

• Minimal incisions, often hidden in natural folds

Step 4: Recovery

• Stay in Istanbul: 5-7 days post-op

• Wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks

• Gradual return to work within 7-10 days

• Virtual follow-ups continue after returning to Dubai

What makes Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu the Preferred Choice?

Here’s what patients from Dubai say they value most:

• Surgical precision: “He treats you like a masterpiece.”

• Transparency: “No false promises—just expertise and honesty.”

• Aftercare: “Even after I flew home, he stayed in contact weekly.”

• Artistic results: “My body looks more defined but still natural.”

Pricing and value

Dubai is home to luxurious aesthetic clinics, but liposuction procedures can easily exceed $10,000–$15,000 USD depending on the clinic. In contrast, Dr. Kandulu offers all-inclusive packages with similar or better results starting from:

• €2,500-€3,500 for one area

• €4,000-€6,000 for multiple areas

• €6,000-€8,000 for hi-def sculpting

These prices include:

• Hotel stay (4–5 nights)

• Pre-op tests and consultations

• Surgery and anesthesia

• Compression garments

• Post-op medications

• VIP airport transfers

Real patient testimonials

“I was tired of hiding behind abayas. I went to Dr. Kandulu for Vaser liposuction Dubai, and now I feel so confident in my own skin.” – Amal S., Dubai

 “Everything was flawless—from the consultation to the hotel to the post-op care. Worth flying to Turkey for this level of service and result.” – Yasir M., Business Owner

“I checked clinics in Jumeirah, but Dr. Kandulu’s sculpting skills are on another level.” – Rania F., Influencer

Take the first step toward your new body today. Book a consultation with Dr. Hüseyin Kandulu at  En.HuseyinKandulu.com.

Medical disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

The news and editorial staffs of the Baltimore Sun had no role in this post’s preparation.

Hair transplants today are more advanced, precise and natural-looking than ever before. But even in 2025, one key factor can still separate a believable result from a surgical one: whether the hair design respects the patient’s identity.

That identity isn’t just personal. It’s cultural. It’s genetic. It’s anatomical. And increasingly, patients are realizing that a transplant isn’t successful unless it matches them — not a template, a celebrity or the last patient in the chair.

This is where the industry is finally catching up: in recognizing that a transplant isn’t just about hair — it’s about belonging.

Not every hairline is built the same 

Ethnic background plays a major role in hairline structure and natural hair growth behavior. Afro-textured hair, for instance, grows at a different angle and with tighter curl patterns than straight or wavy hair types. East Asian hair tends to be thicker in diameter, with flatter follicle alignment. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean hair often carries unique density and wave variations.

These nuances are what top hair transplant clinics consider from the start — designing for natural harmony, not just coverage.

A hairline that looks flawless on one face can look out of place — or even artificial — on another. And the closer patients look, the more they recognize it.

What used to be overlooked is now being scrutinized in high-resolution. People are comparing, analyzing and calling out what doesn’t feel real. Hair restoration is no longer just about filling space — it’s about restoring context.

The risk of the copy-paste method 

Many clinics still rely on standardized designs — sharp frontal lines, symmetrical arcs, dense temples. But one-style-fits-all transplants don’t serve anyone in the long run.

Some patients arrive with reference photos pulled from entirely different ethnic or genetic backgrounds. They’re inspired by the aesthetics, but unaware that replicating those exact designs could clash with their natural features. The problem isn’t the inspiration — it’s the blind execution.

A transplant that ignores identity might pass at a glance. But in real life — up close, over time — it can start to look designed, not grown.

Design must respect identity

The most natural transplants aren’t necessarily the most dramatic. They’re the ones that look like they were always there. That means matching the shape of the hairline to the patient’s facial anatomy, following the correct angles and exit points based on texture, and adjusting for skin contrast, forehead slope and bone structure. And accounting for how that will change over time — not just in the next year, but in the next 10.

This kind of design work requires more than technical skill. It takes judgment, restraint and cultural fluency. It’s the difference between just placing hair and placing it with purpose.

Where Vera Clinic leads

At Vera Clinic, this kind of identity-led approach is standard. Ethnic matching isn’t a special option — it’s the foundation of how design is approached.

During consultations, the team doesn’t just focus on loss patterns; they assess skin tone, scalp characteristics, hair curl or wave behavior and facial harmony. Their goal is never to impose a look, it’s to restore one that fits. For example, a patient of Sub-Saharan African descent won’t receive the same temple angles or frontal design as a patient from the Balkans or Central Asia. That might sound obvious, but in a market flooded with templated designs, this level of nuance can be rare.

By refusing shortcuts, and by centering the design around each individual’s identity, Vera Clinic ensures that results aren’t just technically correct — they’re believable.

Why this shift matters

The new generation of patients isn’t passive. They’re informed. They come with questions. They notice when something looks off — even if they can’t name why. The days of “maximum density at all costs” are over. Today’s patients are more interested in hair that blends, complements and disappears into their appearance instead of announcing itself. This is exactly why a top hair transplant clinic in Turkey like Vera Clinic focuses less on numbers and more on how a transplant aligns with the individual’s natural features and identity.

The future is personal

Hair transplant excellence in 2025 isn’t measured by graft count or by shock factor. It’s measured by fit and whether a patient walks away with a result that feels like them — not like someone else. And the clinics that deliver that don’t chase trends. They build systems, ask the right questions and treat every transplant like a collaboration. Because when identity is respected, the result speaks quietly — and clearly — for itself.

The news and editorial staffs of the Baltimore Sun had no role in this post’s preparation.

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As online learning for K-12 students continues to expand in K-12 education, effective assessment strategies are more critical than ever. Assessments help measure progress, uncover knowledge gaps and support personalized learning. Whether through adaptive tools or interactive formats, thoughtful evaluation methods can offer educators and parents essential insights into student development.

Adapting traditional methods for online environments

Online environments differ from traditional classrooms in key ways, one being that educators lack the daily face-to-face interaction that can inform informal assessments. As a result, formal evaluations have become one of the primary tools for understanding student performance and engagement. Digital assessments can be powerful assets in online learning.

Assessments in online elementary school can confirm foundational skills, while in online high schools, they prepare students for complex subjects and critical thinking. These evaluations offer more than just academic benchmarks; they help shape how students learn, grow and stay motivated. Frequent assessments also help identify learning gaps early, allowing for timely intervention and support.

Engaging students with interactive and multimedia assessments

Assessments in virtual education can take many forms: quizzes, essays, projects and interactive activities. These tools give educators the feedback they need to tailor instruction and identify areas where students need support. For students, assessments offer a chance to reflect, take ownership of their learning and aim for improvement.

Interactive assessments go beyond traditional methods by involving students in active learning. Gamified assessments, for instance, integrate points, levels and challenges to engage students, especially younger learners. These techniques can make assessments more enjoyable and reduce performance pressure, helping students demonstrate understanding in creative ways.

Multimedia elements can also enhance online assessments. Videos, audio clips and infographics give students varied ways to show what they know. This is especially helpful for learners who express themselves better through digital media rather than written responses. It supports a more inclusive and accurate picture of student progress. Multimedia assessments also allow for differentiated instruction by accommodating various learning styles.

Tailoring assessments to individual needs

Adaptive assessments are another powerful strategy. These tools adjust question difficulty based on student responses, offering a more accurate measure of individual ability. Adaptive assessments help ensure students are both supported and challenged, guiding future instruction to meet their unique needs. This flexibility makes them especially effective in mixed-ability classrooms or among students with individualized learning plans.

Self-assessments and peer evaluations are also valuable. They build critical thinking, collaboration and self-awareness. When students assess their own or their peers’ work, they develop ownership over their learning process and learn to give and receive constructive feedback. These assessments can foster a strong sense of responsibility, encouraging students to set personal goals and monitor their own progress.

Leveraging technology for streamlined evaluation

Learning Management Systems streamline assessment delivery and tracking. LMS platforms support various formats, automate grading and keep students organized with deadlines and feedback. For teachers, they offer consistency and efficiency in managing assessments. Features like real-time analytics, progress tracking and customizable rubrics help educators provide more targeted instruction.

AI-powered assessment tools further enhance this process. AI can automate grading, provide instant feedback and analyze student performance data. This can help educators identify trends, monitor progress and make data-informed decisions about instruction. As AI technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to support even more personalized and responsive learning experiences.

Ultimately, effective assessment strategies in online K-12 learning should do more than measure progress; they should help students stay engaged and supported. With tools like interactive formats, adaptive methods and AI integration, educators and parents can provide a more personalized learning experience. The right approach empowers students and supports their academic growth.

The news and editorial staffs of the Baltimore Sun had no role in this post’s preparation.

The Salvation Army of Central Maryland held its 2025 Compassion In Action event at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre.

Partygoers enjoyed live music, dancing, food stations, an open bar, networking with Central Maryland’s top business and organization executives and a live auction.

Compassion in Action brings hundreds of businesses, organizations, and individuals together to celebrate and support the efforts of The Salvation Army of Central Maryland Chapter. Last year alone, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland provided over 137,000 meals, assisted 114,623 individuals, and distributed 38,187 Christmas gifts to local families. With the increasing cost of living, the need for these services is greater than ever.

So much to revel in, so little time, at Art with a Heart’s 25th Anniversary Celebration gala. Yes, the quarter-century mark was enough to bring some 600 guests to the M&T Bank Exchange in The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. But many of those folks had more than just the birthday to toast.

Some were there to show their gratitude for participating in the nonprofit’s programs that offer art classes and projects to people not otherwise given that opportunity.

[ MORE of Sloane Brown’s coverage of Baltimore’s party scene ]

Then, there was Art with a Heart volunteers.

“I’m just happy to be here with this many people; to see that we’ve touched so many people in so many ways,” said Janet Short, a nine-year volunteer veteran.

For Megan Gatto, it was a Cinderella moment. At the stroke of midnight, she officially became AWAH’s new executive director, handed the reigns by founder Randi Pupkin.

“This is my coming out party,” she said, with a laugh.

And then there was the big birthday gift – about $500,000 raised for Art with a Heart.

Scene ahead

• Friday, April 11
  Blue Jeans & Bow Ties Ball
  Benefits Ulman Foundation
  Live! Casino and Hotel, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover
  6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
  Tickets $300
  ulmanfoundation.org/bluejeansball
• Friday, April 11
  19th Annual Empty Bowls – Candlelight & Clay
  Benefits St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
  Exhibition Hall, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd.
  6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
  Tickets $100
  vincentbaltimore.org/empty-bowls
• Friday, April 11
  St. Jude Hope in the Harbor Gala
  Benefits St. Jude
  M&T Bank Exchange, France Merrick Performing Arts Center,
  401 W. Fayette St.
  6 – 10 p.m..
  Tickets $300
  est.event.stjude.org/ELP/HARBOR/EventInfo