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Many sports talk radio fans around Maryland can fondly remember the occasions when Mossila “Mo” Kingsley Gaba would call the programs while his mother was at work. The Baltimore Orioles and Ravens superfan will forever be remembered for his fun-loving spirit and ability to make people smile, instead of the cancer that took his life in July 2020 at the age of 14.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) established the annual Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards in 2021 to honor the former Lindale Middle School student. This year’s group has five honorees, who were announced in a video on January 26, what would have been Mo’s 20th birthday. That small group includes a student from Oak Hill Elementary School and one from Magothy River Middle School.
The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County is recognizing the 2026 winners of the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards at its meeting today.
Oak Hill Elementary School student Clyde Hicks has fought a rare pediatric spinal cancer and brain cancer. As his family told the Severna Park Voice last year, Clyde loves his family – his parents, sister and pets – as well as his friends, art, chess, puzzles, math, “Despicable Me” and “Minions.” He is especially passionate about baseball, and he treasures the memory of his teammates pushing his wheelchair to first base one summer.
In the AACPS video announcement, Oak Hill Elementary School Principal Deneen Houghton proudly raised a shirt with the words “On Clyde’s Side.”
“He is an inspiration to Oak Hill Elementary School. He radiates optimism with his positive spirit,” Houghton said. “Oak Hill’s motto is ‘Rise Above It,’ and Clyde embodies ‘Rise Above It’ every day.”
Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 5, Riley Whitney enjoyed years of remission before the cancer returned in 2024.
“The smile on this boy’s face steals the room; it’s why they call him ‘Smiley Riley,’” said Melissa Walker, organizer of a 2024 Rally for Riley event and friend of the Whitney family.
Magothy River Middle School Principal Lindsay Abruzzo and school counselor Laurel Hulkenberg filmed the video message to Riley.
“Riley exemplifies extraordinary perseverance and positivity, having bravely overcome childhood cancer twice while managing significant medical challenges,” Hulkenberg said. “Riley inspires his classmates, teachers and entire community by showing up each day with unwavering strength, determination, kindness, positivity and joy.”
Our staff at the Severna Park Voice is amazed by the resilience of these two boys. With these awards, we hope they will feel all the support and love from their community.
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