# Joe Hughes becomes Bel Air Elementary's Mayor

> First grader with cerebral palsy now thrives at Bel Air Elementary after staff adaptations.
- Title: Joe Hughes becomes Bel Air Elementary's Mayor · The Banner
- Summary: First grader with cerebral palsy now thrives at Bel Air Elementary after staff adaptations. Joe Hughes, a first grader with cerebral palsy, is nicknamed the…
- Keywords: joe hughes, bel air elementary, cerebral palsy, inclusion helper, mari a kass, seattle, nfl, news, local, Joe, Hughes, becomes
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/children-special-needs-bel-air-elementary-UITQZQM26FG3LKMVKWTDMRSATQ
- Author: Kristen Griffith
- Published: 2026-09-23T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: joe hughes, bel air elementary, cerebral palsy, inclusion helper, mari a kass, seattle, nfl, news, local
## Joe’s school drop-off
Joe Hughes, a first grader with cerebral palsy, used to cry at school drop-off.

> Joe’s coming.
## Teachers’ welcome song
Staff plays Backstreet Boys songs to get Joe excited for school.

> This is Joe’s song.
## Joe’s wheelchair
Joe uses a wheelchair with a Maryland license plate sticker reading 2Fast4U.

> 2Fast4U
## Inclusion helper
Maria Kass helps Joe move from wheelchair to activity chair for schoolwork.

> I’m always good.
## Digital magnifier
Kass uses digital magnifier to help Joe see reading materials.

> We’ll have maintenance come out and make sure this drop-off isn’t as steep.
## School playground
School staff built ramp to playground for Joe’s wheelchair access.

> There’s not a ramp at the door? OK, we’ll make sure there’s a ramp at the door.
## Joe’s school activities
Joe plays baseball for Harford County’s Miracle League.

> At the end of the game, the coach tells us to pack up all the stuff.
## Joe’s nickname
Teachers call Joe the Mayor of Bel Air after he smiles every day.

> He comes in with a smile on his face.
## Joe’s school success
Joe thrives at Bel Air Elementary with staff support and inclusive practices.

> I’m always good, and sometimes I get some good grades.
## Key takeaway

Joe Hughes, a first grader with cerebral palsy, is nicknamed the Mayor of Bel Air after school staff created inclusive routines and accommodations.