Honoring Triple Threat Adelaine “Lainey” Gray
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) proudly recognizes Kennard Elementary School fifth-grade student Adelaine “Lainey” Gray as for her outstanding achievements in visual art, dance, music, and theatre. Nominated by Art teacher Garnette Hines and Music teacher Meghan Knight, Lainey has earned recognition throughout Queen Anne’s County and beyond for both her artistic talent and dedication to the arts.
Lainey’s accomplishments span multiple artistic disciplines. In visual art, she won the 2023 Superintendent’s Holiday Card Art Contest with her watercolor painting of the Historic Centreville Courthouse, which became the official QACPS holiday card that year. She also earned first place in the state through the Maryland Judiciary’s Conflict Resolution Bookmark Art Contest, with her artwork now displayed in public and school libraries across Maryland. Her artwork has additionally been featured in area exhibitions including ArtScene and the Academy Museum of Art.
Lainey is also accomplished in performing arts. In dance, Lainey has been performing since the age of three and became a member of Mid Shore Dance Academy’s Cross Currents Dance Company in 2024, leading to an invitation-only performance at Carnegie Hall in January 2026. She is also an active member of the Kennard Elementary choir, performed a solo of Once Upon a December during the 2024 winter concert, and made her theatrical debut in the QAC High School production of Peter Pan in 2025.
Lainey says the arts have helped shape both her creativity and confidence. “It helps me be a more creative thinker. It teaches me to think outside the box,” she shared. “Sometimes that is scary, but being brave is part of being creative.” She explained that while some people underestimate the arts, she believes performing and sharing artwork publicly takes tremendouscourage. “It’s not about winning and losing. It’s about growing,” Lainey added. While she enjoys all forms of the arts, tap dancing remains her favorite. “Tap is like energy. It doesn’t just create sounds - the sounds create meaning and tell a story.”
Her parents, Jonathan and Heather Gray, say creativity has always been a natural part of Lainey’s personality. “Lainey just emanates creativity,” they shared. “She was singing before she could talk, dancing before she could walk, and painting before she could hold a pencil. Our kitchen is the art studio and dance floor most days.”
Lainey’s teachers describe her as a student whose positivity, leadership, and work ethic stand out in every classroom and rehearsal. Ms. Knight added, “Lainey is truly deserving of this recognition because of the positivity, dedication, and leadership she brings to every rehearsal and class. She is a role model for her peers and consistently gives her best effort in everything she does.”
Through her creativity, determination, and passion for the arts, Lainey Gray continues to inspire those around her and exemplifies the impact the arts can have on confidence, expression, and personal growth.