This is Maria Cook's third year teaching Interactive Media for Wicomico County's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. She teaches all four levels of interactive media and prepares students for careers as well as continued education. She has an Associates of Art degree in Commercial Art from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor's of Art degree in Fine Art from Salisbury University, and a Master's of Art in Teaching degree from the University of MD, Eastern Shore. Before teaching, she worked as a free-lance commercial artist and illustrator. In1999, she started her career as an art teacher in Wicomico County. She taught most of her years at James M. Bennett High School. There she impacted many students and inspired their passion and appreciation for all that is visual. She herself has a passion for painting, drawing, and sculpture. In 2004, she started and published a regional magazine called Delmarva Youth and Family Magazine while also teaching. The magazine’s core mission was to highlight the accomplishments of Delmarva's youth and provide resources to parents, teachers and all who work with youth. The magazine, which ran till 2011, featured stories of young people as well as informative articles, upcoming events and family resources. She wore many hats as publisher including writer, editor, photographer, researcher, layout and ad designer, web designer, distributor, public relations director, marketer, event planner, and business manager. During this time, she worked closely with the community as the community was integral to the magazine’s overall success.