The Board recognized an eleventh-grade student from Severna Park High School who is passionate, funny, and known to many via his Instagram account as “Dr. Love.”

The student behind this pseudonym is none other than Owen Cress, the February awardee of the Student Equity in Action Spotlight.

Dr. Love was born on Valentine’s Day when Owen was a freshman. Unbeknownst to him, his plot to get a kick out of his friend by calling himself a “love doctor” would eventually lead him on a path of new interest and rising fame.

He took a pair of his sister’s heart glasses and told his friends that he was Dr. Love. Owen’s friends then created Valentine’s cards with his phone number on them. Owen, or um… Dr. Love found that through this activity he had a real passion for helping people and for goofy comedy.

Though he may not be a licensed doctor, he sure has the work ethic of one. Owen constantly posts and promotes kindness. “To Dr. Love everyone’s heart is valuable. There is an air of lightheartedness and kindness that lets people talk as friends. This is what makes people excited to participate in charity events and to work with Dr. Love, the spirit of love, not of romance, but of love that’s patient and kind, that doesn’t envy or boast, that rejoices in the truth,” Cress said.

The charity projects that he led came to fruition after he envisioned a crowd wearing heart glasses and helping the community by sharing love. With the help of his leadership teacher, Mrs. Barnstead, he researched local charities and fell in love (pun intended) with House of Ruth, a non-profit organization that supports women, children and families impacted by domestic violence. He sold heart glasses and stickers, which read, “Love over Hate.” His efforts raised over $400 for House of Ruth in the first year and over $600 for Sarah’s House in the second year.

Dr. Love plans to organize more events and promises that all monies earned will go straight to charity.

Owen Cress, the Board of Education, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, and Severna Park communities are all inspired by your love for others and are proud to recognize you as the February 2025, Student Equity in Action Spotlight. Congratulations!