Gov. Wes Moore donned black gloves, grasped a spatula and a large glass and dug right into a tub of frosting, mimicking everything “Jhiya,” a student employee with developmental disabilities, was doing.
During a visit to Max’s Best Ice Cream on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda Thursday afternoon, Moore engaged in what was called a “friendly competition” to create a better Over the Rainbow Extreme Milkshake with marshmallow and rainbow cake skewers than one being made by the employees.
Even while seemingly overwhelmed by all the sweet ingredients, Moore carefully followed each employee, praising them along the way. This staff all have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and many attend Montgomery County Public Schools’ Learning for Independence Program.
Owners Cory and Angela Alexander are the father and stepmother of ice cream shop’s namesake, Max, who was born with Down Syndrome. In June of 2025, they opened Max’s, partnering with Best Buddies, to fulfill their son’s dream of wanting to serve the best ice cream in the whole entire world.
Max played an important role as judge of the best milkshake contest. He took no time at all to declare that the Best Buddies team had clearly won. Moore took it in stride, declaring, “I am so thankful that not only am I your governor, but I am your friend.”
Max. whose favorite flavor is banana ice cream, laughed mightily.
Gov. Moore issues a state citation to Max
Kristin Cooke, whose 18-year-old son Sean works at Max’s, shared enthusiasm for the work-study program run in collaboration with the school district.
“These kids have a great opportunity to practice and learn new skills.” Her son is an MCPS student diagnosed with autism. “[Sean is] over the moon,” because he gets to miss some school for his job, and “gets to push the boundaries,” Cooke said.
Stacey Alexander’s son, 21-year-old Max, called the program “a priceless opportunity for a lot of kids who don’t often get opportunities.”
Because of what he has learned through MCPS and working at Max’s, she is optimistic that her son, who was born with Down Syndrome, may go to college.
“I, as a mom, am so grateful,” Alexander said.
The student employees, well trained at their jobs, walked Moore through each step. The governor spoke with each worker individually, asking what their favorite ice cream flavor was.
For the governor’s visit, Max’s created a special dessert called, “Give Me Moore Old Bay.” It starts with a brownie seasoned with Old Bay, followed by a caramel-Old Bay sauce, peppered with popcorn spiced with more Old Bay, followed by roasted peanuts and chopped nuts with additional Old Bay, plus whipped cream and then topped off with a chocolate crab.
“This is like Maryland in a bowl,” Moore said.
“I’ve been looking forward to this all week,” Moore said. “[Max’s has] the best ice cream and the best people … Our state is stronger when everyone participates.”
In addition to the milkshake competition, an employee and student,”Hari,” challenged the governor to 10 push-ups.
Gov. Moore visits Max's Best Ice Cream in Bethesda, where he tasted a special dessert made for him -Give Me Moore – with lots of Old Bay, and learned to make a milk shake. @mymcmedia @Gov pic.twitter.com/KKv7F3948O
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) May 7, 2026
