Five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students were honored Nov. 10 by the Board of Education of Charles County for academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility. Fifth graders Rose St. Charles of Billingsley, Malik Oguje of Indian Head and Ka’Laya Hairston of Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy elementary schools were recognized for academic achievement, Elizabeth Finley, an eighth-grade student of Theodore G. Davis Middle School was honored for personal responsibility and Westlake High School senior Madison Harper was recognized for career readiness.
St. Charles pairs academic achievement with kindness, perseverance and respect. “Her consistent academic success, participation in gifted education programs and commitment to learning highlight her strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity,” Principal Jennifer Pangborn said. Beyond her classroom accomplishments, St. Charles has embraced new challenges by joining the school’s chess club and expresses her creativity in chorus and through other art forms. “Her willingness to support classmates and her positive presence within the school community make her a wonderful role model for her peers,” Pangborn said.
Oguje has attended Indian Head since third grade and has earned As on his report card in all subjects. He has participated in math grade acceleration in fourth- and fifth-grades. “Malik comes to school each day ready to learn and always demonstrates perseverance, persistence and integrity,” Shane Blandford, principal, said. “He is eager to learn and always puts forth his best effort with all of his assignments.” Oguje has participated in chess club and math team. “He exemplifies the three Rs of Indian Head — respectful, responsible and ready to learn — and is a positive example for his peers,” Blandford said.
“Through her dedication to learning, strong work ethic and positive example to classmates, Hairston has distinguished herself as an exceptional student leader,” Principal Louis D’Ambrosio said. She is active in sports and extracurricular activities at Mt. Hope.
Finley is a responsible, engaged and accomplished student at Davis, according to Principal Tammika Little. While in a rigorous academic program, Finley takes part in extracurricular activities, including orchestra, theater, student leadership and service organizations. “Lizzie’s willingness to take initiative, support her peers and contribute to her school community is evident through her leadership roles and the creation of a peer tutoring program,” Little said. “Her dedication, reliability and positive attitude inspire those around her, making her a shining example of personal responsibility and student leadership.”
Harper is a leader among students at Westlake where she is a captain of its Teal Diamonds Dance Team. She has been a member of the team for the four years she has been at Westlake. “She has helped shape and strengthen the program through her dedication, determination and positive influence,” Dana Smoot, principal, said. “Maddie’s humility, integrity and strong work ethic have earned the admiration of her peers, teachers and coaches.” Harper leads with confidence while supporting and encouraging others reflects a level of maturity and character.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).