Five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students were recognized Oct. 13 by the Board of Education of Charles County for their academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness.
Leroy-Emmanuel Neba, a fourth-grade student at F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, fifth-grade students Brandon Dent of J.P. Ryon Elementary School and Elyse Larmore of Williiam A. Diggs, Elementary School, Glymont Middle School eighth grader Desiree Hancock and Thomas Stone High School senior Maria Nazir were honored at the October Board meeting.
Neba’s dedication to improving his academic performance in both reading and mathematics led to his recognition for academic achievement. On the fall's i-Ready Reading Diagnostic, he excelled in the areas of phonics and vocabulary, showcasing the progress he has made through hard work and perseverance, Gwynn Principal Todd Wonderling said. “His i-Ready Math Diagnostic also reflected consistent improvement, highlighting his determination to continue growing as a learner,” Wonderling said. Neba has also shown exceptional responsibility and self-discipline, and has remained on the highest level of his program's behavior and achievement system for 64 consecutive school days without a level drop. “This accomplishment reflects his commitment to making positive choices, staying focused and serving as a role model for his peers,” Neba said. He is known for showing kindness and empathy toward others. Wonderling shared a story of Neba recognizing that a classmate is sensitive to loud noises. Neba takes it upon himself to close the classroom door to help reduce distractions and create a more comfortable learning environment for his peer. “He also exemplifies good sportsmanship and fairness by willingly sharing the swings with classmates during recess,” Wonderling said.
Dent, an honor roll student, was recognized for academic achievement. Dent couples hard work with curiosity and determination, Ryon Principal Nicholas Adam said. “Teachers praise his strength in mathematics, positive attitude, leadership and willingness to help others,” Adam said. Dent said the support of his family helps him strive to do his best. “Brandon approaches challenges with perseverance and hopes to pursue a future in engineering while also aspiring to become a professional soccer player,” Adam said.
At Diggs, Larmore is a responsible student whose positive attributes add to the class and school community. “She is a responsible, kind student who is always willing to help others,” Diggs Principal Ben Harrington said. “Elyse demonstrates HAWKS rules consistently making her a positive role model to peers.” Larmore has participated in gifted curriculum since the second grade and excels in the 5a and 6a math curriculum. She has shown mastery on the English/language arts i-Ready and Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments and is performing at a sixth-grade level in reading. “Her writing in class shows creativity and imagination as well as knowledge of content,” Harrington said. “When participating in class, her comments and questions enrich the discussion.” Larmore said she enjoyed participating in the school’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” musical production last year and at home enjoys playing the piano.
Hancock understands that success comes from making good choices, putting forth consistent effort and treating others with respect, Glymont Principal Orlena Whatley, Ed.D., said. Hancock, recognized for personal responsibility, has earned high honors and principal’s honors. While her grades make her a standout student at Glymont, Hancock’s dedication to the school is evident by her participation in the school’s Anime Club, she helps in the school store, enjoys band and Spanish, and can be counted on to lend a hand wherever she is needed. “She can truly be viewed as a student ambassador, spreading kindness and positivity to those she encounters,” Whatley said. Outside of school, Hancock enjoys art and decorating. She is interested in becoming a police officer in the future.
Thomas Stone senior Nazir was honored for career readiness as she prepares to graduate this spring. She has an outstanding academic record and currently has a 4.57 weighted GPA. Nazir has taken several Advanced Placement (AP) courses including those in chemistry, physics, environmental science and computer science. Her interest in science has led to Nazir planning to earn a doctorate in astrophysics and pursue a career in the field of space exploration. “Maria’s passion for astronomy and research has been demonstrated through her participation in the Yale Summer Program in astrophysics, where she conducted research involving minor planet tracking, data analysis, mathematical modeling and scientific writing,” Thomas Stone Principal Shanif Pearl said, adding that Nazir also shadowed staff with the University of Maryland’s department of astronomy, where she worked with data connected to NASA’s Planetary Defense program, studied exoplanet transits and binary star eclipses, and gained hands-on experience with telescope technology. In addition to her academic achievements, Nazir is class treasurer, National Honor Society treasurer and president of the Key Club. She volunteers as a citizen scientist with Zooniverse, analyzing and classifying thousands of celestial objects. She has earned several honors at Thomas Stone, including AP Scholar with Distinction, the College Board National Recognition Award, principal’s honor roll awards and departmental awards in science.
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).