During its Nov. 12 meeting, the Board of Education of Charles County celebrated five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students for their exemplary academic achievement, personal responsibility, and career readiness. The honorees included fifth graders Arth Hirpara, Aaliyah Lopez, and Muhammad Rayyan, eighth-grader Jennifer Ipina-Guerra, and high school senior Conley Onyeador.
Each student was recognized for their unique strengths and contributions to their schools and communities, embodying CCPS’s values of academic excellence and leadership.
Personal Responsibility: Arth Hirpara
Arth Hirpara, a fifth grader at Mary H. Matula Elementary School, was honored for his strong personal responsibility. Known for his organizational skills, Hirpara credits his mother for inspiring his commitment to orderliness. “At school, Arth keeps his folders on one side of his desk with his laptop and pencil pouch on the other side,” said Matula Principal Carrie Richardson. This meticulousness helps him excel in academics and extracurriculars, including playing the violin and participating in advanced sixth-grade math classes virtually. Outside the classroom, Hirpara enjoys sports like basketball and soccer and accompanying his father to work. He aspires to study engineering in college.
Academic Achievement: Aaliyah Lopez
Gale-Bailey Elementary School fifth grader Aaliyah Lopez was recognized for her academic excellence and natural leadership. Known for completing her work with high efficiency, Lopez also supports classmates who may be struggling. “If a classmate is struggling, she always steps in to help,” said Gale-Bailey Principal Tangie Scales, Ed.D. Lopez’s active participation in group sessions and her confidence in asking questions contribute to a collaborative learning environment. Beyond academics, Lopez enjoys art and ice skating and has entrepreneurial aspirations, hoping to sell her artwork and start a cellphone business in the future.
Academic Achievement: Muhammad Rayyan
Arthur Middleton Elementary School fifth grader Muhammad Rayyan’s love for challenges and new skills earned him recognition for academic achievement. Rayyan demonstrates advanced abilities in literature and mathematics, often helping peers grasp difficult concepts. “He volunteers to help his fellow classmates in math and is amazing at recognizing unspoken meanings in literature,” said Middleton Principal Nicole Hawkins. In his free time, Rayyan is an avid player of cricket and badminton.
Leadership and Academic Achievement: Jennifer Ipina-Guerra
Eighth grader Jennifer Ipina-Guerra of Milton M. Somers Middle School stands out for her dedication to academics and her support of multilingual learners. Ipina-Guerra ensures her English Language Development peers understand assignments and frequently mentors others. “Jennifer’s actions speak louder than words—she consistently shows compassion, empathy, and dedication to helping those around her,” said Somers Principal Gary Lesko. A National Junior Honor Society member, she also participates in drama club and Black History Month activities. Outside school, Ipina-Guerra helps care for animals on her family farm and is active in her church.
Academic Excellence and Leadership: Conley Onyeador
Maurice J. McDonough High School senior Conley Onyeador, who boasts a 4.47 GPA, was recognized for his academic achievements and leadership. Ranked in the top 5% of his class, Onyeador has completed six Advanced Placement (AP) courses and continues to excel in AP psychology and statistics. He also pursued additional math courses over the summer at the College of Southern Maryland to prepare for his college major in economics. “Balancing his studies and sports has been challenging, however, Conley has not earned less than an A throughout his high school career,” said McDonough Principal Darnell Russell. Injuries sidelined Onyeador from playing soccer, but he remains active as the boys’ soccer team manager and plans to return to the sport through USA Major League Soccer.
Celebrating Excellence
These five students exemplify CCPS’s commitment to fostering academic achievement, leadership, and personal responsibility. Their accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom, highlight the importance of hard work, organization, and support for their peers.
