PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Carson Scholars Fund unveiled its largest-ever cohort on March 17, 2025, honoring 579 new scholars and 931 returning ones, with Calvert County Public Schools proudly claiming a slice of the spotlight. Two local students—Tamilore Adeshiyan of Beach Elementary and Rocco Barone of Patuxent Appeal Elementary—earned the prestigious Carson Scholar title, each receiving a $1,000 college scholarship, an Olympic-sized medal, and a certificate. Eight more Calvert students renewed their status, proving their staying power in this elite group.
The new scholars, in grades 4-11, stood out with a minimum 3.75 GPA and a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts, traits the Carson Scholars Fund has championed since 1994. Tamilore and Rocco join a legacy founded by Dr. Benjamin Carson, the renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon, and his wife, Candy, who launched the nonprofit to nurture young leaders. The returning Calvert scholars—Brayden Amato (Northern High), Morgan Castro Arndt (Patuxent High), Shaun Council (Calvert High), James Johnson (Northern High), Isabella McAllister (Plum Point Middle), Denali Mohler (Calvert High), Brandon Mudd (Windy Hill Middle), and Donovan Stone (Huntingtown High)—continued to meet these rigorous standards, showcasing academic excellence and community impact.
Each year, the fund spotlights students who don’t just ace their classes but also uplift their surroundings through altruism. Tamilore, a fifth-grader, and Rocco, also in elementary school, represent Calvert’s rising stars, while the eight high- and middle-school renewals signal sustained dedication. The $1,000 scholarships—a total of $579,000 for new scholars nationwide, per the fund’s model—plant seeds for future education, a mission that’s awarded over 12,000 scholarships since its start, according to the Carson Scholars Fund website.
Calvert County, with over 15,000 students across 24 schools per its district site, celebrates these 10 as exemplars of leadership. The U.S. Department of Education notes Maryland’s high academic benchmarks, making this recognition a standout achievement in a competitive state. These scholars aren’t just collecting accolades—they’re shaping communities, poised to steer the nation’s future with intellect and compassion.
The Carson Scholars Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity, keeps growing, this year’s 1,510 total honorees marking a record. For Calvert, it’s a proud moment—10 students proving that brilliance and heart go hand in hand.
