LA PLATA, MD (May 21, 2025) – Six Charles County Public Schools students will compete at the national ACT-SO competition in July after earning Gold medals at the regional event on April 26 at the College of Southern Maryland. The NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics recognizes high-achieving African American high school students in Grades 9 to 12.
The following students secured Gold medals and will represent Charles County at the national event in Charlotte, North Carolina, from July 9 to 13: Kamarie Barnes, a North Point High School sophomore, in poetry performance; Isayah Caruth, a Westlake High School junior, in contemporary music; Olivia Haralson, a North Point sophomore, in contemporary and modern dance; Shaniyah Hall, a North Point senior, in written poetry and playwriting; Lasanna Richardson, a North Point senior, in original essay; and Cynclair Wilson, a Maurice J. McDonough High School junior, in architecture and painting. Hall also earned a Bronze medal in poetry performance at the local event. Additionally, Madison McCormick, a Henry E. Lackey High School junior, received a Silver medal in painting.
ACT-SO, hosted locally by the Charles County NAACP branch, offers over 30 competitive fields, including performing arts, culinary arts, and STEM. Students who must be U.S. citizens and amateurs can compete in up to three categories. The yearlong program encourages academic and cultural excellence among Black high school students, culminating in the national competition held during the NAACP National Convention.
The six advancing students will participate in mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the national event. Their Gold medal wins highlight their talent and dedication across diverse disciplines. For example, Haralson’s dual awards in dance categories and Hall’s success in multiple writing fields demonstrate the breadth of skills showcased at the regional competition.
The ACT-SO program, designed to foster high achievement, provides a platform for students to develop their talents through rigorous preparation and competition. The Charles County branch’s April event at the College of Southern Maryland drew participants from across the region, with judges evaluating performances, artworks, and written submissions. The program’s emphasis on mentorship ensures students receive guidance to refine their skills before the national stage.
Charles County Public Schools celebrated the students’ achievements, noting their representation of the district’s commitment to academic and artistic excellence. The national competition in Charlotte will offer these students an opportunity to compete against peers from across the country, gain exposure, and further hone their abilities.
For more information about the ACT-SO program, visit https://charlescountynaacp.org/about-act-so. The community is encouraged to support these students as they prepare to showcase their talents on a national level.
