WALDORF, Md. — On June 2, 2025, the Board of Education of Charles County recognized several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) volunteers during the annual Be the Difference Awards ceremony at North Point High School. The event celebrated 36 finalists for their contributions to enhancing education across elementary, middle, and high schools.
The Be the Difference Awards, launched in 2018, honor volunteers who support teaching and learning. Principals and administrative teams nominate candidates, and a Board subcommittee selects one overall recipient per school level. This year’s top recipients were Antonio and Melissa Mateo (Berry Elementary School), Shahara Rogers (Theodore G. Davis Middle School), and Jose Pereira (Robert D. Stethem Educational Center).
The Mateos, parents of Berry students, were recognized for their active involvement and commitment to improving educational experiences. Rogers supports Davis Middle School’s library/media center, organizing collections and creating displays for student clubs, and assists with the annual career fair. Pereira, general manager at Flagship Carwash, aids Stethem’s automotive CTE program by donating resources and offering internships and afterschool jobs.
Among the 36 finalists, elementary school nominees included Pat Stokes (C. Paul Barnhart), Chante Stephens (Billingsley), and Carolyn Simmons-Kidd (Dr. Gustavus Brown). Middle school finalists included Kimberly Mack (John Hanson) and Jeneen Davis (Matthew Henson). High school nominees featured Joanne Broussard (Henry E. Lackey), Theresa Shasho-Clark (La Plata), and Jonathan Moore (Maurice J. McDonough).
The awards highlight the diverse roles volunteers play. For example, elementary finalists like Darrell and Renee Bramer (Dr. Thomas L. Higdon) and Mark and Lauren Galgan (Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy) contribute to classroom and extracurricular activities. Middle school volunteers like Carrie Holt (Piccowaxen) and Leigh Falkler (Milton M. Somers) support academic programs. High school finalists, including Dawn Inscoe (Thomas Stone) and Debbie Hall (North Point), enhance career and technical education initiatives.
Since its inception, the program has grown, with nominations reflecting the increasing impact of volunteers. The 2025 ceremony underscored the importance of community involvement in education, with volunteers serving as mentors, organizers, and resources for students and staff. The Board emphasized that these efforts directly improve student outcomes and school environments.
CCPS encourages ongoing volunteer participation, noting that contributions range from classroom support to specialized programs like CTE. The recognition event, held annually, aims to inspire more community members to engage with schools. North Point High School, the venue for the 2025 ceremony, has hosted the event since the program’s start, accommodating hundreds of attendees, including nominees, families, and school officials.
The Be the Difference Awards reflect Charles County’s commitment to fostering partnerships between schools and the community. By honoring volunteers like the Mateos, Rogers, and Pereira, CCPS acknowledges the critical role of volunteerism in public education. The 2025 finalists represent a broad cross-section of the county’s schools, showcasing dedication across all educational levels.
