WALDORF, Md. — Eleven Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle school students were honored with the 2025 Ruth Ann Hall Champion Scholar Awards on May 13, 2025, during the Board of Education of Charles County meeting. Sponsored by the Education Association of Charles County (EACC), the awards recognize students for their dedication to academics, classroom improvement, and positive behavior.
The recipients, selected by an EACC committee from nominations by school administrators and teachers, are: Bryce Carlson, seventh grade, Milton M. Somers Middle School; Shiloh Girty, seventh grade, Piccowaxen Middle School; Magnolia Vasquez Gutierrez, eighth grade, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School; Thomas Hallwas, seventh grade, Theodore G. Davis Middle School; Martina Hawkins, sixth grade, Mattawoman Middle School; Renee Kabia, seventh grade, Stoddert; Annabella Lewis, eighth grade, Stoddert; Kerrington Richmond, seventh grade, Somers; Athena Salinas-Bustamante, eighth grade, Mattawoman; Serenity Savoy, seventh grade, Piccowaxen; and Ethan Thomas, sixth grade, Somers.
Each honoree received a certificate and a gift card for use at a local bookstore, celebrating their contributions to their school communities. The awards, established by the EACC, honor the legacy of Ruth Ann Hall, a CCPS teacher with a 20-year career who taught at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy elementary schools and Mattawoman Middle School. Hall, a former EACC president, was named the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher of the Year by The Washington Post in 1986. The program recognizes middle school students, reflecting Hall’s final teaching assignment at that level.
The Ruth Ann Hall Champion Scholar Awards highlight the importance of academic excellence and positive role modeling among young students. The EACC’s initiative fosters a culture of achievement, encouraging students to strive for personal and academic growth. The selection process emphasizes not only grades but also leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to uplifting peers.
The EACC, representing educators in the county, has sponsored the awards annually since their inception, ensuring Hall’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. The May 13 ceremony, held at the CCPS administrative offices, brought together families, educators, and board members to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.
The 2025 recipients represent five middle schools, showcasing the diversity of talent across the county. Their recognition underscores CCPS’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who contribute positively to their schools and communities. The EACC expressed pride in the honorees, noting their potential to become future leaders.
