WALDORF, Md., June 11, 2025 — The Board of Education of Charles County celebrated 65 retiring employees on June 5, 2025, during a ceremony at North Point High School, recognizing their decades of service to students and the community. The retirees, who left or will leave Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) by the end of the 2024-25 school year, were honored with remarks from Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., and Board Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., accompanied by a performance from student orchestra members.
The event highlighted the retirees’ collective impact, with roles ranging from teachers and instructional assistants to building service workers and administrators. “I have to say, the longer that I’m here, the more that this is a bittersweet reception and celebration. Sometimes I don’t want to celebrate,” Navarro said. “There are some of you around here that I’m supposed to say I’m happy you’re leaving and retiring. And I have to say — I don’t want you to go. I’m excited for you to spend more time with your loved ones and do the things you want to do. But there is always an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom that leaves us, as well.”
Moore Lee emphasized the retirees’ lasting contributions. “Each of you has contributed more than just hours and effort. You’ve shaped minds, lifted spirits, built futures and left a lasting mark on generations of children, families and us,” she said. “I want to say thank you. Not only for your years of dedicated service but for the quiet moments of impact that most people will never see.”
Among the retirees are Marvin Jones, Ed.D., Chief of Schools, and principals Ruth “Shannon” Finnegan, Ed.D., of Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, and Carolyn “Carrie” Richardson of Mary H. Matula Elementary School. Others include teachers like Hattie Cummings (fourth grade, Indian Head Elementary), Donna Mitchell (mathematics, North Point High), and Denise Pratt (music, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary); instructional assistants like Cynthia Brown (La Plata High) and Jennifer Jenkins (Matula Elementary); and building service workers like Clyde Abbey (Eva Turner Elementary) and James Earl Swann (La Plata High). The full list spans diverse roles, including pupil personnel workers, food service workers, and maintenance staff, reflecting the breadth of expertise within CCPS.
The retirees’ service touched every corner of the district, from early childhood programs at F.B. Gwynn Educational Center to high schools like Thomas Stone and Westlake. For example, Virginia Cusick, a physical therapist at Gwynn, supported students with special needs, while Jack Tuttle, a social studies content specialist at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, shaped curriculum development. Their departures mark a significant loss of institutional knowledge, as Navarro noted, but also an opportunity for retirees to pursue personal goals.
The ceremony, held at North Point High School, featured a string performance by orchestra students, adding a heartfelt touch to the evening. The event underscored CCPS’s commitment to recognizing staff contributions, with retirees representing schools like Piccowaxen Middle, William A. Diggs Elementary, and Mattawoman Middle, among others. The Charles County Retired School Personnel Association (CCRSPA), a service organization for retired CCPS employees, was highlighted as a resource for retirees to stay connected. More information about CCRSPA is available at https://ccrspa.wixsite.com/site.
The retirees’ impact extends beyond classrooms. Staff like William Kreuter, supervisor of food service, ensured students were nourished, while HVAC mechanic Richard Hicks maintained school facilities. Educators like Deborah Simmons (mathematics, Piccowaxen Middle) and Laura Verga (English language development, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary) fostered academic growth, while pupil personnel workers like Garcia Dixon supported student well-being. Each retiree contributed to CCPS’s mission of preparing students for college and careers.
Navarro’s remarks captured the mixed emotions of the occasion, balancing pride in the retirees’ achievements with reluctance to see them go. Moore Lee’s focus on legacy resonated with attendees, acknowledging the often-unseen moments—like a teacher’s encouragement or a custodian’s care—that shape school communities. The retirees’ work has influenced thousands of students across Charles County, from early learners at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary to graduates at St. Charles High.
As CCPS looks ahead, the loss of these experienced professionals prompts reflection on recruitment and retention to maintain high standards. The retirees’ dedication sets a benchmark for future educators, with their influence enduring through the students and colleagues they inspired. The June 5 ceremony served as both a farewell and a celebration of their enduring contributions to Charles County’s schools.
