On August 1, 2025, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) celebrated the perseverance of nearly 40 students who earned their Maryland high school diplomas through summer school. The CCPS Summer Commencement, held at St. Charles High School in Waldorf, brought together graduates, their families, friends, and school staff to mark this significant milestone. The ceremony highlighted the determination of students from all seven CCPS high schools, who overcame challenges to complete their studies.
Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., addressed the graduates, praising their resilience. “Your efforts to move forward and complete your studies are admirable,” Navarro said, emphasizing the importance of their achievement. The CCPS Summer Commencement provided a moment of pride for Southern Maryland families, many of whom gathered to cheer on the Class of 2025 members who crossed the stage to receive their diploma covers.
The CCPS Summer Commencement recognized students from Henry E. Lackey, La Plata, Maurice J. McDonough, North Point, St. Charles, Thomas Stone, and Westlake high schools. Each graduate completed rigorous summer coursework to meet Maryland’s graduation requirements, demonstrating dedication to their education. For instance, Henry E. Lackey High School celebrated six graduates, including Najai E. Best and Theresa N. Davis, while Maurice J. McDonough High School honored eight, such as Adrian S. Carter and Serena M. Steele. North Point High School saw five students, including Daniel Assefa and Julio A. Rivera, earn their diplomas, showcasing the diversity of achievement across the county.
Held at St. Charles High School, located at 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, the CCPS Summer Commencement was a smaller, more intimate affair compared to the main spring ceremonies at Regency Furniture Stadium. The event followed strict protocols, with graduates dropped off at the Piney Church Road entrance and guests directed to parking by Charles County Sheriff’s officers. Professional photographs, arranged through Lifetouch, captured each graduate receiving their diploma cover, with images available online at events.lifetouch.com one week later.
For Southern Maryland, the CCPS Summer Commencement underscores the community’s commitment to education. Charles County, with its 38 schools serving 28,162 students, provides a robust academic environment that supports diverse pathways to graduation. The summer program allows students who faced setbacks—whether academic, personal, or otherwise—to meet diploma requirements outside the traditional school year. This flexibility is critical in a region where schools like La Plata and Westlake are known for their rigorous standards and community pride.
The ceremony also highlighted the broader context of CCPS’s Class of 2025, which saw 2,284 graduates earn nearly $221 million in scholarships during the main spring ceremonies from May 27 to May 29 at Regency Furniture Stadium. The CCPS Summer Commencement complements these achievements, offering a second chance for students to join their peers in celebrating their high school completion. Families across Waldorf, La Plata, and beyond filled the stands, reflecting the tight-knit Southern Maryland community’s support for its youth.
The CCPS Summer Commencement not only honored academic perseverance but also set the stage for graduates’ next steps. Whether pursuing college, careers, or military service, these students embody the resilience Navarro praised. As Southern Maryland continues to grow, with its 38 schools fostering leadership and character, the CCPS Summer Commencement remains a testament to the region’s dedication to every student’s success.
