In a significant boost to educational opportunities, the Charles County Juneteenth Foundation Inc. recently awarded $500 scholarships to 14 Charles County high school graduates from the Class of 2025. The nonprofit, dedicated to celebrating Juneteenth and promoting African American heritage, recognized these students for their academic achievements and commitment to higher education. Each recipient met rigorous criteria, including submitting a short essay, a final high school transcript, and a college acceptance letter, to secure the award.
The 2025 scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of scholars from across Charles County’s public high schools, now pursuing studies at various universities. Jaeon Allen, a Thomas Stone High School graduate, is attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Christopher Brown from St. Charles High School and Reece Hart from Henry E. Lackey High School are both enrolled at Johnson C. Smith University. Nina Bulls and Matsilah Dunn, also Thomas Stone graduates, are studying at Morgan State University and Fayetteville State University, respectively. Kaelyn Dorsey, a North Point High School alum, is at Spelman College, while Nolani Green from Maurice J. McDonough High School attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Other recipients include Julisa Hernandez and Zahara R. Kondo-Freeman, both Thomas Stone graduates, now at Stevenson University and Le Moyne College, respectively. KaMir Mayon from La Plata High School is at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Christina Monticquee, another Thomas Stone graduate, is also at Stevenson University. Zoie Robinson and Chloe Stanford, both from Westlake High School, are attending Johnson C. Smith University and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, respectively. Sydney Watson, a St. Charles graduate, is pursuing studies at Coker University.
The Charles County Juneteenth Foundation, established to educate the community about Juneteenth and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) initiatives, has made a substantial impact since its inception in 2020. According to the foundation, it has reached over 5,000 community members through events that unite families, businesses, and cultural organizations to honor African American history and its ongoing legacy in Charles County. The foundation’s annual Juneteenth celebration, a cornerstone of its mission, highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region while fostering community engagement.
Juneteenth, commemorating the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, holds deep significance in Charles County, where African American history is woven into the fabric of the community. The foundation’s scholarship program, funded through donations and sponsorships, underscores its commitment to empowering young scholars. By providing financial support, the organization helps alleviate the burden of college costs, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
The application process for the scholarships is designed to identify dedicated students with clear academic goals. The requirement of a short essay allows applicants to articulate their aspirations, while the transcript and acceptance letter ensure a strong academic foundation and commitment to higher education. This structured approach reflects the foundation’s emphasis on rewarding excellence and potential among Charles County’s youth.
Beyond scholarships, the foundation supports BIPOC businesses and organizes cultural events to promote inclusivity and awareness. Its annual community celebration, held in June, draws hundreds of residents to local venues for performances, educational workshops, and activities that highlight African American contributions to Southern Maryland. These efforts align with the foundation’s broader mission to bridge cultural gaps and foster unity in Charles County, a region with a population of approximately 160,000, where community ties run deep.
For those interested in supporting or learning more about the foundation’s work, the organization encourages community involvement. Donations and sponsorships are critical to sustaining the scholarship fund and other programs. Interested individuals can contact the foundation directly at charlescountyjuneteenth@gmail.com for details on how to contribute or participate in upcoming events
The Charles County Juneteenth Foundation’s efforts resonate deeply in a region with a rich history of African American resilience and achievement. Charles County, one of Maryland’s oldest jurisdictions, has long been a hub for cultural and historical milestones, from its Native American heritage to its role in the Civil War era. The foundation’s work builds on this legacy, ensuring that future generations have access to educational opportunities and a platform to celebrate their heritage.
By recognizing the accomplishments of these 14 graduates, the foundation not only supports individual students but also strengthens the community as a whole. The scholarship program, now in its fifth year, continues to grow, with plans to expand its reach as donations increase. As Charles County looks toward the future, initiatives like these highlight the power of education and cultural pride in shaping a vibrant, inclusive community.
