LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of Education recognized five students Monday for their strong performances in academics, personal responsibility and career preparation during its monthly meeting at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building.
The honors spotlighted elementary, middle and high school pupils from across the district, highlighting contributions that align with Charles County Public Schools’ focus on holistic student development. Board members presented certificates to the recipients, who represent schools in Waldorf, Newburg and La Plata areas. The event underscored the district’s commitment to celebrating milestones amid its strategic plan for 2025-2029, which emphasizes college and career readiness for its roughly 28,000 students.
Eldana Dumessa, a fifth grader at Eva Turner Elementary School in Waldorf, received acknowledgment for career readiness. At 10 years old, she has pursued opportunities beyond standard coursework. She approached school staff about the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, or AVID, which equips middle and high school students with organizational tools, note-taking skills and college application guidance to support rigorous curricula. Dumessa collaborates with her counselor on long-term goals and aids weekly operations at the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports store, a component of the district’s PBIS framework that promotes positive actions through incentives and data-driven strategies. Last year, she assisted in coordinating Career Day events.
Academically, Dumessa has held honor roll status since third grade, with top marks in reading and math on i-Ready diagnostic tests and the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program exams. Her efforts extend to community service at her church, where she reads to younger children and assists with instructional sessions. “She has taken the initiative to inquire about the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and works closely with the school counselor to develop plans for her career pathway,” Principal Courtney Gandee stated. “Her leadership extends into service, as she assists with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) store each week and last year helped our school counselor plan for Career Day.” Gandee added, “Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her a true role model for her peers. She inspires others through her actions and dedication to personal growth.” Dumessa aims to pursue pediatrics.
Madison Hrobak, another fifth grader, earned praise for personal responsibility at Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School in Newburg. The school, which opened in 1951 and serves 425 pupils, noted her seamless integration after transferring as a fourth grader. Staff described her as proactive in group settings. “Madison was always helpful in fourth grade, eagerly stepping in whenever a job needed to be done,” fourth-grade teacher Faith Peter observed. “She consistently supported her classmates and worked well with everyone around her.”
Hrobak anticipates classroom needs, from arranging furniture to assisting peers with tasks, without prompting. Each morning, she reports to a kindergarten classroom to support younger learners before completing her own assignments. “Madison is a natural helper, she exudes kindness,” Principal Jennifer Posey remarked. Posey detailed examples, including tidying spaces and troubleshooting devices. “Even though she’s busy being a role model, Madison makes sure to catch up on her own morning work later in the day,” Posey said. “Talk about responsibility!” Her musical interest includes trombone, and she envisions a future in acting.
Esther Olojede, a fifth grader at Berry Elementary School in Waldorf, stood out for academic achievement. Since the second semester of third grade, she has maintained straight A’s across subjects. Identified for gifted services in reading and math at the end of second grade, she now joins virtual sixth-grade math sessions through the district’s program, which screens students in grades two through eight for advanced instruction and enrichment. “Esther consistently exemplifies our school’s 3Rs through her hard work, respect for others and responsibility toward her learning,” Principal LeighAnn McLaud noted. “She is a humble and dedicated student who leads by example.”
Olojede competes on Berry’s math team and Green Club, plays violin and piano, sings in her church choir and practices crocheting. Her goal: teaching mathematics to foster resilience in learners. McLaud explained, “Olojede aspires to become a math teacher because of her love for helping others and promoting a positive mindset towards learning — even when it’s hard.”
Emma McVerry, an eighth grader at Piccowaxen Middle School in Newburg, was commended for academic excellence. The school, established in 1977 with 578 students, feeds into La Plata and McDonough high schools. McVerry holds a 4.0 grade point average and belongs to the National Junior Honor Society. Teachers highlight her punctuality and initiative in studies. “In addition to her stellar academic achievement, she is also a member of the eighth-grade chorus and plays soccer with the La Plata Youth Soccer Association,” Principal Wualanda Thenstead said.
McVerry favors Spanish and science, taught by Lauren Warring. Colleagues call her a “ray of sunshine,” noting her empathy. “She is a very caring student who always looks out for others,” Thenstead said. “She is hardworking, kind and determined, which will continue to be a driving force of her character throughout life.” Thenstead added that McVerry advocates for equity and overcomes obstacles. “All her teachers say that Emma is well-deserving of this award, and they are extremely proud of her.”
Margaret Allen, a senior at La Plata High School, received recognition for progress in the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program, a district initiative blending academic coursework with adaptive skill-building for students with disabilities. “Allen has demonstrated exceptional progress and commitment,” Principal Douglass Dolan stated. She surpasses reading targets and performs well on alternate state assessments, balancing challenges with structured support.
Allen participates in choir for two years, unified sports teams that claimed state titles and the school’s new flag football squad. “Margaret is not only an outstanding student but an amazing teammate,” coach Kareem Otey said. “She always gives 100% and brings an energy to the classroom and team that is unmatchable.” Dolan observed, “Allen brings a smile to everyone’s face, and her happiness is infectious. She exemplifies what it means to be a true La Plata Warrior.” Teacher Nicole Kirton, from Higdon, called her a “social butterfly who encourages and cheers on her classmates and friends. She has always been a leader in the classroom.”
These recognitions reflect broader efforts in Charles County Public Schools, where student spotlights occur regularly to reinforce goals like those in the district’s PBIS and gifted programs. The board’s November meeting also covered audits and joint discussions with county commissioners, emphasizing resource allocation for educational growth. Such events trace back to district traditions of affirming individual paths, from elementary service projects to high school adaptive athletics, fostering a network where students like these contribute to a supportive Southern Maryland learning environment.
