LA PLATA — The Board of Education of Charles County honored five outstanding students during its regular meeting Dec. 9 at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, recognizing excellence in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility.
Fourth-grader Kayla Hawley from Mary H. Matula Elementary School, fifth-graders Oscar Cornelio Chicas of Gale-Bailey Elementary and Chloe Morse of T.C. Martin Elementary, eighth-grader Sofia Morris of Milton M. Somers Middle School, and Maurice J. McDonough High School senior Cori Avent each received certificates and praise from board members, superintendents and their principals.
Kayla Hawley earned recognition for personal responsibility. Despite being in fourth grade, she attends fifth-grade math and competes on Matula’s math team. “She is an extremely driven student who not only meets expectations but regularly exceeds them,” Matula Principal Davita Itsuokor said. “Kayla approaches every assignment with curiosity and purpose, actively seeking ways to make her work her own and extend it beyond what is required.” Hawley also competes as a swimmer outside school.
Oscar Cornelio Chicas received the academic achievement honor. He maintains As and Bs across all subjects at Gale-Bailey Elementary. Principal R. Demetri Sermons described him as “the embodiment of excellence — an avid soccer player, a talented musician and an academically outstanding scholar whose determination, curiosity and character truly stand out.” Teacher Julie Whitney added that Chicas “gives his best effort and goes above expectations” while serving as a role model. His strengths span math problem-solving, creative language arts work, and deep interest in science and social studies.
Chloe Morse of T.C. Martin Elementary was honored for career readiness. She posted straight As in third and fourth grades and continues strong performance in fifth grade. Principal Ethel Hosendorf noted Morse’s varied future goals — CEO, attorney, dermatologist or professional golfer — and praised “her drive, compassion and commitment to excellence.” Morse serves on the school safety patrol as afternoon bus monitor, cheers for the school team, and has been active in Girl Scouts since age 5. As a second-year Junior, she has helped prepare meals at Our Place Waldorf, created Valentine cards for long-term care residents, and placed wreaths at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery.
At the middle school level, Sofia Morris of Milton M. Somers earned academic achievement recognition. Identified as gifted in reading and math, she takes honors classes and has earned multiple awards. Principal Gary Lesko said Morris “consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership and character.” He highlighted her diligence, resilience, and willingness to help peers. Morris serves as secretary of the National Junior Honor Society, works on stage crew for drama club, and participates in several other school organizations.
Maurice J. McDonough High senior Cori Avent also received the academic achievement award. Ranked in the top 10 of the Class of 2026, she captains the It’s Academic team and competes on the polyglot team. Acting Principal Kathy Perriello said Avent hopes to study engineering at Princeton University. Avent authored and published the Spanish-language children’s book “Mar la Estrella: La Estrella Perdió,” with illustrations by classmate Cynclair Wilson. One of only two non-native speakers in AP Spanish at McDonough, she earned the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy last year and takes three additional AP courses. Perriello noted that Avent “leads every day with kindness” and shows respect for diverse viewpoints.
The student recognition segment is a regular feature at Charles County Board of Education meetings. Schools nominate students who exemplify the school system’s core values in academics, behavior, and community involvement. Superintendent Maria V. Navarro and board members personally congratulate each honoree, and the students’ families attend the ceremony.
