Charles County Board of Education members honored five Charles County Public Schools students on January 13, 2026, during their regular monthly meeting in La Plata for outstanding achievements in academics, personal responsibility, and career readiness.
The students, nominated by their school principals, represent elementary, middle, and high school levels across the district. Mikhaila Piper, a fourth grader at J.C. Parks Elementary School, received recognition for career readiness. Francis Blumhardt, a fifth grader at Dr. James Craik Elementary School, and Carly Newman, a senior at St. Charles High School, were honored for academic achievement. Ava Schenemann, a fifth grader at Malcolm Elementary School, earned the personal responsibility award. Jamal Ray, an eighth grader at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, was also recognized for academic achievement.
The board presents these student honors each month to celebrate exemplary performance and contributions that align with district goals of preparing students for college, careers, and civic life.
Mikhaila Piper demonstrates early signs of future readiness through consistent high academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular pursuits. Her favorite subject is science, and she plans to become a marine biologist. “Her love of science, the ocean and living organism shines through in her curiosity, classroom engagement and participation in enrichment opportunities,” said J.C. Parks Principal Hughes Valmond. Piper belongs to the school’s SeaPerch Club, where students learn engineering principles by building and operating underwater remotely operated vehicles. She also takes fifth-grade math and competes as a swimmer with an ambition to qualify for the Olympics, a goal Valmond cited as evidence of her discipline and dedication. In addition, Piper serves as an Anchor mentor, working with other student leaders on school projects and attending monthly meetings to support new students from military families. “Mikhaila exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded, future ready leader,” Valmond said. “She is a shining example of what it means to be college and career ready.”
Francis Blumhardt has maintained a 4.0 GPA since third grade, earning recognition for sustained academic excellence. “He consistently demonstrates high-level thinking and an eagerness to learn,” said Dr. James Craik Principal Jason Deihl. Blumhardt receives gifted and talented instruction in reading and writing and has participated in grade-accelerated math for two years. He plays trumpet in the school band, continues private lessons, and competes on a travel baseball team. “What makes Francis truly outstanding is not only his intellect and talent, but also his phenomenal character,” Deihl said. He participates in the Unified baseball team, Craik Buddies program that fosters friendships across ability levels, the school math team, and Destination Imagination, where creative problem-solving teams from Craik have advanced to state competition. Blumhardt is scheduled to appear as a guest on the children’s podcast “The Big Fib” in February. “Francis’s kindness, empathy and leadership enrich our entire school community,” Deihl said.
Ava Schenemann was selected for personal responsibility based on her consistent willingness to assist classmates and staff. “She is almost always the first one to raise her hand,” said Malcolm Principal Scott Hangey. “She is always willing to step in and helps her peers who may be struggling on an assignment.” As captain of the safety patrol, she ensures safe afternoon dismissals to buses. “Ava is patient, caring and is always willing to help her classmates and staff,” Hangey said. She serves as a peer mediator to resolve student conflicts and participates in Best Buddies, which builds inclusive friendships. Outside school, Schenemann plays travel soccer and intends to become a teacher after college.
Jamal Ray, an honors student at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, earns high school credits in geometry and Spanish while taking honors English, science, and social studies. As a member of the AVID program, he focuses on strategies for college and career success. “Jamal consistently takes initiative, asks thoughtful questions and seeks resources that support his success,” said Stoddert Principal Marquelle Peavy. Ray belongs to the National Junior Honor Society, serves as a house leader in the PBIS program, and plays school volleyball. “His strong work ethic, motivation and leadership set him apart from his peers,” Peavy said.
Carly Newman ranks first in the St. Charles High School Class of 2026 with a weighted 4.52 GPA. She participates in the Project Lead The Way Biomedical Sciences program and has completed 12 Advanced Placement courses, including psychology, human geography, U.S. history, pre-calculus, calculus, world history, environmental science, language and composition, and chemistry. She holds AP Scholar with Distinction status and the school’s Math Department Excellence Award. Newman co-presides over the National Honor Society, serves as vice president of the Red Cross Club, plays soccer, and works as a certified soccer referee. “Carly’s dedication to academics, leadership and service exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding student,” said St. Charles Principal Tammika Little. She plans to study chemistry at a four-year university and pursue a career as a pediatric anesthesiologist.