The Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council recognized two fifth-grade students from Charles County Public Schools for exceptional accomplishments in gifted and talented education. Audra Dee from Mary H. Matula Elementary School received the Individual Outstanding Student Accomplishment in Gifted and Talented Education Award. Riley Daniels from T.C. Martin Elementary School earned an honorable mention in the same category.
The awards were announced in mid-January 2026, with Dee and Daniels honored in the upper elementary division. They were the only two upper elementary students statewide to receive recognition from the council this year.
To qualify, students must show exceptional performance in specific academic areas, engage in extracurricular clubs and activities beyond the gifted and talented program, and earn commendations from their school system or local, state, or national organizations.
The Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools, works to expand opportunities for students receiving gifted and talented services. The council advises the superintendent on strategies to identify and support gifted students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to advanced learning.
Charles County Public Schools, located in Southern Maryland, serves approximately 27,904 students across 38 schools in grades prekindergarten through 12. The district provides a technologically advanced education focused on character development, leadership, and preparation for higher education and careers. Mary H. Matula Elementary School and T.C. Martin Elementary School are part of this system, offering programs that identify and nurture advanced learners.
Gifted and talented education in Maryland aligns with state guidelines under the Maryland State Department of Education. The advisory council’s recognitions highlight individual student excellence and contribute to broader efforts to strengthen identification processes and program quality across the state. Similar recognitions have occurred in prior years for Charles County students and educators, reflecting consistent emphasis on advanced academics in the region.
The district’s Office of Gifted and Talented Education Services supports a continuum of advanced opportunities, including acceleration in subjects like math and reading. These programs screen students early and provide enriched instruction to meet their potential.
For more information on gifted and talented education in Charles County Public Schools, visit www.ccboe.com.