The Board of Education of Charles County recognized five standout students from Charles County Public Schools during its February 10, 2026, meeting in La Plata, Maryland. The honors spotlighted excellence in academics, personal responsibility, and career readiness, with school principals nominating the recipients for their exceptional contributions inside and outside the classroom.
The students honored included three fifth graders: Nancy Anyanwu from C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School, Taahirah Diggs from Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, and Santiago Real from Arthur Middleton Elementary School. Also recognized were eighth grader Trieu Nguyen from John Hanson Middle School and junior Erica Hall from Henry E. Lackey High School.
Anyanwu earned praise for her outstanding academic performance and personal accountability. Principal Carrie Burke noted, “It is rare to find a student who combines such high ability with strong work habits and personal accountability.” Anyanwu maintains straight A’s, engages in gifted reading curriculum with advanced comprehension and critical thinking, and takes accelerated sixth-grade math. She has competed on the Barnhart Math Team for two years, contributing to a Top 5 finish last year, and aims to repeat that success in the upcoming elementary math challenge. She posted the highest fall i-Ready scores at her school and serves as a supportive peer leader who explains strategies clearly.
Diggs stood out for her personal responsibility and wide-ranging interests. Principal Karen Lewis described her as “truly a student who never stops exploring.” Diggs enjoys math, writing, crocheting, drawing, swimming, outdoor activities, and playing Roblox to exercise creativity and problem-solving. She actively participates in Destination Imagination, the math team, and the Butterfly Club, where she builds academic skills, collaboration, and creativity that she applies daily in class. Diggs expressed enthusiasm for all subjects, telling Lewis her classes are fun and offer new learning in each one.
Real received recognition for career readiness shown through leadership and initiative at a young age. Principal Nicole Hawkins said, “In the classroom, he stands out as an active listener and participant who contributes thoughtfully to discussions and activities.” Real accesses gifted services, takes sixth-grade math, and participates in safety patrol, morning announcements in English and Spanish, the math team, robotics team, and Destination Imagination. He also competes on community basketball teams. Hawkins added, “Santiago’s enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to take on new challenges show the fifth-grade team that he is well prepared for any career path he chooses.”
Nguyen was celebrated for academic achievement and humility. Teachers at Hanson described her as positive, consistent, creative, kind, and helpful. Computer teacher and VEX Robotics coach Daniel Meltser said, “She has the desire to learn and show her knowledge.” Nguyen has earned straight A’s throughout her three years at the school and will graduate with five high school credits, including current geometry at Thomas Stone High School. She belongs to the National Junior Honor Society and the robotics team. Art teacher Joshua Torres praised her focus, enthusiasm, and originality: “The amount of detail and originality in everything she completes is nothing short of amazing.” Science teacher Michael Sechrengost called her “truly on another level,” predicting “amazing things happening in her future.” Nguyen often assists classmates in challenging subjects.
Hall, a consistent honor roll student, was highlighted for natural leadership and academic achievement. Principal Cheryl K. Davis commended her initiative when the chorus lost its teacher mid-rehearsal for the winter concert. Hall stepped forward independently to lead rehearsals, organize music, coordinate with substitutes, and update administrators. Davis stated, “She had taken charge and kept rehearsals moving,” and added, “It was Erica who organized the music and class rehearsals. Her assistance was invaluable.”
These recognitions reflect the ongoing commitment of Charles County Public Schools to celebrate student excellence across grade levels and skill areas.