WALDORF — St. Charles High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 on June 4 at Regency Furniture Stadium, where 396 seniors received diplomas.
Valedictorian Carly Newman encouraged her peers to carry empathy into their futures. “Empathy is something we are all familiar with,” she said. “[Expressing] empathy in meaningful ways is the highest form of wisdom one can possess. One’s ability to care beyond their own needs proceeds any level of education in my mind.” Newman reflected on the empathy shown to her by friends, teachers and loved ones. “The empathy that I’ve been shown by friends, my teachers, my loved ones, to the empathy I’ve seen in my daily interactions will remain with me,” she said. She urged graduates to foster understanding and positive change. “As you go out into the world after today, I hope you will continue to carry with you an outlook for understanding and positive change,” Newman said.
Principal Tammika Little noted the class’s support for one another over four years. “You supported one and other, you celebrated each other’s victories. You’ve demonstrated compassion during difficult times and showed resilience when faced with challenges,” Little said. “By doing so you’ve reminded us that strength is not about standing on your own, it’s about lifting others up along the way.”
The Class of 2026 earned more than $31 million in scholarship offers. St. Charles High School serves students in Charles County. Graduates pursue paths in various fields at institutions across the region and beyond.
The Charles County Public Schools Class of 2026 included more than 2,260 students who earned more than $205 million in scholarship offers, with more expected. The ceremony formed part of CCPS graduation events held at Regency Furniture Stadium. Additional information and recordings of ceremonies are available on the CCPS website and YouTube channel.
