During its Nov. 12 meeting, the Board of Education of Charles County recognized Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students who show outstanding academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness. Honored were fifth graders Arth Hirpara of Mary H. Matula, Aaliyah Lopez of Gale-Bailey and Muhammad Rayyan of Arthur Middleton elementary schools, Jennifer Ipina-Guerra, an eighth-grade student at Milton M. Somers Middle School and Maurice J. McDonough High School senior Conley Onyeador.

Hirpara was recognized for personal responsibility. He said he always tries to do his best and has seemed to inherit his mother’s knack for organization. Hirpara said his mother is very organized and he makes organization a priority. “At school, Arth keeps his folders on one side of his desk with his laptop and pencil pouch on the other side,” Matula Principal Carrie Richardson said. “He said this allows him to always know where his needed materials are. He also keeps his violin materials organized so that he is ready to practice daily at home.” This year, Hirpara is attending sixth-grade math classes virtually, and when he returns to his classroom from virtual instruction, he transitions back easily, Josephine Coombs, Hirpara’s teacher, said.  “If his class is still working, Arth purposefully selects an assignment to work on until his class is finished,” Richardson said. His work is always complete, neatly done and submitted on time. Outside of the classroom, Hirpara enjoys playing basketball and soccer with his friends. He also enjoys going to work with his dad, especially when he is training new employees. Hirpara plans to attend college where he hopes to major in engineering.

Lopez comes to class prepared every day and her work is always completed at a high level of efficiency, leading her to be honored for academic achievement. “What stands out about Aaliyah is her success and her willingness to support others,” Gale-Bailey Principal Tangie Scales, Ed.D., said. “If a classmate is struggling, she always steps in to help.” During small group sessions, Lopez actively participates, answering questions and contributing to the discussion. Her confidence in speaking up and asking questions when she doesn’t understand a concept creates opportunities for her teacher to address areas where the class might need more clarification, which ultimately helps her peers. “This natural leadership, combined with her love for learning, sets Aaliyah apart as someone who not only thrives academically but also fosters a positive learning environment for those around her,” Scales said. Outside of her academic achievements, Lopez enjoys art and ice skating. She would like to sell her artwork and own a cell phone business after graduation. “This is a testament to her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit,” Scales said.

Middleton fifth grader Rayyan enjoys being academically challenged and learning new skills so it is no surprise he was honored for academic achievement. “Muhammad brings an outside perspective into the classroom and has a positive attitude toward difficult and challenging tasks,” Middleton Principal Nicole Hawkins said. “He volunteers to help his fellow classmates in math and is amazing at recognizing unspoken meanings in literature.” Rayyan demonstrates an exceptional academic performance and his attention to detail is well above his peers, Hawkins said. In his free time, Rayyan is an avid cricket and badminton player.

Ipina-Guerra was recognized for academic achievement and is the first to help her classmates with their academics, particularly multilingual learners. “Jennifer’s teachers shared that she regularly makes sure her English Language Development (ELD) peers understand assignments. She takes a genuine interest in the lessons and is a pleasure to teach,” Somers Principal Gary Lesko said. “Jennifer’s teachers also stated that she is helpful, trustworthy and takes her role as a student mentor quite seriously.” Ipina-Guerra’s actions speak louder than words and she consistently shows compassion, empathy and dedication to helping those around her. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, participates in the school’s drama club and participates in Black History Month initiatives. “Rarely do you have a student who is equally respected and revered by the staff and by their peers,” Lesko said. “Jennifer is the kind of student who instantly makes the school and school community better just by her presence.” Outside of school, Ipina-Guerra is active in her church and takes on household chores by feeding animals and taking care of livestock on her family farm.

Onyeador carries an impressive slate of classes at McDonough where he is a senior. He takes Advanced Placement (AP) psychology and statistics and carries a 4.47 GPA. Before his senior year, Onyeador had six AP classes under his belt and is currently ranked in the Top 5% of his class. “This past summer, Conley took a math class through the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) on his own so that he could meet a prerequisite for his desired major of economics in college,” McDonough Principal Darnell Russell said. Onyeador is a member of the National Honor Society, assists with peer tutoring and is the model for a student-athlete. After suffering an injury that sidelined him from playing, Onyeador became the manager for the boys soccer team this season. “On the team he provides valuable input to the practices and game coordination to assist the coaching staff,” Russell said. Onyeador has plans to return to playing soccer as a member of a select team through USA Major League Soccer. “Balancing his studies and sports has been challenging, however, Conley has not earned less than an A throughout his high school career,” Russell said.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).