The Board of Education of Charles County recognized eight students at its April 8 meeting for outstanding achievements. Students honored included prekindergarten student Camyrn Williams of the Early Learning Center, Waldorf; fifth-grade students Kassia-Lina Aguilar of William A. Diggs Elementary School, Cayden Gilly of Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, Aayden Gonzales of the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, and Keyla Mendez Hernandez of J.P. Ryon Elementary School; eighth-grade students Callie Neal of General Smallwood Middle School and Lorenzo Williams of Matthew Henson Middle School; and Thomas Stone High School senior Brayden Hooker.

Students are honored in the areas of academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility.

Camryn Williams was recognized for personal responsibility. “She consistently demonstrates personal responsibility, kindness and a remarkable work ethic,” Ashley Valenzuela-Carrington, ELC, Waldorf, coordinator, said. “Camryn just turned 4 in December and is the type of student every teacher hopes for.” Williams is described by ELC staff as polite, positive and always ready to lend a helping hand. Williams displays a commitment to taking responsibility in the classroom. “She not only cleans up her own materials when it’s time to tidy up, but she also encourages her classmates to do the same in a very nurturing way,” Valenzuela-Carrington said. Avita Purnell, Williams’ teacher, said that she is always focused and engaged, and naturally understands the importance of listening and following directions. Williams has mastered the art of paying attention and staying on task, even when there are distractions around her. She is a role model for her peers and her helpful nature, strong work ethic and ability to stay on top of her responsibilities contribute to a positive classroom environment, Valenzuela-Carrington said.

Aguilar is a role model who consistently demonstrates qualities of kindness, leadership and respect leading her to be honored for personal responsibility. Her involvement as a safety patrol and student ambassador showcases a dedication to helping others and ensuring the well-being of her peers. Staff at Diggs said that Aguilar goes above and beyond to support her classmates, offering help when needed and always being patient and understanding. “Kassia-Lina is not only thoughtful and organized but is also a diligent worker who takes her assignments seriously,” Diggs Principal Ben Harrington said. “She consistently produces high-quality work and demonstrates a strong work ethic.” Aguilar participates in both group and collaborative student groups and is often tapped to lead the group. “Kassia-Lina is calm, respectful and listens to her group’s contributions,” Harrington said. “Her kindness, patience and respect for others show why she is a wonderful role model of the HAWKS rules.”

Gilly was recognized for academic achievement.  He is a bookworm who enjoys reading and when he has free time in class, he can usually be found lost in a book. In fact, he told his principal, Kevin Jackson Sr., if he had his way, he would spend all his free time in class reading a book. Gilly is new to Jenifer this year but hit the ground running. His teachers call him an engaged student who comes to school ready to learn. He is active in group activities, enriching the interactions with his insights.  “Cayden is one of the first to help his classmates with an assignment, as he has a grasp on various subjects,” Jackson said. Outside of school, he enjoys playing football and video games. He would like to play football professionally and understands he needs to maintain good grades to attend college.

Gonzales was recognized for personal responsibility. “He has endured a lot of hardships when it comes to school,” Gwynn Principal Todd Wonderling said. Gonzales wasn’t always focused on being the best student. “I didn’t like school that much. I got in trouble a lot and I never really connected with the people there,” he said.  Gonzales came to the Gwynn Center at the end of his third-grade year and has made tremendous growth during that time, Wonderling said. Gonzales’ teachers describe him as being motivated to learn, kind to his peers, optimistic about his future and always up for a challenge. “He is a student who won’t quit,” Lakeisha Webster, a teacher at the center, said. “When things get hard in school, Aayden will buckle down and is determined to learn a new concept, whether academic or emotion.” His growth as a student means Gonzales will soon transition back to his home school. “This is an amazing accomplishment for his family, teachers and most especially Aayden,” Wonderling said.

Hernandez’s dedication to her education leading to her being recognized for academic achievement. She is a seven-time Honor Roll recipient, Core Value Award winner for commitment, generosity and respect, and has earned certificates of recognition for participation in the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) art show and spelling bee. She has perfect attendance and has reached i-Ready goals in math and reading. In a recent “lunch bunch” session, Hernandez shared that her favorite subject is math and expressed immense pride in meeting her i-Ready assessment goals this year. Hernandez credited several important role models in her life. “She spoke fondly of her fourth-grade teacher, Wendy Dessalines, who fostered her love for math and demonstrated the profound impact educators have on their students,” Ryon Principal Nick Adam said. Hernandez also said the influence of her counselor, Kimberly Gilliam, whose kindness and encouragement have inspired her to help others. Hernandez said her mother, Maria, is her hero and No. 1 inspiration, teaching her the importance of determination and perseverance even when faced with challenges. “My mom is tough and never gives up,” Hernandez said. “I am the same way. When things are tough, I never give up.” Outside of academics, Hernandez plays basketball and football, playing with her cousin and playing football games with her brother.

Neal has achieved Principal’s Honors the three years she has attended Smallwood leading to her being honored for academic achievement. “She enjoys coming to school, being a part of the community and seeing her friends,” Smallwood Principal Orlena Whatley said. “She also likes to work with other students and prides herself on being able to help others gain understanding in an area they are struggling.” Neal said her favorite class is Algebra because she enjoys the challenge, and her teacher, Sean Anderson, makes the class enjoyable. Neal is taking Algebra, Spanish II and Introduction to Engineering and Design, all for high school credit. She is on the Smallwood basketball team, track team, is a member of the Bulldawg News Network, Student Government Association, National Junior Honors Society and Fashion and Modeling Club. Neal is a member of Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and enjoys working with social studies teacher Jocelyn Rega and other students to prepare for college. Neal’s parents were both D1 athletes, and she is following in their footsteps as she has her eye on playing softball for Oklahoma State University. She would like to get a degree in construction management, like her father. Next year, Neal will attend North Point High School as a student in the construction design and management program.

Although he is still in middle school, Lorenzo Williams was recognized for career readiness. Earning a 4.0 throughout his time at Henson, Williams has mastered the content taught in his classes and maintained the high level of excellence with his strong work ethic and diligence. He is enrolled in three high school credit courses but finds the time to take part in extracurricular activities. Williams is a member of the Vex Robotics team, drone club, archery team and SeaPerch. He is also a member of the school’s band where he plays the saxophone. “Lorenzo is a high achiever whose smile draws you in. He greets everyone and is respectful to both students and staff alike,” Yolanda Curtis, Henson’s career coach, said. “He is a go-getter and stays focused on his passions to do and learn more in the subject.” Outside of school, he volunteers to work with toddlers at Life Point Church and loves to create YouTube videos. Upon graduating from high school, Williams plans to pursue a career as a software engineer to create animation.

Hooker, a senior involved in Stone’s Project Lead the Way program was honored for career readiness. He wants to become a mechanical engineer and has earned experience as an intern at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division. “Brayden has gained practical, real-world skills that have enhanced his technical expertise and provided a deeper understanding of the engineering field,” Shanif Pearl, Stone’s principal, said. While an intern, Hooker helped to archive documentation, develop drawings and learned to create a test plan for a new filter housing. “These experiences have further refined Brayden's technical abilities and strengthened his readiness for a future in engineering,” Pearl said. Hooker is a member of the W.E.B. Dubois Honor Society and participated on the Unified track and field team. He has demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining perfect attendance and earning a place on the Honor Roll. Hooker plans to attend college this fall to continue studying engineering. 

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 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).