The Board of Education at its Nov. 4 meeting honored outstanding students for their academic achievements, their demonstration of personal responsibility and career readiness goals.

Those recognized included fifth graders Eldana Dumessa of Eva Turner, Madison Hrobak of Dr. Thomas L. Higdon and Esther Olojede of Berry elementary schools; Emma McVerry, an eighth-grade student at Piccowaxen Middle School; and Margaret Allen, a La Plata High School senior.

Dumessa, who was recognized for career readiness, is already taking an active role at school and home. “She has taken the initiative to inquire about the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program and works closely with the school counselor to develop plans for her career pathway,” Turner Principal Courtney Gandee said. “Her leadership extends into service, as she assists with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) store each week and last year helped our school counselor plan for Career Day.” Dumessa excels academically, earning honor roll status since third grade and consistently posts high scores in reading and math on i-Ready assessments and the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). Outside of school, she continues to give back by volunteering at her church, where she reads to younger students and helps teach lessons. “Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her a true role model for her peers,” Gandee said. “She inspires others through her actions and dedication to personal growth.” Looking ahead to the future, Dumessa plans to be a pediatrician.

Higdon fifth grader came to the school last year as a fourth grader. “She made an impression right away,” Higdon Principal Jennifer Posey said. “Madison was always helpful in fourth grade, eagerly stepping in whenever a job needed to be done,” her fourth-grade teacher, Faith Peter, said. “She consistently supported her classmates and worked well with everyone around her.” For being a team player and always available to lend a hand, Hrobak was honored for personal responsibility. She was lauded by Higdon staff as a student who pays attention to what is going on around her and helps both her teachers and peers without being asked. “Madison is a natural helper, she exudes kindness,” Posey said. When she sees a need, whether it be stacking stools at the end of the day, picking up trash around the room, plugging in computers or a friend that needs help with their work, she jumps up to help, Posey said. Every morning, after checking into her own class, Hrobak heads straight to a kindergarten room — like a superhero in sneakers — to help some of the school’s youngest students kick off their day with smiles and success. “Even though she’s busy being a role model, Madison makes sure to catch up on her own morning work later in the day,” Posey said. “Talk about responsibility!” Hrobak plays the trombone and is interested in the arts, hoping to become an actress when she grows up.

Olojede, a fifth grader, has been a straight A student since the second semester of her third-grade year and continues to excel in all subjects at Berry leading to her being recognized for academic achievement. She was identified for gifted services in both reading and math at the end of second grade and currently participates in Berry’s virtual sixth-grade math class. “Esther consistently exemplifies our school’s 3Rs through her hard work, respect for others and responsibility toward her learning,” Berry Principal LeighAnn McLaud said. “She is a humble and dedicated student who leads by example.” Beyond the classroom, Olejede participates in Berry’s math team and Green Club, and she plays both the violin and piano. Outside of school, she sings in her church choir and enjoys crocheting. Olojedge aspires to become a math teacher because of her love for helping others and promoting a positive mindset towards learning — even when it's hard, McLaud said.

During middle school, McVerry has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and was honored for academic achievement. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and her teachers describe her as being a dedicated student who always turns in assignments on time and goes above and beyond when it comes to learning. “In addition to her stellar academic achievement, she is also a member of the eighth-grade chorus and plays soccer with the La Plata Youth Soccer Association,” Principal Wualanda Thenstead said. At Piccowaxen, McVerry enjoys Spanish class, and her favorite teacher is her science teacher, Lauren Warring. McVerry’s teachers describe her as being a “ray of sunshine” in class. “She is a very caring student who always looks out for others,” Thenstead said. “She is hardworking, kind and determined, which will continue to be a driving force of her character throughout life.” McVerry perseveres through challenges and fights for what it fair and just, Thenstead said. “All her teachers say that Emma is well-deserving of this award, and they are extremely proud of her.”

Allen, a senior at La Plata, was recognized for academic achievement in ACHIEVE, a regional program dedicated to fostering growth in both academic and adaptive skills. “Allen has demonstrated exceptional progress and commitment,” La Plata Principal Douglass Dolan said.  Allen has consistently exceeded her reading goals, and her success on the alternate state assessments reflects not only her hard work and perseverance, but also her ability to thrive in a supportive and challenging learning environment. Allen has been a member of the La Plata choir for the past two years and has been on many of the school’s state championship unified sports teams.  This year, Allen took on the challenge of joining La Plata’s inaugural flag football team where her hard work and enthusiasm is contagious, Dolan said. “Margaret is not only an outstanding student but an amazing teammate,” Kareem Otey, the flag football coach, said. “She always gives 100% and brings an energy to the classroom and team that is unmatchable.” Allen brings a smile to everyone's face, and her happiness is infectious, Dolan said. “She exemplifies what it means to be a true La Plata Warrior,” he said. Despite her involvement in extracurricular activities, Allen maintains academic standards set by her teachers.  “Margaret Allen is our social butterfly who encourages and cheers on her classmates and friends,” Nicole Kirton, a La Plata teacher, said. “She has always been a leader in the classroom.” 

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 39 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).