The Board of Education of Charles County on April 14 recognized six Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students for their academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness.

Honored were Daxton Bates, a prekindergarten student at the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata, fifth-grade students Jurnee Nichols of Walter J. Mitchell and Elijah Brady Salmo of Mary B. Neal elementary schools, eighth graders Liam McCrae of the Phoenix International School of the Arts (PISOTA) and Anshu Shrestha of Mattawoman Middle School, and Paola Cercos Teverino, a North Point High School senior.

Four-year-old Bates does not experience school in the same way as many of his peers, Candice Vallandingham-Adam, coordinator at ELC, La Plata, said. “He is autistic and still learning how to use his words,” she said. “However, he has grown to be such an active participant in the classroom and school.” Bates was honored for personal responsibility as he has proven throughout the school year that he is growing and learning. At one time, Bates would refuse to enter the center, now he sits with classmates for small group sessions and holds the hands of his peers when walking to their specials. “His personal growth has been tremendous,” Vallandingham-Adam said.

Each day Nichols walks into Mitchell she comes prepared and ready to learn. “She demonstrates a strong work ethic and genuine love of learning across all subject areas,” Mitchell Principal Diedra Barnett said. Nichols was recognized for academic achievement earning praise for her focus, responsibility and persistence. “She is a diligent student with strong critical thinking skills who listens actively and collaborates effectively,” Barnett said. Her academic prowess is second only to her outstanding character. Nichols is one of the first to help out her peers and lend a hand. Outside of school, she enjoys playing flag football and basketball, loves dancing and is learning how to play the saxophone.

Salmo stays busy at Neal as a member of the school’s Sailors program, math team, Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) team and safety patrol. He balances it all with attention to academics by taking sixth-grade accelerated math and maintaining Principal’s Honors. Salmo, who was honored for academic achievement, will complete an assignment then look for additional work to satisfy his curiosity. He also helps out classmates if they need assistance. “Elijah is an exceptionally motivated and diligent learner who consistently goes beyond all aspects of his education,” Neal Principal Mike Hoffman said. “He is a supportive and compassionate classmate.” Salmo enjoys playing basketball and practicing taekwondo. He also has a soft spot for animals, particularly goats.

While a student at PISOTA, McCrae has maintained a 4.0 GPA and been an active and engaged student in extracurricular activities. McCrae was recognized for academic achievement and has scored a Level 4 in math in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) and nearly a 4 on the English/language arts MCAP. A student leader, McCrae is the vice president of his class and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. “He is a scholar who genuinely cares about his school community, the success of his peers and the pursuit of academic excellence,” Jasmine Bateman, Ed.D., principal of PISOTA, said. McCrae said he strives to do good in the world. “I’m living to be better than the people before me,” he said.

Shrestha is considered a “model student” at Mattawoman and was recognized for career readiness. “She is driven, ambitious, conscientious and very thoughtful of everyone in the Mattwoman community,” Anthony Carroll, Mattawoman’s principal, said. Shrestha is a member of the school’s eighth-grade Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, she is active in the Student Government Association (SGA) and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She plays basketball and is a member of the Mattawoman track team. When she’s not in school, Shrestha enjoys cooking.

During her time at North Point, Teverino has taken 14 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and met and/or exceeded a passing score on each AP exam she has taken. She is expected to graduate in June in the top 5% of her class with a 4.4 GPA. Teverino is interested in studying political science in college on a pre-law track. Outside of her classes, Teverino volunteers as a tutor in math and Spanish, is president of the World Language Honor Society and was chosen for the Maryland Student Page program, where she worked as a page for the Maryland General Assembly during the legislative session. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and plays varsity flag football and basketball at North Point.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 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).