The Board of Education of Charles County each month recognizes outstanding Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students for academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness. Emma Vo, Kenniah Ford, Micheal-Angelo J. Daniels, Ja’nyiah Abban and Amber Jones were honored at the April 16 Board meeting.

Vo, a fourth-grade student at Billingsley Elementary School was recognized for academic achievement and takes pride in being a principal's honor roll student. She was the school’s nominee for the Carson Scholars program, which supports students who embrace academic achievement. She was a member of the school's Destination Imagination (DI) team. Her commitment and devotion helped the DI team advance to the state-level competition, where it received the Spirit of DI Award, given to teams that act as superior role models in the areas of spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship and volunteerism. At the recent History, Industry, Techology and Science (HITS) Expo, Vo’s science fair project in environmental science won first place. She also received a special award from the College of Southern Maryland for showing excellence in science standards. Vo also shares her gifts with other students at Billingsley. “A shining example of helping others, Emma embraces the importance of learning about disabilities, inclusion and acceptance,” Billingsley Principal Sabrina Robinson-Taylor said. “She assists special education students with projects and events using skills learned from monthly Best Buddies Club meetings.”

Now a fifth-grade student at Indian Head Elementary School, Ford has been at the school since she was a prekindergarten student. Honored for academic achievement, Ford has earned a spot on the honor roll every quarter since she has been eligible for the honor. “She comes to school each day ready to learn and always demonstrates academic discipline by completing classwork and assignments on time and to the best of her ability,” Indian Head Principal Shane Blandford said. Ford enjoys reading different genres of novels, especially those that are scary. Her favorite subject in school is art because she likes being creative. “She is a quiet and reserved student, one who does not crave or require the attention of others,” Blandford said. “She leads by example.” In her free time, Ford enjoys reading, playing games, drawing and painting.

Daniels, along with his twin brother, Malachi, is a fifth grader at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School. As soon as he could be on the school’s honor roll, Daniels’ name was among those on it leading him to be honored for academic achievement. Daniels receives gifted services in reading and math, and he takes sixth-grade math classes virtually. He participates in Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy’s orchestra and represented Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy in the All-County Orchestra. Daniels is also a member of the school’s Math Team, Vex Robotics Team and Ironman Group. “One of the most remarkable accomplishments Micheal-Angelo has achieved is posting a distinguished score in the English Language Arts and Math MCAP [Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program] during his fourth-grade year,” Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Principal Mike Hoffman said. Upon graduation from high school, Daniels hopes to become a computer programmer.

Abban is an eighth-grade student at Theodore G. Davis Middle School who demonstrates personal responsibility both at school and in the community through her actions. “Everything Ja’nyiah participates in, both in and outside of school, is to build her capacity as a lifelong learner,” Davis Principal Robert Griffiths said. Abban said she works as hard as she does because she wants to do well in everything that she does.  At Davis, she leads by example and is not afraid to tell students to act right. “This makes her a leader,” Griffiths said. Throughout Abban’s three years at Davis, she has been a member of the step team and held a leadership role as team captain this year. Abban advocates for herself and her classmates and works to create a positive culture at Davis. When she has an idea on how to ensure this, she brings it to the administrative team, never shying away from speaking to adults and sharing her thoughts. Abban is set to attend Westlake High School as a freshman next year and wants to concentrate on studying biology so that she can one day be an obstetrician-gynecologist. Abban is a competitive cheerleader and considers math her favorite subject.

Jones is a Westlake senior who was recognized for career readiness. When she’s not at school or guiding her peers in a leadership role in the school’s JROTC program, Jones works at Foot Locker. “Not content with just academics or work, Amber generously volunteers her time at the local animal shelter, showing compassion and empathy toward animals in need,” Westlake Principal Dana Fenwick said. In her sophomore year, Jones was a leader on the school’s girls basketball team, inspiring her teammates with her dedication. She is a member of the school’s women’s choir and is always willing to step out of her comfort zone to try something new, Fenwick said. Jones maintains a high grade point average and is a role model among fellow students. “Amber's unwavering commitment to excellence and service makes her a standout student and leader within her school community,” Fenwick 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 Kathy Kiessling, 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).