Three Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students were recently named 2024 Carson Scholars. The Carson Scholars program recognizes students for high achievement, humanitarian qualities and community service.

Honored this year as new Carson Scholars are Charlotte Fenton, fourth grade, Berry Elementary School; James Harper, fifth grade, T.C. Martin Elementary School; and Lauren-Grace Compton, junior, La Plata High School.

As Carson Scholars, the students receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Carson Scholars are eligible for annual renewal of the scholarship as long as they maintain high academic standards and a commitment to their communities.

Students are nominated by their respective school as a Carson Scholar. The selection process is competitive and about 500 new scholars are chosen annually.

Ten CCPS students received a renewal as 2024 Recognized Carson Scholars. Recognized scholars are students who have received the honor in prior years. They are:

• Noah Cusack, senior, Maurice J. McDonough High School (sixth recognition).
• Madalynn Deavers, seventh grade, Piccowaxen Middle School (second recognition).
• Brady Freundel, senior, Henry E. Lackey High School (eighth recognition).
• Kiley Grollman, freshman, La Plata High School (fifth recognition).
• Jayden Hill, eighth grade, Milton M. Somers Middle School (fifth recognition).
• Jolie Lombardi, senior, La Plata High School (eighth recognition).
• Sydney Pennycooke, sixth grade, Milton M. Somers Middle School (second recognition).
• Troy Pettersen, sixth grade, Piccowaxen Middle School (second recognition).
• Aaliyah Underwood, sophomore, North Point High (third recognition).
• Nya Whitney, sophomore, Maurice J. McDonough High School (sixth recognition).

Each year, the Carson Scholars Fund awards $1,000 college scholarships to a select group of high achieving students in Grades 4 through 12. These students demonstrate an outstanding academic achievement and must have minimum GPA of 3.75.

The Carson Scholars Fund was founded in 1994 by pediatric neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson Sr. to motivate and reward academic excellence in young. The fund has awarded more than 11,000 scholarships in all states and Washington, D.C. More information can be found on the Carson Scholars website at www.carsonscholars.org.

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).