Skip To Main Content
CCPS students receive honors by Board at January meeting

The Board of Education of Charles County at its Jan. 14 meeting recognized outstanding students for academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness. Students honored included fifth graders Alissa Jackson-Hernandez of C. Paul Barnhart, Leslie Dyches of Dr. Gustavus Brown and Avianna Voudouris of T.C. Martin elementary schools; and McKenzie Hayes of John Hanson Middle School.

Jackson-Hernandez was honored for academic achievement. “If you’ve ever met Alissa, you’d remember her as someone who’s always smiling and goes out of her way to make others feel loved and valued,” Barnhart Principal Carrie Burke said. Jackson-Hernandez has earned straight A’s since third grade making her a fixture on the principal’s honor roll. She scored in the Distinguished range in the 2024 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), achieving one of the highest scores in her grade.  Jackson-Hernandez improved on her i-Ready making 300% and 165% progress in assessment areas. “This year, she’s off to an amazing start, earning the top score in her grade on the fall i-Ready math assessment,” Burke said. Jackson-Hernandez is a talented writer and had a poem published in the 2024 Young American Poetry Digest. She is a member of Barnhart’s math team and outside of school takes part in gymnastics, rollerblading, cooking, and arts and crafts. She would like to attend college, earn a Ph.D. and study medicine to become a pediatrician.

At Dr. Brown, Dyches is focused, attentive and ready to take on any challenge, said Karen Lewis, the school’s principal. “His friends describe him as someone who loves to laugh, tell jokes and bring joy to those around him,” Lewis said. In the classroom, he is a role model, exceling academically, asking thought-provoking questions or offering challenging strategies in class discussions. Beyond academics, Dyches is a member of the Dr. Brown math team and student government. He also enjoys sports, particularly football and basketball. He enjoys drawing, painting, playing video games, watching television and chatting with friends on the phone. Dyches’ has roots in South Carolina, and he would like to attend South Carolina State University to play football, with aspirations of becoming an NFL quarterback. His “plan B” is to become an artist.

Voudouris was recognized for academic achievemen. She was identified for gifted services in reading and mathematics. “She works through any challenges and strives toward her personal best on any task,” Martin Principal Ethel Hosendorf said. Voudouris consistently scores in the Distinguished range on MCAP Assessments. She is a member of Martin’s math team and took part in the recent school rededication ceremony. Outside of school, she plays soccer.

Hayes has attended Hanson since sixth grade and was honored for career readiness. “McKenzie is an extraordinary student who will rise to every occasion,” KaMarie Burse, a Hanson language arts teacher, said. “She is unstoppable when facing obstacles. She is determined and driven to meet expectations and achieve her goals.” Hayes is considering pursuing a career in education due to her interest in child development. Hayes’ dedication to her education is proof she will achieve her goals. “McKenzie has become an exemplary student, changing her focus to achieving greater success with each completed class,” Charles Jones, an instructional assistant in Hayes’ math class, said. “With this focus, she is destined to take firm hold of her high school and professional experiences.” Hayes hopes to become a teacher and eventually serve in a school leadership role. She is a member of Stella’s Girls Inc. and is focused on preparing for high school and beyond. Outside of school, Hayes enjoys coloring, interior design and spending time with family and friends.

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 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).