Robert D. Stethem Educational Center’s National Technical Honors Society (NTHS) was recently honored on the national level for its dedication and commitment to establishing a strong foundation of excellence within the chapter. Stethem’s NTHS received the Foundational Chapter Award through the national society being one of 16 other recipients of the award in the nation.

“We are grateful and honored to receive this chapter award,” Monique Poole, NTHS advisor at the school, said. “We are striving for greatness, and it makes us feel we are on the right path. Thank you to everyone, school based and on the board level, that continues to support us.”

As the NTHS advisor, Poole builds relationships with students and assists with the development of new leaders in the school and communities. “I also love working with NTHS because they provide an excellent framework for achievement and tools to further develop our scholars,” she said. Each year in the winter, the school hosts its induction ceremony which happens to be one of Poole’s favorite parts of the year. “We have the opportunity each year to acknowledge our staff and community for their contributions,” Poole said. “I am most proud of the leadership that is continuously demonstrated by our scholars. We have high expectations, but in turn, we provide the support needed to exceed them,” she said.

Makaila Lowe, rising senior and president of NTHS at Stethem, believes that the center’s chapter received the award because of the community service that it does. “Also, giving back and making an impact on the community and working with different partner agencies is why we received the award,” she said.

Along with Poole, Lowe’s favorite part of being in the society is the induction ceremony. “It was so special,” Lowe said. “I looked up the seniors and enjoyed receiving my certificate.”

Poole received an award this past year for her involvement in the society on the national level. With this being the second award this year that Stethem has received, Poole and Lowe are excited for what next year has to offer. They want to see more student involvement in the society along with new community service opportunities and partnerships.

“This class is way more timid than other classes, but they are watchers,” Poole said about the 2024-2025 NTHS members. “They look at those before them and are proactive in their approach.” She would like to see the group more active on social media and have more exposure entering this next year. “NTHS is an amazing organization, and the awards are helping us get noticed but it’s not about the award but the recognition of our students,” Poole 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.

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