Henry E. Lackey High School Principal Kathy Perriello addressed her last graduating class as a CCPS principal on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 30, when the Chargers matriculated.

After 34 years in education, Perriello is retiring at the end of the school year.

However, her farewell remarks centered on the students. “It’s your day. The one you have planned, pictured and patiently waited for,” Perriello said. “It’s all about you.”

Kaylee Alvey, the class salutatorian, implored her fellow graduates to savor the moment and not be in a rush for the next step. “Today, I encourage you to not worry or wait for the next big milestone in your life. Whether it be college, trade school, military, work force or if you’re still just figuring it out,” Alvey said. “Stop for a moment … We’ve been waiting for this for far too long and once it’s over, we’re not getting it back.” Alvey will study computer engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Raymond Guzzone, the class valedictorian, is carrying on a family tradition. His older brother was Lackey’s valedictorian in 2019. Guzzone will attend University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall where he plans to major in mechanical engineering. While he called his peers the “best looking class of 2023,” Guzzone said that heroes and standouts start off as average people. It is not awards or popularity that equates to greatness. “Remember achieving greatness is not achieving wealth or recognition,” Guzzone said. “It is about making connections, building relationships and I am most grateful for the relationships I’ve made.”

Lackey’s 224 graduates earned $24,924,946 in scholarship offers. Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is celebrating the Class of 2023 with graduation ceremonies through June 2 at Regency Furniture Stadium. Visit www.ccboe.com for the most up-to-date Class of 2023 details.  

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 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).