The Board of Education of Charles County at its May 12 meeting recognized Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students who have stood out to administrators in the areas of academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness.

Honored at the meeting were Ryder Turner, a prekindergarten student at the Early Learning Center, Waldorf; Faith Glover-Monroe, a third-grade student at the F.B. Gwynn Educational Center; fifth graders Holland Anderson of J.P. Ryon and Bryce Muschette of William A. Diggs elementary schools’ eighth grader Se’Maja Bello-Barksdale of Glymont Middle School; and Michel Bose-Cruz, a senior at Thomas Stone High School.

Turner is a Pre-K3 student at ELC, Waldorf, and turned 4 in January. Despite her young age, she is already showing a winning character which prompted center coordinator, Ashley Valenzuela-Carrington, to recommend Turner to be honored for personal responsibility. “She consistently follows our school-wide commitments,” Valenzuela-Carrington said. “Using listening ears, walking feet, a big voice and helping hands.” Turner’s teacher, Kristen Kibler, said that Turner listens the first time, follows routines independently and takes care of her classroom and materials. She transitions smoothly, starts tasks on her own and often knows exactly what to do next without needing reminders. “Even more impressive, she consistently does the right thing, even when no one is watching,” Valenzuela-Carrington said. Turner is a thoughtful classmate who helps others without being asked. She recently saw a classmate struggling to open a container of applesauce and stopped what she was working on to help. “That’s Ryder,” Valenzeula-Carrington said. “She not only takes responsibility for herself, but she naturally looks out for others, too.”

At Gwynn, Glover-Monroe showcases personal responsibility throughout the day. When she first arrived at Gwynn, there were some bumps in the road. In the beginning, Glover-Monroe would not participate in math. Now, she is able to describe the strategies she uses to complete assignments. When it came to reading, she wouldn’t read by herself. Now, she is a student who has raised three reading levels in a year. Her writing skills have flourished. “In schoolwork, Faith went from a student who always needed adult support right by her side to a student who works independently, will redo assignments that she feels didn’t meet her standards and is a hard worker while advocating for herself,” principal of Gwynn Todd Wonderling said. Another area where Glover-Monroe has matured was in coping during stressful situations. Previously, she would become angry and get in trouble. Now, she is able to recognize when frustration is setting in and will take a break to independently get herself back on track. Wonderling said Glover-Monroe has developed skills and positive characteristics that will benefit her as she prepares to enter fourth grade.

Anderson, who was recognized for personal responsibility, came to Ryon a few years ago and made an immediate, positive impression on her classmates and teacher. “Over time, that impact has only grown,” Ryon Principal Nick Adam said. “She continues to uplift and inspire those around her. It is truly rare to find a student so universally admired — every student and adult who knows Holland speaks of her with a smile and genuine appreciation.” Anderson is committed to academics and is enrolled in advanced math, participating in instruction with John Hanson Middle School students, and is also a member of Ryon’s math team. She is a classroom ambassador and a member of the school’s cheerleading team. “Holland takes great ownership of her learning,” Adam said. “She stays organized, closely monitors her progress and proactively seeks feedback and opportunities to improve.” Anderson has a strong work ethic, determination and intellectual curiosity that inspires her peers. Anderson is a kind, respectful and compassionate young leader who treats others with genuine care and empathy. “Whether she is supporting a classmate, offering encouragement or simply brightening someone’s day with her positive attitude, Holland consistently models what it means to be a thoughtful and inclusive member of a school community,” Adam said. “She is the type of student who notices when others need support and steps in without hesitation.”

At Diggs, Muschette is a star student, excelling in all academic subjects which made him a natural fit for recognition in the area of academic achievement. Although only in fifth grade, Muschette is described as “intellectual” and a student who can grasp concepts with ease. “He is often a ‘go-to’ for other students, especially in [advanced] math,” Diggs Principal Ben Harrington said. In addition to being an academic powerhouse, Muschette is kind and compassionate, a person who gets along with everyone. “He has a good relationship with everybody,” Harrington said. Muschette is a model student who embodies the characteristics of a William A. Diggs Hawk. “He respects everyone, acts responsibly and works as an integral team member in reading and math groups, but also on the various extracurricular teams he’s on,” Harrington said. Muschette is identified for gifted and talented services in both reading and math and has been part of the accelerated math program, taking Grade 6 advanced math. His extracurricular activities include being on the mathematics, engineering and science achievement (MESA) team and the fifth-grade math team. He is a safety patrol and a member of the All-County Band. Outside of school, Muschette plays flag football and soccer. He enjoys playing Madden 26 and wants to be a police officer, like his dad, when he grows up. Muschette told Harrington that he feels it is important to “clean up the streets.”

Bello-Barksdale is a curious and active student at Glymont. She was recognized for career readiness as she demonstrates a willingness to learn, address and engage with instruction, and work to improve. Bello-Barksdale is on top of her academics. “Se’Maja has been a positive influence in her Algebra I class,” Sean Anderson, Glymont math teacher, said. “Se’Maja is a peer expert in algebraic topics and assists her peers in order to establish a better understanding.” Bello-Barksdale has worked extremely hard in all classes, revising work and is willing to take an academic risk. “Her teachers say Se’Maja really is a role model for how to navigate eighth grade and prepare for the high school experience,” Glymont Principal Orlena Whatley. “Her kindness and respect make a lasting impact, and she contributes to a school culture built on empathy and kindness.” Bello-Barksdale takes part in extracurricular activities including running track, participating in the National Junior Honor Society and finding time to bake with her mom. “Se’Maja naturally leads through her actions,” Whatley said. “She advocates for herself and her classmates, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported.” Bello-Barksdale would like to go into the medical field, hoping to become a neurosurgeon. If she doesn’t take that path, she also is interested in becoming a teacher.

A senior at Stone, Bose-Cruz was honored for personal responsibility. He is committed to academics, leadership and service to others. Throughout high school, he has maintained a strong academic record, earned principal’s honor roll recognition and has carried a 4.0 or higher GPA while completing rigorous coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual enrollment and JROTC leadership courses. Beyond the classroom, he is active in VEX Robotics, the JROTC drill and Raider teams, the National Honor Society and community service efforts. “During a recent food drive sponsored by Thomas Stone’s National Honor Society and Key Club, Michel helped manage and organize food for the event,” Shanif Pearl, Stone’s principal, said. Bose-Cruz has also demonstrated personal responsibility through his participation in the Naval Energetics Technology Apprenticeship Program, where he worked with other student engineers to develop and construct underwater unmanned vehicles, strengthening his teamwork, critical thinking and technical skills. “This experience highlights Michel’s ability to take initiative, collaborate with others and apply himself in a rigorous professional setting beyond high school,” Pearl said. Teachers describe Boze-Cruz as thoughtful, inquisitive, dedicated and committed to doing his best. Teachers note that he balances academics and extracurricular activities with maturity and focus.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 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).