Twelve seniors finished their high school coursework requirements and graduated from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Aug. 6 during summer commencement exercises at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. The ceremony was virtual; however students, following safety protocols, were able to walk across the center’s stage and accepted their diploma from Principal Curry Werkheiser.
Representing five high schools, the graduates wore caps and gowns in their respective schools’ colors.
The virtual summer graduation featured Marvin Jones, executive director of schools, as the guest speaker, and included messages from Superintendent Kimberly Hill and members of the Board of Education.
Jones said the 12 graduates traveled a unique road filled with challenges, but never gave up their goal to graduate. He said, “It is no secret that this program may look a little different than others, but recognize that the ceremony is really not the point. The point is that through all of the challenges you have faced, and all of the opportunities to give up, you didn’t. You pressed on and preserved and as a result you will receive that same piece of paper that every other graduate receives in the state of Maryland.
“You have demonstrated you have what it takes to succeed. You are ready for the world, now go out and conquer it. Go to school. Go to college, community college, trade school, beauty or barber school. Enlist in the military, join the workforce. Whatever you choose, be positive and productive in your life. And, as you are able, offer to help or support someone else along the way, for that someone else may be you at a later time in life,” Jones said.
Summer graduates are Keryanne Ivana Rojas, Henry E. Lackey High School; Ryan Terrelle Anderson, North Point High School; Troy Andrew Chase, Breanna Azaria Neal, Marquan Justice Dailey, Ian-Simplice Ncho Obare and Ashanti Ziona Vaughan, St. Charles High School; and Bobbi Jenee Jones, Janiya Tionne Lewis and Immanuel Lydell Neal, Westlake High School.
Students who complete their high school graduation requirements during summer school receive their diplomas at Summer Commencement Exercises. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students attended virtual summer classes and graduated during a hybrid ceremony, which is available to view by clicking here.
About Us
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 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 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).
Representing five high schools, the graduates wore caps and gowns in their respective schools’ colors.
The virtual summer graduation featured Marvin Jones, executive director of schools, as the guest speaker, and included messages from Superintendent Kimberly Hill and members of the Board of Education.
Jones said the 12 graduates traveled a unique road filled with challenges, but never gave up their goal to graduate. He said, “It is no secret that this program may look a little different than others, but recognize that the ceremony is really not the point. The point is that through all of the challenges you have faced, and all of the opportunities to give up, you didn’t. You pressed on and preserved and as a result you will receive that same piece of paper that every other graduate receives in the state of Maryland.
“You have demonstrated you have what it takes to succeed. You are ready for the world, now go out and conquer it. Go to school. Go to college, community college, trade school, beauty or barber school. Enlist in the military, join the workforce. Whatever you choose, be positive and productive in your life. And, as you are able, offer to help or support someone else along the way, for that someone else may be you at a later time in life,” Jones said.
Summer graduates are Keryanne Ivana Rojas, Henry E. Lackey High School; Ryan Terrelle Anderson, North Point High School; Troy Andrew Chase, Breanna Azaria Neal, Marquan Justice Dailey, Ian-Simplice Ncho Obare and Ashanti Ziona Vaughan, St. Charles High School; and Bobbi Jenee Jones, Janiya Tionne Lewis and Immanuel Lydell Neal, Westlake High School.
Students who complete their high school graduation requirements during summer school receive their diplomas at Summer Commencement Exercises. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, students attended virtual summer classes and graduated during a hybrid ceremony, which is available to view by clicking here.
About Us
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 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 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).