OXON HILL, Md. — The legacy of excellence in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will take center stage at the 2025 PGCPS Hall of Fame Gala, set for Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the MGM National Harbor Hotel, honoring remarkable alumni whose leadership, creativity and service continue to make a global impact.
Hosted by the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS, the event will shine a spotlight on trailblazers like Taraji P. Henson, the Academy Award-nominated actress and mental health advocate, and Tracee Wilkins, NBC Washington investigative reporter and multiple Emmy, Murrow and AP award-winner. Both women represent the power of Prince George’s County roots and the global reach of PGCPS graduates.
Another honoree is Dr. Carey M. Wright, a graduate of DuVal High School and one of the nation’s top education leaders. She was named Maryland’s state superintendent of schools in 2023 and has led efforts to improve student success across the state.
Their stories — grounded in perseverance, purpose and pride — reflect what makes Prince George’s County so special: a community that nurtures dreamers and turns them into doers. Whether in classrooms, newsrooms or on the world stage, these honorees remind current students that excellence begins at home.
Celebrating The 2025 Hall Of Fame Class
The 2025 inductees include educators, humanitarians and professionals who represent the county’s values of perseverance, service and excellence:
- Dr. Carey M. Wright, DuVal High School ’68 – Distinguished Educator
- Dr. James McCarl, Parkdale High School ’76 – Distinguished Humanitarian
- Coach Charles Harley, Central High School ’85 – Distinguished Athlete
- Dr. Shirley Davis, Friendly High School ’84 – Distinguished Professional
- Taraji P. Henson, Oxon Hill High School ’88 – Distinguished Professional
- Tracee Wilkins, High Point High School ’93 – Distinguished Professional
- Chantel Powell, Northwestern High School ’05 – Distinguished Young Leader
- Jakira Hameed (Kira Dior), Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School* ’14 – Distinguished Young Leader
A Community That Continues To Give Back
The Excellence in Education Foundation uses the Hall of Fame Gala as a flagship fundraising event to support student scholarships, educator grants and enrichment programs. Proceeds benefit more than 131,000 students across Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Past honorees include comedian Martin Lawrence, CNN anchor Abby Phillip, Congressman Steny Hoyer, NASA astronaut Richard Arnold and Muppets creator Jim Henson, a 1954 Northwestern High School graduate honored posthumously in 2023.
The gala continues a tradition of recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions in education, public service, entertainment and innovation.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information about the Hall of Fame and past inductees, visit www.eefpgcps.org.
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