LA PLATA, Md. — The Board of Education of Charles County at its March 10 honored outstanding students for academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness.
Those recognized were fifth graders Zi’Eir Bannister of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, Alexander Barnes of Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Milan Hewlett of Margaret J. Thornton and Eleijah Murray William A. Wade elementary schools, Matthew Henson Middle School eighth grader ZouZou Ziden and sophomore Jonah Iman Jr. of the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center.
Bannister was honored for personal responsibility. He has been attending Dr. Mudd since prekindergarten and has always demonstrated responsibility, perseverance and a positive attitude toward learning. Bannister receives gifted services in both reading and math, and he is a member of the school’s math and Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) teams, and plays in the school band.
“Zi’Eir is known for his positive attitude and determination,” Dr. Mudd Principal Portia Parker said. Bannister would like to attend Howard University and has expressed interest in becoming either a firefighter or a chef. “His career interests reflect both his desire to serve others and his creativity,” Parker said. Outside of school, Bannister enjoys spending time playing with his three siblings. Bannister was unable to attend the meeting.
Barnes maintains high academic standards while demonstrating integrity, leadership and responsibility which led to him being honored for academic achievement. At Jenifer, Barnes is a member of the safety patrol and serves as a school ambassador by modeling the school’s “STAR” characteristics.
“Motivated by a desire to help others and contribute to a safe school environment, Alexander leads by example both in and out of the classroom,” LaZedrick Jemison, Ed.D., principal of Jenifer, said.
Outside of school, Barnes enjoys strengthening his faith, singing, reading and helping his family. He stays busy exploring interests such as beekeeping and community service. Barnes would like to become a firefighter or pursuing a career in basketball.
Hewlett is recognized for personal responsibility.
“Milan truly represents what it means to be prepared, engaged and ready to make a positive impact both in and out of school,” Brian King, Ed.D., principal of Thornton, said.
Hewlett is an elite gymnast specializing in vault, and brings dedication and enthusiasm to both athletics and school activities. She is a member of the school’s newspaper club, all-county chorus, safety patrol and the step team. Hewlett loves learning, reading and writing.
“The curiosity and love of learning truly reflect personal responsibility,” King said.
“Milan hopes to become either a gymnast or an emergency surgeon, inspired by watching medical shows with her mom.” King said that both career ambitions show Hewlett’s determination and desire to help others.
At Wade, Murray is a responsible, respectful, hardworking and a positive role model. Although just a fifth grader, Murray is already thinking of her future which prompted Wade staff to recognize her for career readiness. She enjoys science and aspires to become an international biologist specializing in researching plants and animals.
Murray loves to travel, explore the outdoors and study plants and animals. She uses her free time to dive into research about the plants and animals she observes.
“She dreams of combining her love for science with her passion for the natural world, which speaks to her curiosity and career-readiness mindset,” Tangie Scales, Ed.D., principal of Wade, said.
The secret of Murray’s academic success isn’t such a secret.
“I am successful because I work hard and think hard,” she said.
At Wade, Murray is a member of the art club and safety patrol. She participates in cheerleading and is a member of the Children’s Voices of Southern Maryland.
Ziden is an academic superstar at Henson where she excels in accelerated math, honors English and honors science. She was recognized for her academic achievement but beyond the classroom, Ziden is a natural leader.
“Known for her quiet confidence, kindness and strong character, ZouZou inspires peers and teachers alike,” Henson Principal Christina Caballero said. “Her teachers consider her a role model with exceptional potential.”
Teachers speak of Ziden’s sweet and humble spirit, and her gentle presence that lights up the room. She contributes to class discussions and collaborates with peers.
“She models the kind of character we hope to nurture in every young learner,” Caballero said.
Iman is a sophomore at Stethem where staff has noticed his continued academic achievement and personal growth. Iman is an honor roll student who has a 3.78 GPA and takes honors classes.
Outside of school, Iman enjoys writing and creating art. He would like to get into the publishing industry or become an artist following graduation.
“His dedication and strong sense of direction make him a standout student,” Corey Dobbins, principal of Stethem, said.
“His story is a testament to what can happen when hard work meets opportunity, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow, explore his passions and achieve his goals.”