WALDORF, Md. – Thomas Stone High School’s Class of 2025 was lauded by administrators and class leaders at its May 29 graduation.
Cougar Pride was on display at Regency Furniture Stadium. From members of the class applauding guests in sync with four quick claps to Principal Shanif Pearl recalling a prank that was successful thanks to the participation of most of the seniors.
The prank, which roped in Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., included hiding the desks and chairs of staff members and students. The mystery of the missing chairs that led staff on a scavenger hunt was inspired and near flawless. “It was chaotic, it was creative, and it was exactly the kind of joyful disruption that made the year unforgettable,” Pearl said. “You have reminded all of us that change doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be imaginative; it can build connection and sometimes it reveals itself in the middle of a well-played prank that leaves the whole school smiling.”
“That moment didn’t just show us your sense of humor. It showed us your ability to organize, to collaborate and work together,” Pearl said. “You used your voices to plan something inclusive, lighthearted and brilliant – and that’s leadership too. It was one of our best Cougar Pride moments.”
Jordan Loeffler and Maida Nazir were the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively of the more than 272 Thomas Stone graduates. Nazir, who will attend the University of Maryland, College Park to study public health science, said she appreciated spending the past four years with her fellow graduates.
“You are some of the most resilient, talented and fearless people I have ever met. We have made it through so much together. Today marks the beginning of an end one allowing us to shape our own paths, to make an impact and to keep learning. Not just books, but from life,” she said.
Loeffler will also attend the University of Maryland, College Park where she will study aerospace engineering.
“Depending on who you ask, it’s either the journey or destination that’s more important,” Loeffler said. “But we all know you can’t have one without the other.” She urged her fellow graduates to stand up for themselves, be authentic, to question and push back against confidence cloaked as authority and fancy titles that mask mediocrity.
Pearl asked the graduates to do good in the world. “Keep creating moments that matter, that challenge the status quo; that call people in and not just out. Be the ones who push for better. Then be the ones to do the work to make better real,” she said. “The world isn’t just waiting for you, it’s counting on you.”
The Stone Class of 2025 earned more than $17.5 million in scholarship offers. The graduates recently participated in an end-of-year project where they shared memories of high school and gave advice to younger students. Click here to watch the feature on the CCPS YouTube channel.
La Plata High School will graduate at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 29 at Regency Furniture Stadium, with Maurice J. McDonough High School graduation set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 30, at the stadium.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 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).