LA PLATA, Md.—The Board of Education honored five students on Tuesday, Oct. 8, for excellence in academic achievement, personal responsibility and career readiness, the focus areas of the system's master plan. The students honored were John (Jack) Glassman, fifth grade, Mary H. Matula Elementary School; Gregory Griffith, fifth grade, Arthur Middleton Elementary School; Sahana Venkatesh, fifth grade, Gale-Bailey Elementary School; Theodore (Teddy) Hoxie, eighth grade, Milton M. Somers Middle School; Bridget Cunningham, senior, Maurice J. McDonough High School.
Venkatesh was recognized in the area of personal responsibility. Venkatesh completes all her assignments, helps other students when struggling, volunteers answers when asked by the teacher and goes above and beyond, said Gale-Bailey Principal Toni Melton-Trainor. Venkatesh participates in extracurricular activities, such as Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) and the talent show. In the talent show last year, Venkatesh performed and taught Indian dances to students and staff.
Glassman was recognized in the area of academic achievement. Glassman is a member of the chess club and the math team and last year placed second in the county in the math team competition and ninth in the county chess tournament. He expects to earn his black belt in Tae Kwon Do within six months. Glassman also plays guitar outside of school.
Griffith was recognized in the area of academic achievement. He is an accelerated math student who consistently earns honor roll and scores advanced on the Maryland State Assessment (MSA). According to Sabrina Robinson-Taylor, principal of Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Griffith prides himself in striving to do his best in completing all assignments. Griffith participates in MESA, math team, safety patrol, Middleton's Recycling Program, and the Gentlemen of Character. Outside of school, Griffith plays football, wrestles and participates in his church's activities.
Hoxie was recognized in the area of career readiness. Hoxie's teachers describe him as highly motivated, sincerely committed to personal success, hardworking and passionate about nature and environmental studies. Hoxie is enrolled in gifted courses of study, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is an active member of the school band. He maintains a 3.5 grade point average in a rigorous academic program. Hoxie says he is excited to attend La Plata High School next year and his post-secondary plans include the pursuit of a college degree in Earth sciences or forestry. He plans to pursue a career as a park ranger with the state or National Park Service.
Cunningham was recognized in the area of personal responsibility. Cunningham is a member of the STARS program. She is in honors and advanced placement classes, and has made honor roll every quarter since beginning high school. Cunningham placed in McDonough's Science Fair during her sophomore and junior years. She is currently the editor of The McDonough RamPage—McDonough's student-run newspaper. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Divine Ladies, and Future Educators of America (FEA). During the past three years, she has walked mile upon miles—raising money for the March of Dimes, taking dogs for walks at the Humane Society, caroling at a local nursing home, and participating in the Walk to End Homelessness.
Each month the Board of Education honors students for their success in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility.
Source: Charles County Public Schools