Proud of our graduates
Three days, 2,062 diplomas conferred, 17,500 guests in attendance and more than $66 million in scholarships offered. Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) graduation weekend was a success, thanks to the work of so many people.
This past weekend is one more example of why I am proud to work in CCPS. Graduation is the culmination of everything that we do, and the graduation ceremonies showed how, when we work together, we can accomplish amazing things. CCPS employees practiced with the graduates, distributed diplomas, cleaned the Convocation Center between each ceremony, assisted guests in finding seats, provided a livestream video, directed traffic/ parking, redecorated the venue in each school’s colors and traditions, greeted and assisted parents, prepared and served food, transported equipment to and from the site, volunteered to work Project Graduation, managed students as they lined up to graduate, monitored weather forecasts and made dozens of on-thespot decisions to ensure a successful event for each and every family.
CCPS didn’t do this alone. There were many other people who helped make graduations memorable for the Class of 2016. Thanks to Sheriff Troy Berry and the members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, our stalwart partner, for providing security and safe access and egress from the campus. The Maryland State Highway Administration provided signage alerting everyone of the increased traffic. A special thank you to our public officials who attended graduations and extended their personal congratulations as graduates received a diploma.
We also thank our partners at the College of Southern Maryland and the Charles County Citizens for Substance Free Youth for hosting Project Graduation all three nights. This alcohol and drug-free graduation party has been held for the past 31 years due to the tireless leadership of John Hayden and his group of dedicated volunteers. It provides a fun, safe haven for our graduates.
I am honored to live and work in Charles County, where agencies, businesses and people work together to support children.
We are truly stronger together, and I appreciate the significant support we received from each person who played a role in providing the very best graduation for the Class of 2016.