Eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students were recently named 2026 Carson Scholars. The Carson Scholars program recognizes students for high achievement, humanitarian qualities and community service.

As Carson Scholars, students receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Carson Scholars are eligible for annual renewal of the scholarship if they maintain high academic standards and a commitment to their communities. This year, 11 CCPS students earned a renewal from the nonprofit organization.

Students are nominated by their respective school as a Carson Scholar. The selection process is competitive and about 500 new scholars are chosen annually.

CCPS Carson Scholars for 2026

• Ian Beck, fifth grade, Berry Elementary School.
• Natalie Betton, eighth grade, Phoenix International School of the Arts.
• Gabriel Bowling, fifth grade, Dr. James Craik Elementary School.
• Amiyah Cole, fourth grade, Malcolm Elementary School.
• Aaliyah Farid, fifth grade, C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School.
• Owen Holcomb, eighth grade, Piccowaxen Elementary School.
• Ava Jones, fifth grade, Billingsley Elementary School.
• Isabella Pacheco, fifth grade, William B. Wade Elementary School.

Eleven CCPS students received a renewal as 2026 Recognized Carson Scholars. Recognized scholars are students who have received the honor in prior years.

• Skylar Bearor, sixth grade, John Hanson Middle School, (second recognition).
• Madalynn Deavers, freshman, La Plata High School, (fourth recognition).
• Charlotte Fenton, sixth grade, Piccowaxen (third recognition).
• Kiley Grollman, junior, La Plata, (seventh recognition).
• James Harper, seventh grade, Milton M. Somers Middle School (third recognition).
• Jayden Hill, sophomore, St. Charles High School (seventh recognition).
• Aurora Larkin, sophomore, La Plata, (sixth recognition).
• Sydney Pennycooke, eighth grade, Somers (fourth recognition).
• Troy Pettersen, eighth grade, Piccowaxen, (fourth recognition).
• Aaliyah Underwood, senior, North Point High School, (fifth recognition).
• Nya Whitney, senior, Maurice J. McDonough High School, (eighth recognition).

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 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).