The Board of Education honored four students on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for their accomplishments in academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility, which are the focus areas of the school system's master plan.

Honored were Liam Kerth, fifth-grade student, Dr. James Craik Elementary School; Brian Wathen, second-grade student; Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School; Joshua Leginze, fifth-grade student, Malcolm Elementary School; and Demi Finfera, eighth-grade student, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School.

Kerth was honored in the area of personal responsibility. He has been on the honor roll since third grade and demonstrates a positive attitude in the classroom. Kerth is a member of the school math and Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) team and is an active member of his community. He is also a private first class in the Young Marines and was the honor graduate in his recruiting class.

Wathen was honored in the area of academic achievement. He strives to earn excellent grades on his schoolwork and serves as a role model for other students. Wathen consistently demonstrates a positive attitude toward school and seeks more challenging assignments. Although he is undergoing medical treatment and sometimes works with a home and hospital instructor, he displays a strong work ethic. Higdon Principal Peggy Mertes said Wathen is an inspiration for the school and staff.

Leginze was honored in the area of academic achievement. His teachers describe him as an excellent role model and a hard worker. Leginze maintained straight A's during each quarter last school year and always exhibits a positive attitude toward school. He is a member of the school math and MESA teams, and participates in the Just Say No Club.

Finfera was honored in the area of career readiness. She volunteers in her community and is always willing to assist her teachers and other students. Finfera demonstrates a positive attitude toward learning and serves as a role model for her peers. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the Lego robotics and MESA clubs.

The board honors several students each month for their accomplishments.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-6610/870-3814. For special accommodations call (301) 934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.