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Superintendent praises graduation week, streaming reach; district to review venues for 2026
Summary
The superintendent recapped commencements and recognitions, saying the district streamed more than 1,300 graduates' ceremonies with thousands of views, described a rain-related change at Leonardtown High School, promoted state athletic championships and teacher recognition, and outlined next steps for future commencement venues.
Superintendent [name withheld in transcript] told the St. Mary's County Board of Education June 4 that the district held a busy graduation week and other end-of-year recognitions.
The superintendent said the district graduated more than 1,300 students and streamed ceremonies live; as of a recent screen capture, view counts included roughly 5,500 views for Chopticon High School, over 8,000 views for Leonardtown High School, and about 8,000 views for Great Mills High School. The superintendent said graduation videos are archived on the district website and that the district has broadcasts available going back 11 years.
At Leonardtown High School a rain event prompted last-minute changes; the superintendent described a student petition and a decision with the principal to keep the class together for a final in-person ceremony. The superintendent thanked Principal Kopsi, parents, staff and the 2,300 district employees who supported the events.
The superintendent also highlighted extracurricular successes: back-to-back 4A girls softball state championships (Leonardtown and Chopticon), and track-and-field champions across district schools. Talita Butler, a science teacher at Esperanza Middle School, was recognized as the district teacher of the year and advanced for consideration at the state level. The district held a length-of-service ceremony recognizing staff milestones and retirees; one long-serving employee, Terry Fenwick in the Department of Operations, began work in 1974 and was singled out.
Operational notes and calendar: the superintendent reminded the board that pre-kindergarten's last day is Tuesday, June 10; Wednesday is a half day for students and June 13 is the teachers’ last day. The district will be closed Thursday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
The superintendent said the district will explore larger venues for 2026 commencements, including the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and a reengagement with St. Mary's College to examine current parking and staging constraints, and that staff will report back as options are evaluated.
