A special episode of Amplified is now available! 🎙
As he prepares for retirement, Superintendent Dr. Jared A. Cotton joins us for a candid conversation about his time leading Chesapeake Public Schools and the journey that brought him back home to serve the community that helped shape him.
From navigating the challenges of a pandemic to expanding opportunities for students and supporting employees, Dr. Cotton reflects on the experiences, accomplishments, and people that have made an impact throughout his career.
Join us as he shares memories, lessons learned, hopes for the future, and a final message to the Chesapeake community. #EmpowerCPS #CPSCelebrates
🎧 Listen at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts.
Today, we hosted the Learn, Grow, Lead Professional Learning Conference for our instructional staff. Teachers, paraprofessionals, coaches, and specialists spent the day learning together through engaging, educator-led sessions focused on classroom culture, teacher leadership, and professional practice. We were excited to welcome Dr. Kim Richardson as our keynote speaker, who shared insights from more than 30 years in education and her passion for helping educators grow with purpose and authenticity. Thank you to the Department of Professional and Organizational Development and all presenters for making today a meaningful experience for our staff!
Congratulations, Lisa Phillips! Check out the moment her current and former students celebrated her retirement after 43 years of teaching at Deep Creek Elementary! She was also surprised by WTKR News 3 as an Everyday Hero! 💜🍎
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Washington and Lee University
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
I appreciate the teaching and personality of Mr. Wasinger (or Was) in AP Euro. Even though I had him freshmen year, he has left a lasting impression on my high school career. Every lecture was interesting and thought out, and he helped everyone to the best of his ability. Despite his class being rigorous, he made the content easy to understand.
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What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the significant time commitment I made to the marching band as color guard captain. I was able to be there for my team at every football game, competition, and more. Balancing that with school is exhausting.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Washington and Lee University
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
I appreciate the teaching and personality of Mr. Wasinger (or Was) in AP Euro. Even though I had him freshmen year, he has left a lasting impression on my high school career. Every lecture was interesting and thought out, and he helped everyone to the best of his ability. Despite his class being rigorous, he made the content easy to understand.
------------------------------------
What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the significant time commitment I made to the marching band as color guard captain. I was able to be there for my team at every football game, competition, and more. Balancing that with school is exhausting.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
ELIZABETH YING is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Valedictorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Johns Hopkins University
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Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
My entire marching band community had the biggest impact on my high school experience. Through rehearsals, performances, and everything in between, they helped me grow as a musician and a better leader. I would like them to know how grateful I am for them, as they made high school so much more meaningful and memorable for me.
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How do you feel about graduating?
Graduating feels surreal in the best way, like I’m standing right at the edge of something new I’ve been working toward for years. I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced, and I feel excited about everything ahead in college and beyond. There’s a sense that I’ve grown into myself during high school, and now I’m ready to take that forward into something new.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ELIZABETH YING is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Valedictorian 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Johns Hopkins University
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Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
My entire marching band community had the biggest impact on my high school experience. Through rehearsals, performances, and everything in between, they helped me grow as a musician and a better leader. I would like them to know how grateful I am for them, as they made high school so much more meaningful and memorable for me.
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How do you feel about graduating?
Graduating feels surreal in the best way, like I’m standing right at the edge of something new I’ve been working toward for years. I’m proud of the growth I’ve experienced, and I feel excited about everything ahead in college and beyond. There’s a sense that I’ve grown into myself during high school, and now I’m ready to take that forward into something new.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
JASON AYORO is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Northwestern University
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
Apply to every college, you never know who might accept you.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
DE Physics. The labs are extremely fun.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JASON AYORO is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Salutatorian 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Northwestern University
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
Apply to every college, you never know who might accept you.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
DE Physics. The labs are extremely fun.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
ANTHONY ZHENG is Grassfield High School’s 2026 Valedictorian. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia to major in Economics
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
The best class I took in high school was AP Economics. Going into the class, I expected Economics to be interesting, but I did not expect it to become one of my favorite subjects. Mr. Giannotti's passion for the material was evident every day, and his enthusiasm made even complex concepts engaging to learn. More importantly, he challenged us to think beyond textbook definitions and consider how Economics influences the decisions people make and the world around us. Through the class, I developed a deeper appreciation for the subject and began to recognize its connections to fields such as psychology, business, and public policy. By the end of the year, I found myself thinking about topics we discussed long after class had ended, and the experience played a major role in my decision to pursue Economics in college.
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How do you feel about graduating?
I feel grateful more than anything else. When I entered high school, I thought the most important part of the experience would be achieving the goals I set for myself. Looking back, however, many of the moments I value most are not the major milestones I spent years working toward, but the friendships and everyday experiences that made high school meaningful. While I am excited for what comes next, I will always appreciate the community at Grassfield that encouraged me to challenge myself and helped shape the person I am today.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ANTHONY ZHENG is Grassfield High School’s 2026 Valedictorian. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia to major in Economics
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
The best class I took in high school was AP Economics. Going into the class, I expected Economics to be interesting, but I did not expect it to become one of my favorite subjects. Mr. Giannotti's passion for the material was evident every day, and his enthusiasm made even complex concepts engaging to learn. More importantly, he challenged us to think beyond textbook definitions and consider how Economics influences the decisions people make and the world around us. Through the class, I developed a deeper appreciation for the subject and began to recognize its connections to fields such as psychology, business, and public policy. By the end of the year, I found myself thinking about topics we discussed long after class had ended, and the experience played a major role in my decision to pursue Economics in college.
------------------------------------
How do you feel about graduating?
I feel grateful more than anything else. When I entered high school, I thought the most important part of the experience would be achieving the goals I set for myself. Looking back, however, many of the moments I value most are not the major milestones I spent years working toward, but the friendships and everyday experiences that made high school meaningful. While I am excited for what comes next, I will always appreciate the community at Grassfield that encouraged me to challenge myself and helped shape the person I am today.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
JANE YUAN is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar for Chemistry
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What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I'm looking forward to trying all the things I didn't really get to explore in high school! I feel like in high school, I focused a lot on music (piano) and science-y academics, but I'm excited to explore my other interests.
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How do you feel about graduating?
Extremely excited. I remember in eighth grade, I asked a teacher what she thought of her high school years. She told me high school was great, but she wouldn't repeat it for a million dollars. I didn't understand what she meant then, but I do now. These past years have led to a lot of my personal, academic, and extracurricular growth, but it's just a chapter of my life and I have to turn the page. I know college has much in store for me, and I'm so ready to cultivate my talents on a larger scale!
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JANE YUAN is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar for Chemistry
------------------------------------
What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I'm looking forward to trying all the things I didn't really get to explore in high school! I feel like in high school, I focused a lot on music (piano) and science-y academics, but I'm excited to explore my other interests.
------------------------------------
How do you feel about graduating?
Extremely excited. I remember in eighth grade, I asked a teacher what she thought of her high school years. She told me high school was great, but she wouldn't repeat it for a million dollars. I didn't understand what she meant then, but I do now. These past years have led to a lot of my personal, academic, and extracurricular growth, but it's just a chapter of my life and I have to turn the page. I know college has much in store for me, and I'm so ready to cultivate my talents on a larger scale!
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
ESSENCE SHANNON is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Senior Class President 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Summer classes at Tidewater Community College and James Madison University in the Fall.
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What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I am not sure if this would be surprising to many, but I am a very ambitious individual and I have a hair business that I am incredibly excited to scale. Through it, I hope to facilitate community, establish meaningful connections, and continue to inspire and fulfill the individuals around me.
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Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
I have had the privilege of having a support system throughout the entire school. The staff, teachers, and students have truly nurtured my interest in being a leader and have supported me the entire way. Thank you to all of the staff members who encouraged me through my senior year as I navigated a busy schedule, stayed active in my school, and reminded me of my confidence when times felt overwhelming.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
ESSENCE SHANNON is Deep Creek High School’s 2026 Senior Class President 💜🐝🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Summer classes at Tidewater Community College and James Madison University in the Fall.
------------------------------------
What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I am not sure if this would be surprising to many, but I am a very ambitious individual and I have a hair business that I am incredibly excited to scale. Through it, I hope to facilitate community, establish meaningful connections, and continue to inspire and fulfill the individuals around me.
------------------------------------
Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
I have had the privilege of having a support system throughout the entire school. The staff, teachers, and students have truly nurtured my interest in being a leader and have supported me the entire way. Thank you to all of the staff members who encouraged me through my senior year as I navigated a busy schedule, stayed active in my school, and reminded me of my confidence when times felt overwhelming.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
PIPER BOURGEOIS is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Tennessee to major in Biological Sciences.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
AP Language Analysis because it completely changed the way I think about things. I will apply the skills I learned not only in writing, but also observing and evaluating the world around me.
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Tell us about a moment in your time in high school that you will never forget.
A time in high school I will never forget is winning homecoming queen while my little brother was on homecoming court too! We wrote our bios to be read during our walk down the field together and when I won, he was right there with me.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
PIPER BOURGEOIS is Great Bridge High School’s 2026 Co-Valedictorian 💚🐾😺
Post Graduate Plan: University of Tennessee to major in Biological Sciences.
------------------------------------
What is the best class you took in high school and why?
AP Language Analysis because it completely changed the way I think about things. I will apply the skills I learned not only in writing, but also observing and evaluating the world around me.
------------------------------------
Tell us about a moment in your time in high school that you will never forget.
A time in high school I will never forget is winning homecoming queen while my little brother was on homecoming court too! We wrote our bios to be read during our walk down the field together and when I won, he was right there with me.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
MORGAN KIMENER is Hickory High School’s 2026 SCA President 🩵🪽🩶
Post Graduate Plan: Longwood University majoring in Middle School Education with a concentration in Math.
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
Student Council was the best class I took in high school because it was more than just planning pep rallies and making posters. We made an impact in our community and volunteered our time to benefit others. I truly feel like we made a difference in our school and community.
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
My best advice would be to say yes to new experiences. Senior year is a time to grow as a person before you leave high school, so volunteer in the community, join a new club, get involved in your school, and try something new.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
This afternoon, the Chesapeake Rotary Club hosted a luncheon at the Chesapeake Conference Center to honor nine incredible seniors with the Annual Rotary Scholarship.
These exceptional students were selected for their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement. Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 recipients:
Amari Booker - Chesapeake Career Center/Deep Creek High
Ethan Gregg - Chesapeake Career Center/Grassfield High
Essence Shannon - Deep Creek High
Maddie Laughinghouse - Grassfield High
William Englert - Great Bridge High
A’e Malo Su’e - Hickory High
Elhadji Mohammed Badji - Indian River High
Cason Fitch - Oscar Smith High
Nataleigh Hansen - Western Branch High
Congratulations to these incredible seniors! We can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish next. 🎓#CPSCelebrates
These exceptional students were selected for their outstanding academic achievements and community involvement. Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 recipients:
Amari Booker - Chesapeake Career Center/Deep Creek High
Ethan Gregg - Chesapeake Career Center/Grassfield High
Essence Shannon - Deep Creek High
Maddie Laughinghouse - Grassfield High
William Englert - Great Bridge High
A’e Malo Su’e - Hickory High
Elhadji Mohammed Badji - Indian River High
Cason Fitch - Oscar Smith High
Nataleigh Hansen - Western Branch High
Congratulations to these incredible seniors! We can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish next. 🎓#CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
CAMRYN POGORZELSKI is Grassfield High School’s 2026 Senior Class President. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia to study public policy & leadership
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What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of how much my confidence, in myself and my leadership capabilities, has grown. I found my niche in class office, and looking back now as Senior Class President, I am immensely appreciative that I found my strength and confidence through the leadership opportunities class office provided me.
------------------------------------
How do you feel about graduating?
Fulfilled. I'm proud to say that I achieved everything I set out to do and am ending this chapter exactly where I'm meant to be. With that comes an immense sense of gratitude for everyone who has helped me succeed by teaching me valuable lessons, challenging me to grow, and supporting me when I stumbled. Beyond graduation, I will always cherish the tight-knit community at Grassfield High School that helped shape the person I am today.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
CAMRYN POGORZELSKI is Grassfield High School’s 2026 Senior Class President. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia to study public policy & leadership
------------------------------------
What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of how much my confidence, in myself and my leadership capabilities, has grown. I found my niche in class office, and looking back now as Senior Class President, I am immensely appreciative that I found my strength and confidence through the leadership opportunities class office provided me.
------------------------------------
How do you feel about graduating?
Fulfilled. I'm proud to say that I achieved everything I set out to do and am ending this chapter exactly where I'm meant to be. With that comes an immense sense of gratitude for everyone who has helped me succeed by teaching me valuable lessons, challenging me to grow, and supporting me when I stumbled. Beyond graduation, I will always cherish the tight-knit community at Grassfield High School that helped shape the person I am today.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
KIARA CUFFEE is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Senior Class President 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Old Dominion University in the Pre-Med program
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
Dear Mrs.Fitch, you are one of the strongest women I know. If I could choose one person in the building it would always be you. You have a special way of making me feel seen, understood and valued. Your impact goes beyond my schedules, transcripts and college applications. You remind me that I am capable and that I will be successful. You remind me to keep going because if I slip up it isn't a fail, it is a first attempt in learning. I have learned everyone needs a Mrs.Fitch.~ Love, Kiara Cuffee
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Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
Begin to form true connections you wish to bring with you through your life. Don't stress about making everything perfect. Balancing school, home life, and work will become a never-ending cycle. It will get exhausting. The slightest slip-up may feel like a tsunami of failure. But always allow yourself some grace. Put yourself first. Reflect on your past years and determine if you are who you want to be. Will your actions now allow you to persevere with a successful future? And if they are not, welcome change. Start becoming the person you CHOOSE to be.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
KIARA CUFFEE is Oscar Smith High School’s 2026 Senior Class President 💙🐯💛
Post Graduate Plan: Old Dominion University in the Pre-Med program
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
Dear Mrs.Fitch, you are one of the strongest women I know. If I could choose one person in the building it would always be you. You have a special way of making me feel seen, understood and valued. Your impact goes beyond my schedules, transcripts and college applications. You remind me that I am capable and that I will be successful. You remind me to keep going because if I slip up it isn't a fail, it is a first attempt in learning. I have learned everyone needs a Mrs.Fitch.~ Love, Kiara Cuffee
------------------------------------
Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
Begin to form true connections you wish to bring with you through your life. Don't stress about making everything perfect. Balancing school, home life, and work will become a never-ending cycle. It will get exhausting. The slightest slip-up may feel like a tsunami of failure. But always allow yourself some grace. Put yourself first. Reflect on your past years and determine if you are who you want to be. Will your actions now allow you to persevere with a successful future? And if they are not, welcome change. Start becoming the person you CHOOSE to be.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
WILLIAM “BILLY” MARIETTA is Western Branch High School’s 2026 Salutatorian💙💛🐻
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
AP Lang. I’ll miss the days in the hallway where we worked on analytical group projects.
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What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I was able to influence others through sports teams and classes in order to make an impact in the Western Branch community. Helping younger teammates out with rides after practices and mentoring younger guys with their silent problems is what I’m most proud of.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
JORDAN WILLIAMS-JENNINGS is Indian River High School’s 2026 Valedictorian 💙🪶🩵
Post Graduate Plan: George Mason University
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
The best class I took in high school was Cyber-Security at the Chesapeake Career Center. I was able to gain certifications that allow me the opportunity to start working right out of high school, if I chose to do so.
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What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I will be studying abroad in South Korea during the spring semester of my freshman year in college.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JORDAN WILLIAMS-JENNINGS is Indian River High School’s 2026 Valedictorian 💙🪶🩵
Post Graduate Plan: George Mason University
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
The best class I took in high school was Cyber-Security at the Chesapeake Career Center. I was able to gain certifications that allow me the opportunity to start working right out of high school, if I chose to do so.
------------------------------------
What's something you're looking forward to that might surprise people?
I will be studying abroad in South Korea during the spring semester of my freshman year in college.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
JOSHUA MOLITOR is Grassfield High School’s 2026 SCA President. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: George Washington University
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
I would like to shout out Mrs. White at Grassfield High school for being one of the biggest supporters I have had these past 4 years. Her ability to understand, empathize, and communicate with others is remarkable, and the lessons on accountability and responsibility she has taught me are invaluable. I will forever respect and appreciate the support she has given me, and I love her so much!
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What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of serving as the first Virginia State Representative on the National Student Council Executive Board. The impact my time serving on this board had on my leadership, service, and confidence is profound, and it forced me to change for the better in countless ways. My time on the board was remarkable, and being the first one from Virginia to be represented is an achievement I will never forget.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
JOSHUA MOLITOR is Grassfield High School’s 2026 SCA President. ❤️🐻💙
Post Graduate Plan: George Washington University
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If you could give a shout out to a member of the faculty or staff at a Chesapeake Public School, who would it be and what would you say?
I would like to shout out Mrs. White at Grassfield High school for being one of the biggest supporters I have had these past 4 years. Her ability to understand, empathize, and communicate with others is remarkable, and the lessons on accountability and responsibility she has taught me are invaluable. I will forever respect and appreciate the support she has given me, and I love her so much!
------------------------------------
What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of serving as the first Virginia State Representative on the National Student Council Executive Board. The impact my time serving on this board had on my leadership, service, and confidence is profound, and it forced me to change for the better in countless ways. My time on the board was remarkable, and being the first one from Virginia to be represented is an achievement I will never forget.
#ClassOf2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
Cooking under pressure! Last week, culinary students from Great Bridge High and Indian River High faced off in our first annual MRE (Meal-Ready-To-Eat) Challenge at the Peake Cafe.
This event was held in partnership with the U.S. Navy Recruiting and Culinary School. Teams had just 50 minutes to transform standard military rations into unique culinary creations using limited fresh ingredients.
Shout out to our Navy partners who made this possible: instructor PO1 Tyree Cooper from the Quartermaster School, and recruiters PO2 Richard Nettles and PO1 Michael Udtohan.
While our expert judges praised both teams for their incredible creativity and talent, Great Bridge High School took home the championship title!
Congratulations to all of these amazing student chefs! 🏆#CPSCelebrates
This event was held in partnership with the U.S. Navy Recruiting and Culinary School. Teams had just 50 minutes to transform standard military rations into unique culinary creations using limited fresh ingredients.
Shout out to our Navy partners who made this possible: instructor PO1 Tyree Cooper from the Quartermaster School, and recruiters PO2 Richard Nettles and PO1 Michael Udtohan.
While our expert judges praised both teams for their incredible creativity and talent, Great Bridge High School took home the championship title!
Congratulations to all of these amazing student chefs! 🏆#CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
BRISTOL REESE is Hickory High School’s 2026 Valedictorian. 🩵🪽🩶
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia
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What is the best class you took in high school and why?
My AP Calc class was probably my favorite. The material was difficult but very satisfying to master. There was enough shared suffering to easily bond with your classmates. Ms. Monaghan has a quick lecturing style of teaching that resonated with me. I loved the pace of the class. There were high expectations that I had to rise to meet, and I just don't think any other class has challenged me in such a satisfying way before.
------------------------------------
What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
My five fives Junior year is my proudest achievement. I'm referring to my AP exam scores. Physics 1, Physics C, Lang, Calc BC, and APUSH. I was so proud when I found out. In my mind, a grand output is only matched by great input. Every lunch during the exam weeks and every class that I didn't have active work, I was studying and taking practice exams. It is my proudest achievement in high school.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
BRISTOL REESE is Hickory High School’s 2026 Valedictorian. 🩵🪽🩶
Post Graduate Plan: University of Virginia
------------------------------------
What is the best class you took in high school and why?
My AP Calc class was probably my favorite. The material was difficult but very satisfying to master. There was enough shared suffering to easily bond with your classmates. Ms. Monaghan has a quick lecturing style of teaching that resonated with me. I loved the pace of the class. There were high expectations that I had to rise to meet, and I just don't think any other class has challenged me in such a satisfying way before.
------------------------------------
What did you accomplish in high school that you are most proud of?
My five fives Junior year is my proudest achievement. I'm referring to my AP exam scores. Physics 1, Physics C, Lang, Calc BC, and APUSH. I was so proud when I found out. In my mind, a grand output is only matched by great input. Every lunch during the exam weeks and every class that I didn't have active work, I was studying and taking practice exams. It is my proudest achievement in high school.
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
🎓 Senior Spotlight 🎓
GRACE JUDY is Western Branch High School’s 2026 Senior Class President💙💛🐻
Post Graduate Plan: Christopher Newport University to major in Business and minor in Leadership through the Presidents Leadership Program.
------------------------------------
Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
I think the biggest thing to remember in high school is to put yourself out there and learn. Knowledge is so powerful! Experiences are so powerful! Never take advantage of the opportunities given to you, because the paths that they may put you on are endless. However, don’t lose yourself in the things you involve yourself with. You are a treasure and blessing so don’t let anything change that!
------------------------------------
Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
My parents had the biggest impact on my experience in high school, by far. Mom and Dad, I could not have done all of this without you guys. You two came through for me in every moment I needed you. Thank you for being my support system and my advisers. I love you both endlessly!
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
GRACE JUDY is Western Branch High School’s 2026 Senior Class President💙💛🐻
Post Graduate Plan: Christopher Newport University to major in Business and minor in Leadership through the Presidents Leadership Program.
------------------------------------
Please share your best advice for the rising senior class.
I think the biggest thing to remember in high school is to put yourself out there and learn. Knowledge is so powerful! Experiences are so powerful! Never take advantage of the opportunities given to you, because the paths that they may put you on are endless. However, don’t lose yourself in the things you involve yourself with. You are a treasure and blessing so don’t let anything change that!
------------------------------------
Who had the biggest impact on your experience in high school, and what would you like them to know?
My parents had the biggest impact on my experience in high school, by far. Mom and Dad, I could not have done all of this without you guys. You two came through for me in every moment I needed you. Thank you for being my support system and my advisers. I love you both endlessly!
#Classof2026! 🎓 #CPSCelebrates
