group of students gathered holding certificates in the board room of the Somerset BOE

WESTOVER, MD (11/21/24) — The Somerset County Board of Education proudly recognized the exceptional achievements of Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) students during its November 2024 meeting. The evening celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of students in the SkillsUSA Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at Somerset County Technical High School (SCTHS) and student artists from Crisfield Academy & High School who excelled in the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit.

SkillsUSA Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at Somerset County Technical High School (SCTHS)

The Board of Education recognized 29 students for their exemplary performance, leadership, and commitment in the SkillsUSA program, a national organization that fosters leadership and technical excellence among career and technical education students. Automotive Instructor, John Ward, and his students have earned more medals than all other programs at SCTHS combined. Mr. Ward’s efforts, along with founder Floyd "Butch" Azbell, have enabled the SkillsUSA CTSO to grow and be successful in Somerset County.

SkillsUSA Maryland Recognitions

  • Anthony W. – Achieved Advanced Statesman status and serves as Chapter Secretary.

  • Ava S. – Achieved Advanced Statesman status and serves as Chapter Historian.

  • Eric W. – Placed 26th in the nation as part of the Mobile Robotics Team and serves as Chapter Treasurer.

  • Harmony C. – Regional Champion in Culinary Arts and Chapter President.

  • Ian J. – Achieved Advanced Statesman status and serves as Chapter Reporter.

  • Jeremy C. – Achieved Advanced Statesman status.

  • Jeremy R. – Placed 26th in the nation as part of the Mobile Robotics Team.

  • Lamis A.– Achieved Advanced Statesman status.

  • Moriah T. – SkillsUSA Maryland Eastern Vice President.

  • Nicholas Sanchez – Placed 7th in the nation in Mobile Electronics Installation. Currently, Nicholas is employed at Pohanka Mercedes Benz in Salisbury MD.  

  • Paige L. – Achieved Advanced Statesman status and serves as Chapter Parliamentarian.

Additional Statesmen

The following students also achieved Statesman status, showcasing their leadership and dedication:

  • Amerie H.

  • A'miya S.

  • Anijah J.

  • Caleb W.

  • Chris L.

  • Lucy G.

  • Lukas L.

  • Luke B.

  • Malakhi B.

  • Nicole W.

  • Retage O.

  • Ryan W.

  • Ryleigh S.

  • Shianne W.

  • Trenton B.

State-Level Finalists

The Board also recognized two students who finished just one spot away from earning a medal at the Maryland State SkillsUSA competition:

  • Andrew G. – 4th/34 in Maryland.

  • Eric T. – State Finalist Bronze Medal – Extemporaneous Speaking 2024

  • Samantha "Blair" N. – Regional Finalist, 4th/32 in Maryland.

These recognitions reflect the exceptional effort, teamwork, and talent displayed by Somerset County Technical High School students.

UMES Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit

Student artists from Crisfield Academy & High School were celebrated for their success in the prestigious UMES Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit, which showcases the creative talents of young artists from across the region.

  • Harmony C. earned 1st place for her mixed-media piece, “Space Traveler”.

  • Mira C. received Honorable Mention and was awarded Best Photo for her stunning self-portrait titled “Yin and Yang”.

These awards underscore the extraordinary creativity and talent of SCPS students, as well as the strong support provided by their educators.

"These students embody the values of hard work, creativity, and excellence that we strive for in Somerset County Public Schools," said Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools. "We are so proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the bright futures ahead of them."

The Board of Education extends its congratulations to these students, their advisors, and their families for their hard work and dedication. SCPS remains committed to fostering programs that help all students reach their full potential.

SkillsUSA award recipients with certificates in the board room

Somerset County Board of Education Members recognized students participating in the SkillsUSA Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at Somerset County Technical High School for a number of achievements in regional, state and national competitions at the November 2024 Board of Education Meeting. 

board room photo of man reading off names

SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor, Mr. Jeremy Holland, announces the awards earned by student members of the Somerset County Technical High School Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at the November 2024 Board of Education Meeting. 

Two smiling young women holding certificates

Also recognized at the November 2024 meeting of the Somerset County Board of Education; Crisfield High School Students Mira C. (L) for receiving Honorable Mention and Best Photo for her stunning self-portrait titled “Yin and Yang” and Harmony C. (R) for the award of 1st place for her mixed-media piece, “Space Traveler” at the recent University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit.

winning art piece by Mira Carter Yin and Yang - Self Portrait

Winning piece by Mira C. receiving Honorable Mention and Best Photo for her self-portrait, “Yin and Yang” at the recent University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit.

Winning art piece by Harmony Carter called "Space Traveler"

Winning artwork by Harmony C. receiving 1st place for her mixed-media piece, “Space Traveler” at the recent University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Lower Shore High School Art Exhibit.


board room full of parents, students and faculty of SCPS

The November 2024 regular meeting of the Somerset Board of Education was well attended by students, families and faculty for the recognition of SCPS students’ outstanding achievements in Career and Technical Education and the Arts. 

board room full of parents, students and faculty of SCPS

Seating was “standing room only” at the November 2024 regular meeting of the Somerset Board of Education, where dozens of SCPS students were recognized for outstanding achievements in Career and Technical Education and the Arts.