May 17, 2023
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Graduation ceremonies for the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Class of 2023 begin this week as more than 6,700 graduates celebrate their achievements.
Graduations start Friday, May 19 with the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College for students who will receive both a high school diploma and associate’s degree on the same day.
“The Class of 2023 embodies resilience. Not even one full year into high school, their lives were abruptly changed by a global crisis,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer. “From the classroom to virtual learning and back, they adapted and demonstrated resilience and an extraordinary commitment to their success.”
While navigating unprecedented circumstances, Class of 2023 graduates continued to excel academically, earning nearly $200 million in college scholarships.
Notable Class of 2023 scholars:
Quadruplets Kaila, Kailee, Kailynn and Kalvin Ward are graduating from Crossland High School.
International High School at Largo valedictorian and first generation college student Jisleni Saavedra Cordon is headed to the University of Maryland College Park to become an engineer. A triathlete, she is the only person in her family who has ever attended school.
Bowie High School senior Jason Davis missed nearly two months of school from injuries in a car accident last October. He is graduating with his class and plans to attend Towson University this fall.
Diel Rhinehart saved his younger brother from a house fire this year and has been working part-time to help a single parent rebound from the loss. He will graduate from the Gwynn Park High School Fire Science Academy and will attend North Carolina Central University.
Laurel High School twins Vladyslav and Yaroslav Vashchuk, who escaped war in Ukraine, are headed to Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania on full scholarships.
Visit our GRAD SZN portal for ceremony dates, news, stories, photo galleries, videos and more celebrating this year’s grads.
For more information, please contact both meghan.thornton@pgcps.org and shavon.mcconnell@pgcps.org.
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