Every year, the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) tracks the ABCs of its Next Generation Scholars: attendance, behavior and coursework. Monitoring student ABCs is important because they are key indicators that drive student success.
Accomplishing their ABCs means students demonstrate good attendance, have fewer or no disciplinary referrals and achieve good grades (a GPA of 2.5 or higher). This year, we recognized 630 students across our five districts:
- Allegany: 47
- Caroline: 189
- Dorchester: 90
- Kent: 83
- Wicomico: 221
Each district also presents Shining Scholars and Rising Stars awards to students with outstanding achievement. Shining Scholars are highly engaged Next Generation Scholars in their grade who have met their ABCs. Rising Stars are students in grades 10, 11 and 12 who have not only met their ABCs but have also set themselves apart from other Next Generation Scholars.
Allegany County kicked off the year-end festivities in late April by offering Kona Ice for students. In May, Kent County held a formal Next Generation Scholars Award Night in its high school auditorium, during which its Next Generation Scholars Leaders helped host the event by welcoming guests and handing out programs, announcing award recipients, and sharing their stories. Dorchester County students enjoyed snacks, cupcakes and lemonade, and Caroline County students received a free cup of ice cream from Nice Farms Creamery. In June, Wicomico County students cooled off with Tiki Hut Shaved Ice and Kona Ice.
While the sweet celebrations vary per school, one thing remained constant: a focus on student success. Since 2017, MBRT’s Next Generation Scholars program has helped students understand that college is an option for them and has guided students to reach their goals for college, career and in life.
Senior Advice
Following another challenging year of navigating COVID-19 at school, home and in the community, MBRT’s second graduating class of seniors persevered and had some words of wisdom for those currently in the program and those just beginning.
Be proud to be a Next Generation Scholar. “Initially I was intrigued about the program but not quite sure how he could benefit from it,” said Brice Salazar-Calderon, a Cambridge-South Dorchester graduate attending Salisbury University in the fall. “I went on field trips, toured businesses, worked on my resume and participated in virtual mock interviews. I fully appreciate it now because being a Next Generation Scholar means you are college-bound. It’s a program you can be proud to be part of.”
Experience as much as you can. “My advice is to take the program seriously and try and go on as many field trips and participate in as many other opportunities as possible because it opens you up to new ideas and horizons,” says Ny’Gia Williams, a 2022 Fort Hill High School graduate attending Towson University in the fall. Jaylen Miles, a North Caroline High School graduate attending Chesapeake College in the fall, agrees. “Go on every trip you can go on and not just to get out of school, but to tour and listen and get the education that you want or need to in order to take that next step to figure out what you want to do in life,” he says.
Use your coordinator. “Talk to your coordinator about whatever you need. For example, Mr. Webbhas been a big help this year, speaking with admissions counselors and getting me on their radar,” added Ny’Gia. Janya Leggett, a Wicomico High School graduate attending Salisbury University in the fall, agrees. “Mr. Tashe showed me everything I needed to do if I wanted to be successful in college and life, and it was a really good experience to have him there when I needed him,” she says.
Keep your eye on your prize. “Especially while in the Next Generation Scholars program, it’s important to be yourself, and do what you like to do by not basing your actions on others’ interests,” says Joam Jeannite, a 2022 Wicomico High School graduate attending Emory University in the fall. “When you graduate, it’s going to be your life, so use this time to try new things, find out what you like and have fun.”
Take every advantage. “Don’t take this program for granted,” says Alana Fithian Wilson, a Kent County High School graduate attending Towson University in the fall. “I would get really upset if I saw fellow Next Generation Scholars with their head down, on a phone or talking over a presenter. Be respectful and really take advantage of this opportunity because not everyone gets this chance, and what they’re giving you is special and will help you be successful in the future.”
