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The Southern Maryland Chronicle
When News Matters, It Matters Where You Get Your News.
POMFRET, Md., June 25, 2025 — The Robert D. Stethem Educational Center’s National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) chapter received the 2025 Silver Star of Excellence Award for its commitment to career development, leadership, service, and recognition, the national society announced recently. Two Charles County students, Angelique Nickle and Ty’Yonna McNeal, were also awarded $1,000 Jon H. Poteat Scholarships, highlighting the chapter’s role in fostering academic and professional excellence.
The Silver Star of Excellence Award honors NTHS chapters nationwide that excel in implementing the society’s “core four” objectives: career development, leadership, service, and recognition. Stethem’s chapter, under advisor Monique Poole, was recognized for maintaining an active program, boosting member engagement, and serving the community through initiatives like career workshops and local outreach. “This award recognizes your exceptional dedication to career development, leadership, service, and recognition within your school and community,” said Christina Councill, senior director of engagement at NTHS.
Angelique Nickle, a rising senior in the Academy of Health Professions (AHP) Pharmacy Technician program, received the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship during a February 2025 induction ceremony into Stethem’s NTHS chapter. The $1,000 award, named for NTHS co-founder Jon H. Poteat, supports active members with over $300,000 in annual scholarships. Susan Hunter, Ph.D., Stethem’s pharmacy technician teacher, praised Nickle’s potential, stating, “[Nickle] is going to make a wonderful healthcare professional because of her care for others and focus on service.”
Ty’Yonna McNeal, a 2025 graduate of North Point High School, also earned the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship, recognizing her academic and technical achievements. “We are proud of what Angelique has already accomplished and look forward to her continued commitment to our Pharmacy Technician Program while watching and supporting her achievement of her future goals,” said Stethem Principal Corey Dobbins.
The NTHS chapter has strengthened Stethem’s school culture, fostering leadership through activities like peer mentoring and community service projects. Dobbins credited Poole’s leadership, noting, “We are excited to see the continued growth of the NTHS program as students showcase their achievements and expand their impact.” The chapter’s efforts include organizing career-focused events, such as resume-building workshops and industry guest speakers, which prepare students for high-demand fields like healthcare.
Located in Pomfret, Stethem Educational Center serves Charles County students with career and technical education programs, including the AHP Pharmacy Technician track, which equips students with certifications for immediate employment or further studies. Nickle’s scholarship will support her pursuit of a pharmacy technician certification, a field with growing demand. McNeal’s award recognizes her success in a similar career-focused program at North Point High School.
The Silver Star award and scholarships reflect Stethem’s dedication to preparing students for professional success. The chapter plans to expand community outreach, including partnerships with local healthcare providers, to enhance career opportunities for members. With Charles County Public Schools serving over 27,000 students, Stethem’s NTHS chapter stands out as a model for technical education, inspiring students to excel in both academics and community service.
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David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East… More by David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor
The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County. SoMDC covers every aspect of the SoMD Region and will continue to grow with the community. SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support.
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