Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) kicked off the 2024 graduation season with a districtwide College and Career Decision Day on Thursday, May 2. In its second year, the event brought together more than 3,000 seniors from across high schools to celebrate their achievements and future endeavors.
Upon arriving at Bowie Baysox Stadium for the event, seniors were cheered on by PGCPS staff and community partners, and welcomed by the sound of performances by the University of Maryland marching band and mascot Testudo the terrapin.
Highlights of the day included high school and college/career roll calls; interactive photo and activity stations; performances by local music artist KP Skywalka and the Charles Herbert Flowers marching band and cheerleaders; and a Student Scavenger Hunt with giveaways including laptops, concert tickets, gift cards and more.
Students also had the opportunity to connect with local colleges and universities for on-site college admissions, as well as on-site job opportunities from local employers including Prince George's County Police Department, Southwest Airlines, Amtrak, Metro, Finishing Trades Institute and more. Military recruiters from the United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force were also on site.
“Decision day is about creating an atmosphere of celebration and support for each student's unique journey, whether through military service, entering the workforce or pursuing higher education,” said Olivia Pearson, College and Career Readiness Supervisor. “It’s also an opportunity to bring together seniors from different parts of the county to foster a sense of community and camaraderie as they embark on their next chapters.”
2024 Decision Day was sponsored by Prince George’s Community College, Employ Prince George’s and the Youth Career Connections Program.
PGCPS graduation season kicks off on Friday, May 17 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, as well as Largo High School grads.
View Decision Day photos, see a complete list of 2024 graduations, visit our GRAD SZN portal for photo galleries, news and student features, and get involved by sharing your graduation celebrations with #PGCPSGrads24!
