Praneel Suvarna, MCPS’ 47th Student Member Of the Board, attended the retreat. “This is just a great program, a great experience,” Suvarna said.

Walter Johnson MSP members and sponsor Imani Ladson pose with the STEP team. The STEP team performed a non-music dance alongside a stroll to “Wipe me down” for the talent show.

Michael Williams poses with STEP Co-Captains Senior Mwape Sokoni and Junior Taylor Simmonds. Alongside being the MSP co-founder, Williams used to teach social studies at Walter Johnson.

Wootton High School’s Afro Elites dance team prepares with affirmations. The dance team performed an Afro Beats dance for the MSP talent show.

Junior Lorena Trevino and senior Zoey Walter, Walter Johnson MSP members who were facilitators at the retreat, smile. “I think it’s really rewarding to help students of color succeed,” Trevino said.

Freshman Marken Teklemikael sings “Stay” by Rihanna for the MSP talent show. Teklemikael’s performance was met with a thunderous applause from those in attendance.

All the Minority Scholars Program facilitators gather on stage for a group photo. Students ranging from elementary school to high school arrived through buses and participated in the program.