ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Thirty-six amazing young ladies from Great Mills High School recently traveled to Annapolis for Legislative Day, sponsored by the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, in partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. The trip gave students a first-hand look at the legislative process, how policies impact their communities, and why their voices matter.
The day kicked off with a hearty breakfast from Chick-fil-A, located in Charlotte Hall, owned by Mr. Jerry Freeze. Special thanks to Mr. Jimmy, one of the restaurant’s leaders, for always seeking ways to support and uplift youth in St. Mary’s County and beyond.
In Annapolis, students learned how bills become laws, how committees and legislators make decisions, and how current policies already affect their schools, neighborhoods, and futures. The highlight of the day was meeting newly elected Speaker of the Maryland House, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, who shared her inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and academic excellence.
The experience would not have been possible without the guidance of Great Mills High School’s dedicated career counselors, Latoya Carroll and Amber Cunningham, the support of Principal BeeJay Dothard, and the incredible service of the St. Mary’s County School transportation team.
Throughout the day, these young women represented Great Mills High School with poise, curiosity, and confidence. Legislative Day proved that exposure builds confidence, access builds agency, and engagement builds leaders.
The impact of the trip was evident in the survey responses shared by Ms. LaToya Carroll following Legislative Day. According to Ms. Carroll, the feedback showed just how meaningful the experience was for the students. Several young ladies expressed that the day increased their interest in civic engagement, and a few are now considering a future in law or representative work as a direct result of what they learned and experienced in Annapolis.
Thanks to the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and community partners like Chick-fil-A in Charlotte Hall, these 36 future leaders returned home with new insight, inspiration, and a clearer understanding of how their voices can shape the world around them.