Sixteen gymnasts from St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy qualified for the Maryland state championships after competing at the 2025 christmas on the chesapeake Invitational from December 12 to 14 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The team, representing levels from 6 through Xcel Platinum, all met the required scores to advance to the spring 2026 event. Three athletes placed second overall in their divisions.
Kylee Gahn and Cecilia Lipp each scored 37.225 all-around to tie for second in one division, with Gahn earning 9.050 on vault, 9.300 on bars, 9.325 on beam and 9.550 on floor,while Lipp posted 9.150 on vault, 9.200 on bars, 9.350 on beam and 9.525 on floor. Aubrey Woode scored 36.800 all-around for second in another division,with 9.050 on vault, 9.200 on bars, 9.300 on beam and 9.250 on floor.
Local Students Shine at Regional Science Fair
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Leonardtown, MD – Several students from St. Mary’s County recently showcased their innovative projects at the Regional Science and Engineering fair held at the University of Maryland, Collage Park. the fair, a highly competitive event, featured students from across Southern Maryland and beyond, all vying for recognition and the chance to advance to the state-level competition.
Among the standout participants were students from Leonardtown high School, Chopticon High School, and st. Mary’s Ryken High School. Projects ranged from investigations into renewable energy sources to explorations of behavioral psychology and advancements in environmental science.
“The level of ingenuity and dedication displayed by these students was truly inspiring,” said Dr.Emily Carter, a judge at the fair and a professor of engineering at the University of maryland. “They tackled complex problems with creativity and a strong scientific foundation.”
several local students received awards for their extraordinary work. [Student Name] from Leonardtown high School took home first place in the [Category] category for their project on [Project Title]. [Student Name] from Chopticon High School earned an honorable mention for their research on [Project Title]. St. Mary’s Ryken was also well-represented, with [student Name] receiving recognition for [project Title].
These students will now have the chance to compete at the Maryland Science and Engineering Fair, where they will face off against the top young scientists from across the state.The Southern Maryland Chronicle congratulates all the participants for their hard work and dedication to scientific inquiry. Their achievements demonstrate the shining future of STEM education in St. Mary’s County.
St. mary’s Shines at COTC Meet
Leonardtown, MD – The St. Mary’s County Combined Officer Training Corps (COTC) showcased exceptional skill and teamwork at a recent competition, earning significant recognition and accolades. the event, held on December 21st, brought together ROTC units from across the region to test their cadets in a variety of challenging scenarios.
Cadets participated in events ranging from precision drill maneuvers and land navigation to physical fitness tests and simulated combat exercises. St. Mary’s County COTC consistently demonstrated a high level of proficiency, earning top marks in several categories.
“our cadets have been working incredibly hard, dedicating countless hours to training and preparation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Davis, the commanding officer of the St. Mary’s County COTC. “Their performance at this competition is a testament to their commitment, discipline, and the strong leadership skills they are developing.”
Specific highlights included a first-place finish in the obstacle course, showcasing the cadets’ physical endurance and agility.The land navigation team also secured a top-three position, demonstrating their map-reading and orienteering skills. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating units.
The success of the St. Mary’s County COTC reflects the dedication of it’s instructors and the potential of its cadets. The program continues to provide valuable leadership training and opportunities for personal growth, preparing these young individuals for future success in both military and civilian careers. The community is immensely proud of their accomplishments.
St. Mary’s and Maryland Programs prepare for Women’s Development Program National Championships
The Women’s Development Program (WDP) National Championships are set to take place May 6-10 in Oklahoma City, showcasing the nation’s top young female lacrosse players. Local Maryland programs, such as St. Mary’s, play a vital role in developing the talent pipeline that feeds these national competitions and ultimately, collegiate lacrosse teams. https://www.uslacrosse.org/wdp
Building a Strong Foundation in Maryland
Maryland is widely recognized as a hotbed for lacrosse talent, and programs like St.Mary’s are instrumental in nurturing young athletes. The success of these programs isn’t just measured by wins and losses, but by the number of alumni who go on to compete at the collegiate level. The WDP championships provide a crucial platform for these players to gain exposure and experience.
Early Qualification and Focused Training
Recent successes have positioned teams for focused training schedules. Early qualification for key events allows for dedicated skill refinement throughout the winter months, preparing athletes for state championships in March. this concentrated training period is critical for honing individual skills and developing team cohesion before the competitive spring season.
The Importance of the Women’s Development Program
The US Lacrosse Women’s Development Program is designed to identify and develop talented young lacrosse players. It offers a series of events, including regional and national championships, that provide opportunities for players to compete against the best in their age groups. https://www.uslacrosse.org/wdp/national-championships
The WDP focuses on:
* Player Development: providing high-level coaching and competition to enhance skills.
* College exposure: Offering opportunities for players to be seen by college recruiters.
* national Team Identification: Serving as a potential pathway for players to represent the United States in international competition.
Key Takeaways
* The Women’s Development program National Championships are a premier event for young female lacrosse players.
* Maryland programs like St. Mary’s are crucial in developing the talent pipeline for these championships and collegiate lacrosse.
* Early qualification allows for focused winter training, maximizing player preparation.
* The WDP provides valuable development, exposure, and potential pathways to national team selection.
Looking ahead, the continued success of programs like St. Mary’s will be vital in maintaining Maryland’s position as a leading force in women’s lacrosse. The WDP National Championships represent a significant opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills and pursue their lacrosse dreams.