PRESS RELEASE

Laurel, MD – January 24, 2025 – The Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation Laurel High School Campus; Chesapeake Math and IT Academy (CMIT), is excited to announce that it has been selected as a semi-finalist for the prestigious S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award as part of the 4th Annual Building Hope IMPACT Awards.

This recognition highlights the school's unwavering commitment to excellence in education and its continuous efforts to provide students with innovative, high-quality learning experiences. Chesapeake Math and IT Academy is committed to providing rigorous, innovative education for students in the Laurel, Maryland, area. With a strong focus on preparing students for success in technology and mathematics, the school emphasizes STEM education, college readiness, and community involvement. CMIT Academy has earned this distinction alongside nine other exceptional charter schools nationwide, all vying for the top honor at the upcoming Building Hope IMPACT Summit in Miami, Florida, scheduled for May 6-7, 2025.

"As the principal of Chesapeake Math and IT Academy North High School, I am deeply honored that our school has been selected as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Building Hope Award,” said Mrs. Gonul Ozturk. “This recognition highlights our students, staff, and community's incredible dedication to achieving educational excellence and innovation. It is a privilege to lead a school committed to empowering students to excel academically and grow as future leaders. I am grateful to Building Hope for acknowledging the impactful work at CMIT North High School. I look forward to celebrating alongside other remarkable schools at the IMPACT Summit."

Building Hope is a national non-profit organization that supports high-performing charter schools across the United States by providing financial and operational assistance. Through its various programs and initiatives, Building Hope ensures every student can access a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future. The Building Hope IMPACT Awards aim to celebrate charter schools that demonstrate exceptional impact in their communities and inspire positive change in the educational landscape. Schools selected as semi-finalists compete for a $20,000 grant, which will be awarded to the top winner in the category. Two runners-up each receive $10,000 in grant funding.

"We are incredibly honored, as the only charter school in Maryland, to be named a semi-finalist for the S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award," said Mr. Yilmaz Ak, Chief Executive Officer of the Chesapeake Lighthouse Foundation. "The honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented school leadership, educators, staff, and students who continually strive for excellence. We are proud to be a part of a dynamic group of schools setting a high standard for charter education nationwide."