Remembering 20 Of The County’s Brightest Moments

What a year! Easily, in a jurisdiction of nearly one million residents, there are dozens of success stories and victories. 2017 was full of surprises and challenges. But as a county, Prince George's enjoyed a trend toward revitalization and change. We selected 20 highlights that epitomize character and growth and will continue to resonate with Prince Georgians as we move toward 2018 and beyond.

Capt. Morgan. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGES SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

1. The Real Top Gun: In April, Capt. Jonathan Morgan, a D.C. National Guard pilot found himself flying over civilian airspace when his F-16C fighter jet’s engines went out during maneuvers at Joint Base Andrews AFB. Keeping cool and relying on his training, he safely landed the crippled aircraft in a wooded area in Prince George’s. Morgan’s first question after his parachute-saving trip back to earth: “Is everyone OK?”

2. Three-peat: The Wise High School Pumas (@WisePumaSports) won their third consecutive state football championship in December by defeating Quince Orchard. Final score: 38-20. The Pumas wan their third straight Maryland 4A state championship and improved on their undefeated streak to 42 games. The program at Wise is a starter for young athletes – the current coaching leadership at Wise has sent 121 Pumas to play college football in schools across the nation.

3. Purple line groundbreaking: A new 16-mile east-west light rail line will include 21 stations and connects New Carrollton, Md. in Prince George’s County and Bethesda, Md. in Montgomery County. More than 6,000 construction positions and more than 400 ongoing jobs — with a total of 52,000 direct and indirect new jobs created in with the green light of the metro rail expansion.

4. Healthy Direction: The $543 million University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center broke ground in November. The facility will serve as a research center in addition to ongoing health care and providing 200+ beds. The hospital will be developed in several phases even after it opens – allowing for greater services, access and parking as demand expands within the region.

Charles Lancaster. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

5. Undying Service: Honoring Ret. Army Captain Charles Hubert Lancaster, who now at 100 years old, is one of the most pioneering members of our retired military community. But Lancaster’s incredible impact didn’t stop at the end of his military career: he went on to become one of the county’s pioneering business and community leaders as well.

6. Jobs Rising: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services breaks ground on new headquarters to bring 3,700 federal jobs to Prince George’s.

PHOTO: BILL HART // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

7. The State of The Arts in Prince George’s: The forum, the first of its kind in recent memory, brought to light the value of an under tapped $20 million potential revenue source as well as unifying the county’s business, civic, education and faith communities with the arts.

8. Towering Curry: The Wayne K. Curry Administration Building opens in December in Largo, MD – an area designated to become the future downtown center of Prince George’s. The building is named for the lasting impact of the former first African American county executive and the enormous strides he made in Prince George’s and the region.

Bowie State University President Dr Aminta Breaux. PHOTO: CAROL DAY // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

9. A Woman Shall Lead Them: Dr. Aminta Breaux was named the first woman president of Bowie State University. On the heels of the university’s 150th anniversary in 2015, Dr. Breaux stepped in to become BSU’s 10th president in July. Breaux has a stellar career in higher education and an established track record of success.

10. Kaiser Permanente Expands in Prince George’s: The health care giant hosted the groundbreaking of its New Carrollton Administrative Building. Announced in October, it includes plans to open a 200,000-square-foot administrative and IT facility near New Carrollton Metro. The full development is planned in phases over some 10 years.

Founder Peggy Morris (left) and leadership at Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc. PHOTO: BILL HART PHOTOGRAPHY

11. Its Own Reward: Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc. lifted county spirit and pride in professional accomplishments and success when the group awarded over 20 local and national leaders at S4SN’s 15th Anniversary Community of Stars Gala in November. It was a VIP night of stars in every walk from faith and community to business and media.

12. The New MPG: The $30 million renovation of the Mall at Prince Georges. More than a name change to MPG, the mall brought several new national brands to consumers in the first of its two-phase plan in September. MPG will be a long term contributor to massive economic growth occurring in Hyattsville.

13. 2017 PowerNetworking Conference: Bringing in national and international economic and business leaders, the global conference included members from some 15 countries and over 40 cities across the United States. Held in June, the 2017 conference was the second of five annual PNCs to be held in the county over coming years.

14. Celebrating 100 Years: The First Baptist Church of Glenarden reached a monumental milestone under the leadership of Pastor John Jenkins and First Lady Trina Jenkins. The church celebrated with numerous events throughout the year.

15. Historic Groundbreaking: The Town Square at Suitland Federal Center broke ground in November and is the largest redevelopment project in County history. The 1-million-square-foot, mixed use development will include nearly 900 apartments and single homes, 100,000 square feet of retail space and a 50,000-square-foot performing arts center.

16. Transforming Region’s Biotech Corridor: In November, the new 184,000-square foot A. James Clark Hall was dedicated. With state-of-the-art laboratories, the new world-class research facility housing the University of Maryland’s bioengineering program will be an incubator of innovation in the growing field of bioengineering. A. James Clark Hall is the only space in the nation dedicated to bioengineering and the translation of health-related products that incorporates FDA-funded Centers of Excellence in both Regulatory Science and Pediatric Device Innovation. Lives will be saved by the breakthroughs that will be produced there.

Sen. Doug Peters. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

17. On The Field: Groundbreaking in Upper Marlboro took place this summer for the new Liberty Sports Park which is scheduled to open in or soon after 2020. With nearly 12 fields, the sports complex is expected to yield nearly $29 million in annual revenue, provide some 300- 500 jobs and $1.5 million annually in tax revenue. It will include 330,000 tourists per year, over 20 tournaments annually. And, once the Michael Companies got involved with South Lake, a compelling retail component is value added within walking distance of the park.

18. Play That Moneymaker: MGM National Harbor celebrated its first year in operation Dec. 8 with outstanding numbers: 6 million visitors since opening day, 45% of its workforce are Prince Georgians, and its revenue accounting for just shy of 40% of Maryland’s casino revenue. The resort giant is now the county’s leading tax provider with a projected $32 million payout. For many, it has lived up to its expectations for the county.

19. Three-Way Education: Prince George’s Community College is growing with three major construction and renovation projects, totaling $112,927,020. The Lanham Hall and Queen Anne Renovation and Expansion projects are funded through the Maryland State Capital Projects Budget, with matching funds from Prince George’s County. The Culinary Arts Center, funded by Prince George’s County, will be a state of the art facility led by award-winning chefs and educators.

NBA MVP Kevin Durant. PHOTO: PEGGY MORRIS // PRINCE GEORGE'S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

20. Hometown Hero Comes Home: 2017 NBA Champion Kevin Durant came back to the county for an all-day free celebration in August. “Kevin Durant Day Parade and Festival,” served as the celebration for the professional basketball player’s extraordinary NBA win and his award as “Most Valuable Player” with the Golden State Warriors. Durant was raised in Seat Pleasant, MD. and played high school basketball at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington before finishing his senior year at Montrose Christian School in Rockville. Durant’s big heart – on and off the court – contribute considerably to the county’s growing national image as a great destination and place to live.