Schools

Patapsco High Grads Told 'Commit to the Adventure' of Life

At graduation ceremonies at Towson University, 331 Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts seniors received diplomas and "commence" with the next step in life's journey.

Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts Principal Ryan J. Imbriale told his graduating seniors Wednesday afternoon that life ahead will bring successes, but plenty of failures and obstacles, too. He almost made it sound like the failures and obstacles are the part to look forward to.

“You absolutely must commit to the adventure,” Imbriale said. “Throw away the store-bought map and draw your own.”

Valedictorian and art student Erika Shaddock is already on board. She says she’s been told not to go to art school, but plans to follow her passion nonetheless.

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“Art is what makes me feel alive,” Shaddock said in her address. “Art is what makes me feel strong.”

Class president Danielle McGrogan reminded family in attendance that the class of 2011 has already dealt with its share of ups and downs—leaky ceilings and a worn school, tough losses on the football field, teachers with high expectations, and a junior prom without a D.J.—and handled most of them in stride with help from each other and the “best class advisors ever.”

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At graduation ceremonies at Towson University Wednesday afternoon, 331 Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts seniors received diplomas and prepared to "commence" with the next step in life’s journey.

Imbriale noted that of those graduating, 26 percent are heading to four-year colleges and universities next year. Another 54 percent are going to two-year schools. Five percent plan to attend a specialized training school, making a total of 85 percent of students who intend to continue their education in the fall.

In addition, Imbriale said, six percent of students will enter the military service or a military academy next year.

The Patapsco High Scholar of the Year award went to Shaddock.

Receiving the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence were Shaddock, Rebecca Day, Ciera Lehman, Anthony Prachniak and Brooke Zimmerman.

Receiving Faculty Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts were Santina Busch, Brandon Jones, McGrogan, Shaddock and Nicholas Wiley.

Stacy Bauer received the Baltimore County Board of Education Ethic Award.


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