Dundalk Seniors ‘Going to Different Places, on Different Journeys’

Dundalk High School Principal Tom Shouldice told the 229 seniors graduating Tuesday night that he, his staff, and their parents were all very proud of them.

“Please give them a round of applause,” he told the parents and faculty in attendance.

He also praised the students’ parents for their persistence over the past dozen years as their children went through the inevitable ups and downs of school life and growing up.

“Seniors,” he said, “give your parents a round of applause."

Then, Shouldice praised his staff.

“Folks, this is the best faculty in Baltimore County,” the principal said. “They’re dedicated and hardworking and build meaningful relationships with our students.” 

Backing up his claim, Shouldice ran off some numbers. Seventy percent of this year’s seniors plan to attend a two- or four-year college this fall—an increase of 37 percent over last year—and the highest number ever at Dundalk, according to Shouldice.

In addition, another 16 percent of the graduating students plan to enter specialized trade schools or the military.

Valedictorian Mercedes Grudinsky plans to attend Pensacola Christian College and study nursing this fall.

In her address, she said that in overcoming obstacles along the way to graduation, the Dundalk High Class of 2011 had been “molded into the people we are today.”

“We don’t know where we will end up, yet,” she told her fellow departing seniors. "We are going to different places, on different journeys.

“Go out and explore.”

Lindsay Brightbill and Erika Kolstrom served as advisors for the Class of 2011.

H. Edward Parker, vice president, Board of Education, officially awarded diplomas.

Officers of the Class of 2011 were:

President: Nicole Van Court

Vice president: Amanda Hatfield

Secretary: Meaghan Williams

Treasurer: Mercedes Grudinsky

Class president Nicole Van Court gave the welcome and introduction, and led her classmates in the turning of their tassels.