Story Category: Local Schools »

“Let’s face it, school stinks,” proclaimed Patuxent High School (PHS) Class 2012 Salutatorian Jordan Goldstein, who then proceeded to present evidence why his declaration was erroneous.

Goldstein, who last summer addressed the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative membership meeting asked his 261 classmates assembled at Show Place Arena Wednesday, June 6 to recall their four years at PHS. “Think about the growth you’ve made in the last four years,” he said. “If we have anybody to thank it’s the people in that school building. Look back with gratitude.”

“You are at the end of an era,” stated PHS Principal Nancy Highsmith, who noted for some students the journey from freshman to senior year was a bit more difficult than it was for others. Highsmith said high school graduation was like so many rites of passage the graduates will encounter in that it marks “a beginning and an ending. You are entering into the adult world. Patuxent High School will always be proud of you.”

Jason Mayer, the class valedictorian who is planning to attend Vanderbilt University, praised his “fantastic teachers” and gave “shout-outs” to several of his fellow grads during his address. “We are that more prepared for the challenges ahead,” said Mayer, who took 14 Advanced Placement courses during his high school career, acing every one of them. “We are ready. Now, let’s go out there and show the world we can do it!”

Student vocalists and musicians blended the traditional—most notably Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,”—with contemporary rock and country. Grads Michelle Smith and Vincent Szynborski performed Simple Mind’s “Don’t You Forget About Me.” Another graduate, Katelyn Corliss, sang Carrie Underwood’s “Whenever Your Remember.” Under the direction of Brooke Humfield, the entire PHS music ensemble performed “We are Young.” Several grads who were choir students led the audience in singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com