(June 8, 2017) A couple hundred friends, family members and loved ones applauded the 331 graduates of Stephen Decatur High School, Wednesday, May 31, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street.
Class Vice President Gavin Payne delivered a farewell address during the ceremony, by first joking how no one would have guessed he’d be giving a speech, before reminiscing about the fun times and memories graduates created together and will remember for the rest of their lives.
“The best years are in front of us,” Payne said. “I challenge every single one of you to set your goals high. Never conform. Be resilient and fight for what you believe in. You have made a positive impact on our community and our world. Thank you and good luck.”
The Worcester County Board of Education uses a three-tiered senior recognition program where each student receives a cumulative weighted GPA, which is calculated at the end of the third marking period in English, math, social studies, science, world languages and Advanced Placement courses. Class rank with valedictorian and salutatorian honors ended several years ago.
Students who earned a 5.05 GPA or higher received Summa Cum Laude honors. Those receiving a 4.9-5.04 GPA earned Magna Cum Laude accolades and students earning a 4.8-4.89 GPA were presented Cum Laude distinction. All honorees stood for recognition during the commencement ceremony.
Of the graduates, 161 (49 percent) will attend four-year colleges or universities and 91 (28 percent) will head to two-year schools. Eight students (2 percent) will study at trade and technical schools, 57 (17 percent) will go into the workforce and 14 (4 percent) are heading to the military.
The top choice college for Decatur graduates was Wor-Wic, with 72 enrolling this year, and another 34 will stay close to study at Salisbury University.
University of Maryland College Park will welcome eight Decatur graduates in the fall and 15 students are heading to Towson University.
The class of 2017 received more than $9 million in scholarships and grants.
“They have left our mark on us. Now it’s time to leave your mark on the world,” Stephen Decatur Principal Thomas Zimmer, said.
Zimmer also praised the thousands of hours the class spent helping out community nonprofits, recognized the difference they have made on the community and school in addition to mentioning their talents in sports, art, music and theatre.
“Remember a commencement is not an ending, it is a beginning,” Zimmer said. “A whole new exciting phase of your life is about to begin. Don’t forget to set the bar high. Life is good. Now go out there and make it better.”
For the fifth consecutive year, class of 2017 graduates were given the opportunity to choose their own commencement speaker and they decided on Paul Hudson, facilities manager at Stephen Decatur High School, who is retiring in June.
“Class of 2017, four years ago we started our journey and through these years together, being a part of your journey has meant so much to me,” Hudson said. “I will always cherish our time together. I see great things in your future. Through hard work, you can accomplish anything. Who knows? Maybe you will be asked to speak at a high school graduation.”
Hudson has been working for Worcester County Public Schools since 1994 and spent three years at Showell Elementary before 16 years at Berlin Intermediate School, working as a custodian.
“I have great memories with staff and students at Berlin Intermediate School,” Hudson said. “I will take all the wonderful memories and friendships I have made with me [at Stephen Decatur].”
Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County schools, thanked the families in the audience before reflecting on the compassion and kindness the graduates embody.
“One quality undistinguishable on paper is kindness,” Taylor said. “Our students here and across Worcester County have a refreshing respect for everyone. We are blessed to have students with a strong moral compass, who are kind and compassionate. Keep showing respect for others.
“I want to commend you on your outstanding success,” he added. “You will carry this night with you and you should be extremely proud. Thank you for making us all proud. It’s our joy to see how far you’ve come. May God bless the class of 2017.”
Class Vice President Gavin Payne delivered a farewell address during the ceremony, by first joking how no one would have guessed he’d be giving a speech, before reminiscing about the fun times and memories graduates created together and will remember for the rest of their lives.
“The best years are in front of us,” Payne said. “I challenge every single one of you to set your goals high. Never conform. Be resilient and fight for what you believe in. You have made a positive impact on our community and our world. Thank you and good luck.”
The Worcester County Board of Education uses a three-tiered senior recognition program where each student receives a cumulative weighted GPA, which is calculated at the end of the third marking period in English, math, social studies, science, world languages and Advanced Placement courses. Class rank with valedictorian and salutatorian honors ended several years ago.
Students who earned a 5.05 GPA or higher received Summa Cum Laude honors. Those receiving a 4.9-5.04 GPA earned Magna Cum Laude accolades and students earning a 4.8-4.89 GPA were presented Cum Laude distinction. All honorees stood for recognition during the commencement ceremony.
Of the graduates, 161 (49 percent) will attend four-year colleges or universities and 91 (28 percent) will head to two-year schools. Eight students (2 percent) will study at trade and technical schools, 57 (17 percent) will go into the workforce and 14 (4 percent) are heading to the military.
The top choice college for Decatur graduates was Wor-Wic, with 72 enrolling this year, and another 34 will stay close to study at Salisbury University.
University of Maryland College Park will welcome eight Decatur graduates in the fall and 15 students are heading to Towson University.
The class of 2017 received more than $9 million in scholarships and grants.
“They have left our mark on us. Now it’s time to leave your mark on the world,” Stephen Decatur Principal Thomas Zimmer, said.
Zimmer also praised the thousands of hours the class spent helping out community nonprofits, recognized the difference they have made on the community and school in addition to mentioning their talents in sports, art, music and theatre.
“Remember a commencement is not an ending, it is a beginning,” Zimmer said. “A whole new exciting phase of your life is about to begin. Don’t forget to set the bar high. Life is good. Now go out there and make it better.”
For the fifth consecutive year, class of 2017 graduates were given the opportunity to choose their own commencement speaker and they decided on Paul Hudson, facilities manager at Stephen Decatur High School, who is retiring in June.
“Class of 2017, four years ago we started our journey and through these years together, being a part of your journey has meant so much to me,” Hudson said. “I will always cherish our time together. I see great things in your future. Through hard work, you can accomplish anything. Who knows? Maybe you will be asked to speak at a high school graduation.”
Hudson has been working for Worcester County Public Schools since 1994 and spent three years at Showell Elementary before 16 years at Berlin Intermediate School, working as a custodian.
“I have great memories with staff and students at Berlin Intermediate School,” Hudson said. “I will take all the wonderful memories and friendships I have made with me [at Stephen Decatur].”
Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County schools, thanked the families in the audience before reflecting on the compassion and kindness the graduates embody.
“One quality undistinguishable on paper is kindness,” Taylor said. “Our students here and across Worcester County have a refreshing respect for everyone. We are blessed to have students with a strong moral compass, who are kind and compassionate. Keep showing respect for others.
“I want to commend you on your outstanding success,” he added. “You will carry this night with you and you should be extremely proud. Thank you for making us all proud. It’s our joy to see how far you’ve come. May God bless the class of 2017.”