Thibeault Beams with Pride in First 4-Year Class

It was difficult to tell who was more proud of seniors—the parents, or Principal Wayne Thibeault.

As just the  and the first to go through all four grades of high school, the Class of 2011 enjoyed a commencement that was, in many ways, a milestone.

The ceremony took place on the sun-drenched  where speakers battled strong winds that tossed a few caps to the ground. Harford County Council President Billy Boniface, Board of Education member Leonard Wheeler and other local officials addressed the students.

Salutatorian Caleb Dorsch, class president Allison Regester, valedictorian Gina Lucchese and selected keynote speaker Bradley Herget greeted their classmates, too. After their respective speeches, Thibeault hugged each student and congratulated each on a great job just loud enough that he was heard through the podium microphone.

“Our administrators also taught us some valuable life lessons here. Mr. Thibeault has energetically took time to personally greet each of us every morning with a smile on his face," Regester said in her speech. "He taught us not only that your face won’t freeze from smiling so much, but no matter what problems overshadow your day, a smile can always allow the sun to gently peak through. On behalf of the senior class, thank you for your fun and smiles and the pride that you have for us and Patterson Mill High School."

The 218 graduates earned more than $2 million in scholarships, and the high school  was recently named one of the top 1,500 in the country by the Washington Post.