School Graduation

Memorial Day weekend is considered the traditional start of summer, but for more than 2,500 Harford County students, summer won't begin until high school is officially over - forever. And after weeks of studying and exams, that time has come. Graduation Week 2012 is upon us. Harford Community College led the way with its commencement exercises on May 17. The senior students at the John Archer School will graduate in ceremonies beginning at 1:15 p.m. Friday, June 1 at the school.

The rapid improvement during the last few years in Baltimore City's graduation rate is both proof that the reforms taking place in the school system are working and a lasting boon to the city in the form of a population of young men and women who face a much brighter future than they would have otherwise. Figures released by the city school department last week show that since 2007, the high-school dropout rate has been cut by more than half, while the proportion of graduates has risen steadily.

Air Force Airman Vincent A. Mattiello graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio. Mattiello completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. He is the son of Darlene and Carmine Mattiello, of Ellicott City. Mattiello is a 2007 graduate of Centennial High School.

Teddy Bean celebrated one of those life moments this weekend: He graduated from dog school. My pup, the graduate! I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little emotional about it. This was actually his second go-round at getting a proper education. Not long after I adopted him two years ago, I signed him up for the All-Star Canine class at Maryland SPCA. He did his best -- but for a puppy mill rescue who had only just begun to trust me enough to take treats from my hand, it was too soon.

Thirty-six eighth graders at Harford Day School in Bel Air were awarded diplomas at their outdoor graduation ceremony held on the school's campus June 10th. Thirty-six eighth graders at Harford Day School in Bel Air were awarded diplomas at their outdoor graduation ceremony held on the school's campus June 10th. Head of School Susan G. Harris provided well-wishes as the graduates move on to their next adventures in high school. "You have been fully engaged in all that Harford Day had to offer, enjoying each day," Harris told the graduates.

The assistant principal of a Northeast Baltimore high school was arrested Tuesday and charged with stealing eight Apple iPads that the school was going to use in its graduation ceremony, according to court records. Leonard Sheppard Hart, 38, was arrested at the Antioch Diploma Plus High School on Harford Road and released from central booking on his own recognizance, facing one count of theft under $10,000. A system spokeswoman said he was placed on administrative leave. Charging documents filed by city school police Sgt. Akil L. Hamm allege that Hart stole the devices and chargers, with a total value of $3,992, from the school's main office on June.

Callie Kearns Alderman Kayla Jean Alevizatos Jodi Frances Askew Rabia Ahmad Talia Aygun Katherine Elizabeth Bailey Molly Elizabeth Blondell Juliet Nicole Boucher Carley Elizabeth Callis Victoria Lynn Campitelli Alexandra Renée Carroll Alyssa Elle Cestello Caroline Elizabeth Chriss Margaret Claire Cobert Kiera Monai Davis Alexandra Lauren Day Chelbi Marki Dickens ...