Shelton School held numerous year-end awards assemblies, culminating with the Class of 2018 senior graduation on Saturday, May 26. Seventy seniors received their diplomas, turned their tassels, and tossed their caps in front of a cheering audience of some 1,500. The students have been accepted at 105 colleges and universities in 21 states. They achieved an all-time high $6.4m in awarded merit scholarships.
Valedictorian was Matt Matsil, who will be attending Northwestern University and majoring in communications. Salutatorian was Timmy Gildersleeve, who will be attending Drake University and majoring in finance.
Commencement guest speaker was Lake Highlands resident Monte Martin, an artist and CEO of the three-pronged business Martin & Martin Design. Martin, an entrepreneur and a dyslexic, resonated with Shelton students as he shared his journey to success with the graduates. He focused on the strengths he has maximized that might never have been realized without his perseverance to problem-solve in unique ways, a skill that serves him well.
“We end our 42nd year on a high,” says Executive Director Suzanne Stell. “Nothing brings such a sense of pride as days like today, when we celebrate the success of our students with friends and family. We’re also receiving news of Shelton alumni college graduations, so we get a double sense of satisfaction. This is the joy in doing what we do.”