Q&A: Century High graduating class member stayed busy, became inspired to teach

The 275 graduates of Century High School’s class of 2021 were celebrated Wednesday afternoon at the Carroll County Agricultural Center’s Shipley Arena, the fourth in-person public school high school graduation ceremony at the site this year.

Before turning their tassels from one side to the other, the now-high school graduates were recognized for their accomplishments in school. The class was offered $10.2 million in scholarship money, 83% of the graduates will continue their education at a two- or four-year college, 11% are entering the workforce after graduation and 2% are pursuing military careers.

One of the Century High graduates continuing their education is Madeleine Mason. The Times caught up with Mason to learn more about her plans after high school and her experiences these past four years.

Q: How would you describe your high school experience?

Madeleine Mason, a Century High School 2021 graduate, will pursue teaching after graduating. (Madeleine Mason)

A: I would describe my high school experience as the best experience I could have asked for. Century High School has been amazing in every single way. Starting my freshman year, I got involved. In everything. I have ran 12 seasons of cross country and indoor/outdoor track, got involved in many clubs and have taken every opportunity I could. This is how I was able to have such an amazing four years. I got to meet countless people, make friends and learn everything I could. I cannot say enough good words about my time at Century and the people I’ve met there.

Q: How would you describe your experience when schools were virtual/hybrid?

A: Virtual school was a shock compared to what I was used to. It’s was very hard to hear that it wasn’t safe to be at school and my senior year was going to be different. The school worked hard to make sure we transitioned easily to online learning. I wouldn’t have been successful without help from teachers and without the technology CCPS loaned us this year. I took advantage of hybrid and in-person school as soon as possible. I think I ended up showing up almost every day ... even if it wasn’t my cohort. I can’t stay away.

Q: What are your academic and/or career plans?

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A: I will be attending Towson University in the fall to major in middle school social studies and humanities education. I hope to teach at a Title I middle school after college graduation.

Q: How has high school prepared you for those plans?

A: Century High School has given me the opportunity to intern in two different classroom settings and find my passion for middle school education. I was able to complete two completer courses, early childhood education and the Teacher Academy of Maryland. By excelling in both programs, I got to complete an internship in a Piney Ridge kindergarten class and an internship at Oklahoma Road Middle School in the sixth and seventh grade P.E classes. By being able to teach in both classes I learned that middle school is the place for me! I owe my passion for teaching to my amazing mentor teachers and the amazing educators I have had throughout my Carroll County Schools K-12 experience.

Q: What is your favorite high school memory?

A: My favorite high school memory is my time at Camp Hashawha Outdoor School. I got to be a counselor in October of my junior year. I loved spending the week outdoors with some awesome sixth grade students from Mt. Airy Middle.

Q: What is something you learned in high school that you will carry with you in the next chapter of your life?

A: Something that I learned in high school that I will carry in my life forever is to keep an open mind and to be kind to everyone. I have learned that in order to be successful, you must work with all types of people. By keeping an open mind and being kind to everyone, leadership and teamwork come naturally. Being kind is something everyone can make an effort to do, and by doing it, you might just change the world.

Seniors stand for the National Anthem during Century High School's graduation ceremony at the Carroll County Agriculture Center in Westminster Wednesday, June 2, 2021. (Dylan Slagle / Carroll County Times)