MHS Releases 475 Panthers into the Wild

Compassionate is the first word among many to describe Mehlville's class of 2011, according to senior class principal Alicia Landers. 

"They look out for others and go into action," she said. "That's just what they do." 

Mehlville graduated 475 students at the St. Charles Family Arena Sunday evening. After hearing words of encouragement from Principal Denise Swanger, four students from Mehlville spoke about their favorite memories and future aspirations for the class of 2011. 

"Along the way, I've been lucky enough to share all kinds of unforgettable memories with you," said Mark Messler, the class valedictorian. "I'll never forget watching the football team go to state during freshman year, I still remember wanting to sign up for that sophomore pin dance waiting to see if anybody else was going."

Messler ended his speech with advice for the graduates.

"Regardless of the path you choose, find what you enjoy doing and give it your all," he said. 

Many Mehlville students gave it their all during high school with the class earning more than $8 million in scholarships from universities all over the country. 

The arena was packed with supportive family and friends of the graduates, many traveling from outside the area. 

"We drove from Hannibal, but there's people here from Columbia and Louisiana," said Paula Brown, who came to watch her nephew, Patrick Mudd, graduate. Mudd will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia next year and had 10 family members come to watch him walk across the stage. 

Sunday's graduates will move on to everything from universities to technical schools to the military after their years at Mehlville. 

Julie Turek will be attending St. Louis University to major in biology. 

"High school went too fast," she said. "I'd tell freshmen to really cherish every moment."