By all accounts, Dymond Shantyl Dantzler, 16, is an overachiever. She maintains an off-the-charts 4.5 GPA., is a member of the National Honor Society at Randallstown High School and received the “Woman of Tomorrow” award from the state of Maryland in ninth grade.
“I found subjects dealing with math and environmental science to be challenging but I didn’t struggle,” Dantzler said. She considers all of her other school subjects to be a breeze, boasting acting and journalism as her best subjects.
Dantzler is now staking her claim among congressional legislators and was recently selected to attend the Congressional Page School, a Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools-accredited curriculum, where she will work for the U.S. House of Representatives for the spring term.
While Dantzler was pleasantly surprised by the selection; Randallstown High School math teacher Martine Dennis and school counselor Bertha Townsend were not.
“I nominated Ms. Dantzler because, upon my review of the needed academic criteria from the Congressional Page application, she more than met all the stated requirements. But more than this factor, Dymond also possesses the other qualities of a well-rounded, balanced and mature student who seeks to serve her school, church and community in meaningful ways,” said Townsend. “She is talented, motivated and consistently working hard toward meeting her goals and fulfilling her destiny. I am expecting great things from her now and throughout her life.”
Dantzler hopes to attend Harvard University with majors in law and psychology. Outside of her rigorous academic schedule, Dantzler is an avid singer, dancer, member of the marching band and stepper.
Dantzler will reside in the Page Building Residence Hall, located a few short blocks from the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Her duties will include a number of administrative tasks and helping members of the House prepare for sessions. Congressman “Dutch” Ruppersberger, D-Md., is sponsoring the teen this spring.
“It feels like I’m making a difference. . . I feel like I am a part of the legislative process,” Dantzler said.
Dantzler hopes to take away a better appreciation for the government saying, “It’s not an easy job; they really try their best to get things done.”
