Ashley Sottili
There was an excitement in the air as the Dulaney High School staff and students welcomed Reid Wiseman home on Sept. 18, 2026. Wiseman, an astronaut, as well as a Dulaney High School alumnus of the class of 1993, was thrilled to return to the place where all his dreams began so many years ago.
In May 2026, Wiseman returned from a 10-day mission around the moon on the Artemis II. This flight took him and his crew farther than any astronaut has ever been in space.
During his visit to Dulaney High School, Wiseman had the opportunity to speak to the student body, as well as to be the Grand Marshal of their Homecoming Parade. This celebration gave the students an opportunity to meet someone who walked the same halls and learned in the same classrooms as they are learning in today. They were able to make the connection that, with hard work and dedication, they might also have the opportunity to go to the moon one day.
“It’s not always easy going through high school and I have the richest memories from this place,” Wiseman said reflecting on the role Dulaney High School played in his upbringing. “Not all good, but my friends and I got through this, and it got me on the right track to where I am today.”
The energy in the auditorium was electric, and the students were roaring as Wiseman entered for his presentation. The drum line from Dulaney’s marching band was performing on stage to welcome the former student. Wiseman jumped in and began to play with the students. He was also a member of the marching band at Dulaney and shared many fond memories of his time with the band.
“It was so fun to have him playing right next to me,” Shelley Fox, current sophomore at Dulaney High School, said of Wiseman jumping in. “I felt like I was next to a celebrity and it was an experience I will never forget.”
As the presentation continued, Wiseman shared photos and memories of his time at Dulaney High School, as well as images that he captured while aboard the Artemis II.
The students were engaged and laughing along at many of the old high school photos that Wiseman was sharing.
Wiseman kept in touch with Dulaney teacher, Steve Shaw, for many years after graduating. Shaw’s first year as a teacher was Wiseman’s senior year.
While Shaw didn’t have the opportunity to teach Wiseman, he maintained a connection that has now turned into a lifelong friendship. During the presentation, Shaw reflected on stories of and memories with Wiseman.
Most notably, he told the students a story from about 20 years ago. Shaw received a phone call from the US Government. It was Wiseman calling him from outer space. There is a photo of Wiseman wearing a Dulaney t-shirt while in the space shuttle.
“It’s so fun that we’ve had this chance to meet Reid and learn about what he had to do to go to space,” Frankie Wright, a senior at Dulaney, said after being asked if he was inspired by Wiseman. “He made us realize that we really can do what we want to if we work hard enough. Seeing him wear that Dulaney shirt in space was super inspirational.”
After the assemblies, students had the opportunity to take pictures with Wiseman. Some students even removed their shoes to ask for autographs. Students were clearly in awe of Wiseman and all that he has accomplished.
After the assemblies, Wiseman led the students in their annual homecoming parade
Dulaney’s clubs and sports teams, local first responders and government officials, as well as Warren Elementary and Cockeysville Middle School were all represented in the parade. The streets were lined with spectators as this was the most widely attended parade Dulaney has ever had. It is evident that Wiseman left a lasting impression on the Dulaney community.
Current teacher at the school, Meekah Hopkins, noted how cool the whole experience was and the positive impact this event had on teachers, staff, students, and the community. She was impressed with how well the students responded to Wiseman and the words of advice he brought with him.
Wiseman left Dulaney High School with a feeling of pride for the place he once called home. He remarked on his excitement for the students and their future.
He left the students feeling confident that they too can fulfill even their wildest dreams.
