Crouse's New Chapter Begins following january retirement

By: Vanessa Buechler

Crouse poses with his wife, Casey, in New Burn, NC, where they will move in 2027.

For nearly four decades, Pat Crouse’s presence has been a defining aspect of his educational career. 

And for the past seven years, it’s been Crouse’s presence in Glenelg’s hallways and after school activities that have shaped and defined the school’s environment. As of Jan. 1, 2026, Crouse will leave behind his legacy, retiring as Glenelg’s longest current tenured assistant principal.       

​To most, retirement might feel like an end, but to Crouse it signifies an opportunity to begin a new chapter – one where he will get to spend more quality time with his wife and son. Until then, Crouse plans to relish his final days at Glenelg.

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So, too, will principal Shawn Hastings-Hauf, who has worked closely with Crouse for the past five school years. 

“I am so happy for Mr. Crouse and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” said Hastings-Hauf. “I must acknowledge how deeply he will be missed. His impact on Glenelg is lasting, and his legacy of kindness, dedication, and heart will continue to inspire all of us.

“He has left an indelible mark on the community,” Hastings-Hauf continued. “His warm, approachable style and genuine interest in every aspect of student life have made him a trusted mentor, a steady guide, and a true champion for kids. Whether supporting teachers and students in classrooms, cheering on teams, or connecting with families, he has helped shape a positive, inclusive school culture that will be felt for years to come.”

Crouse’s educational career began in 1987 – following his graduation from University of Maryland, College Park – at Mount Hebron High School where he would spend 18 years teaching mathematics. He was then transferred to Howard High School for eight years, promoted to assistant principal at Wilde Lake High School for six years, and now ends his career after nearly seven years at Glenelg. 

While he said he loved being a mathematics teacher and enjoyed getting to know his students in this role, Crouse has thoroughly enjoyed being an assistant principal for the last 13 years. 

“Being an assistant principal has let me expand my sphere of influence on kids,” Crouse said. “I am so incredibly grateful to have been a part of the Glenelg community for the past seven years.” 

Since his move to Glenelg in 2018, Crouse has become a staple in the school community, most notably for his ability to foster positive connections with students. 

English teacher Virginia Peralta said that because he’s one of the most present administrators in the hallways, “he does a good job at seeing kids that sometimes teachers don’t see.” 

Crouse acknowledges his role as an assistant principal has allowed him to reach and influence students in a way that teaching math could not. Still, Crouse said, he finds it rewarding to have taught long enough to see his former students with their children at Glenelg. 

“It has been such a pleasure to see all kinds of people at different stages of life throughout my career,” Crouse said. 

While he’s built connections with past and current students during his 38 years as an educator, the one thing Crouse is going to miss most is the administration meetings that occur each Monday. Some of his favorite memories are with Hastings-Hauf, and former assistant principals Sandra Suber and Judith Hendricks.

“I miss those meetings where [Suber] would always say something, sometimes not on purpose, but it was usually something funny, and we would all laugh,” Crouse said. He spent the majority of his time at Glenelg with the three administrators, and while Suber and Hendricks have already retired, Crouse said he will never forget the bond they shared. 

During his time as an administrator at Glenelg, Crouse has done so much to benefit the school. One of his favorite summer activities has been working the Glenelg Fry Stand at the Howard County Fair.

“I love volunteering at the fair when the administration does the stand,” Crouse said. “I’ll certainly miss all those fun times.” 

But the fun, volunteer work isn’t the only good thing Crouse has done for the school. Part of his responsibilities include overseeing building maintenance, right down to staying on top of leaks in the pipes during the winter when it becomes really cold, or making sure the school has hot water. Crouse’s main goal at Glenelg has been to improve the school so that when he leaves, he’s “leaving it in a better place than when [he] got here.” 

And he has certainly accomplished that over the years, after working through a burst pipe several winters ago, and after helping create the school’s security office, ensuring a safe environment for students to learn. Crouse said he hopes that the mark he leaves on the school is a combination of all of the things he’s done to improve it. 

Once he officially retires in January, Crouse’s schedule will become quite different. 

“I know I will need to wake up and do something different, but I’m looking forward to figuring it all out,” Crouse said.

While Crouse’s retirement is a sad event for him, the Glenelg staff, and the students, it is also the beginning of something new and exciting in his life. Crouse said he plans to travel with his wife to watch his son’s Air Force Lacrosse team play for the five months following his retirement before watching his son graduate from the Air Force Academy in Colorado in late May. 

Crouse and his wife have also purchased a piece of land to build a new home in New Bern, North Carolina, and plan to move there in early 2027. Crouse said he’s very excited to be living just 45 minutes from the beach, and in a golfing community that has lots of social events for him and his wife to participate in. Once he’s in New Bern, he plans to become an active member in the community and enjoy the fun events. There’s no doubt his time at Glenelg has prepared him well. 

Crouse’s final piece of advice for anyone in the building is to “get to know the people and get out in the hallway. And if you can do that, you’ll enjoy the school.”

The GHS Shield wishes Crouse the very best of luck in his next step of life. Thank you for your service, your time, and your presence.