With a 4.5 GPA, senior Greg Kogut has been named the 2011 Glen Burnie High School valedictorian.

The 18-year-old said he felt his hard work throughout high school paid off when he learned he received the honor.

"Instead of taking the easy way out in high school, I persevered and yet I don't regret one moment," he said. "My time at Glen Burnie has really taught me something that transcends the classroom. I've learned how to work diligently and effectively in my daily life and because of that, I feel that I am a better person."

Earlier this year, Kogut was one of 11 students receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.

He will receive $2,500 each year over his four years at Johns Hopkins. The scholarship is awarded to students who plan to study a major that supports national defense. Kogut will use the scholarship to study computer engineering.

"I know that my education from Glen Burnie High School has prepared me for college this fall and I hope that future classes take advantage of what Glen Burnie has to offer. There is nothing more important than an education and I have had no problem getting one at Glen Burnie High School," he said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct Greg Kogut's GPA. His GPA was 4.5.