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(July 4, 2013) - Loudoun Valley High School celebrated its 2013 graduation ceremony on Monday, June 10th, inside the high school’s gym due to rain.
However, the weather did not dampen any of the spirit and enthusiasm of the 254 graduates.
The day’s ceremony was started by opening remarks and acknowledgements by Principal Sue Ross. Along with welcoming and thanking the special guests, faculty and staff, she emphasized the important role that the families and friends have played in the graduates’ lives. “We acknowledge and thank our parents, grandparents, family members and community members whose support here at Loudoun Valley is always so strong, so positive and so very valuable to our graduating seniors.”
Ross went on to reiterate the advice that the senior class had been receiving during the last four years. She reminded them of the power of family, friends and forgiveness, that transitions are never simple or easy and that they should always “be true to yourself as you are buffeted by the turbulence of transition.”
Ross also spoke of the great leadership qualities she felt the class of 2013 exhibited. “Your accomplishments are many and you have left your leadership marks on Loudoun Valley. Remember what is said about good leaders: ‘Good leaders are also sometimes good followers. Therefore, be sure to surround yourself with a few loyal and trusted friends who will always help you see things from a perspective that is different from yours.’
“Class of 2013,” she continued, “just by virtue of being who you are, you have raised the bar.”
After a musical performance by the Loudoun Valley Combined Choirs, the program continued with remarks by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Executive Director for Planning and Legislative Services Dr. Sam Adamo.
He congratulated the graduating class for their hard work, but also told them to remember how they got to this moment in time. “Graduation is a great and significant accomplishment. This accomplishment is not only about your hard work, your dedication and your commitment, but it’s also about a story of those who helped get you here today.”
Adamo implored the seniors to think about how much their family, friends and communities have given them, and to keep that circle of giving going as they head out into the world. “As you embark on the adventure that will be your life, never forget those that you encounter. Your gift and assistance, no matter how small, no matter how trite that they seem to you is of great consequence to the person who receives it.”
Assistant Principal Vicki Dorsey spoke of the numerous academic highlights of the class of 2013, stating that 44 percent had a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher while 27 percent held a GPA of 4.3 or higher.
The Vikings’ class of 2013 was one of the smallest graduation classes in the county. Of the graduating class of 2013:
- 91 percent will pursue post-secondary education;
- 2 percent will join the military;
- 7 percent will seek employment or pursue other endeavors;
- The class of 2013 earned nearly $1.9 million in scholarships and grants.
Vicki Dorsey went on to read the list of the top 5 percent of the graduating class. They were:
- Rachel M. Boisjolie
- Cara J. Broshkevitch
- Melissa L. Fairfax
- Laura E. Jeu
- Lindsey O. Johnston
- Shannon B. Kelly
- James C. Locklear
- Mae L. Markowski
- Aaron R. McAnally
- Meagan E. Solano
- Vaibhav R. Tadepalli
- Sara C. Vitkus
- Jeffrey Zhang
Mae Markowski was announced as the class salutatorian with a final GPA of 4.71 and Cara Broshkevitch was named the class valedictorian.
Dr. Troy Mohler, a Loudoun Valley High School graduate and current physician with Leesburg Sterling Family Practice, delivered the commencement address. After putting a lot of thought into what he felt the graduating class wanted and needed to hear, he decided to speak on success. “Everyone sitting here wants to be successful in their personal lives, successful in their careers and successful in life in general. What lessons could I share with the young men and women today?”
Mohler shared a story of his last two years where he had visited all seven continents of the world and lived on five. In 2010, he had been working as a physician in Lynchburg and was living a seemingly successful life. “I had fantastic patients, a great partner and mentor, a beautiful apartment, weekends off (two of them three-day), and I had plenty of time to relax and have fun. It was a comfortable, easy life; a life that many people would call successful…but not me.”
He thought back to the times in his medical career that he was most happy, describing his times working in Alaska on a small island near Ketchikan while in medical school. He thought back to living in Monterey, Mexico, taking care of people living in a city landfill. “As I reflected on these memories, I came to the realization that I am happiest when working in remote areas.” He then talked about his decision to move to New Zealand to practice medicine.
Mohler went on to describe some of his experiences practicing in the different countries and interacting with the people. He endured many hardships and challenges while abroad, but knew it was worth it. “If you look back at some of the most successful people in history, they got where they were because they challenged themselves. They took the jobs and positions that others didn’t want or were afraid to do and they thrived.”
Ultimately, Mohler left the graduates with the following advice. “If you want to be successful in your personal life, remember to be true to yourself and your dreams. And don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path to follow them. Adventure is not without hardship, and neither is life.”
School Board member Brenda Sheridan (Sterling District) attended the Loudoun Valley High School graduation.
Viva Loudoun Graduation 2013 Series
Today: Loudoun Valley
Tomorrow: Park View
July 3: Loudoun County
July 2 : Heritage
July 1: Freedom
June 30: Dominion
June 29: Broad Run
June 28: Briar Woods
Article and photo courtesy Loudoun County Public Schools
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