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(July 8, 2013) - "Tonight we pause to reflect on the accomplishments of the Class of 2013”, said Tuscarora High School Principal Pamela Paul-Jacobs as she welcomed the families and friends of the graduates on Sunday, June 9th. “Over the last several days I have had an opportunity to reflect on the many successes that we have achieved together.”
“You all have continued to set the standard for excellence and you have refined what it means to be a Husky. The academic excellence that you displayed in the classroom is evidenced by the more than $1.8 million dollars in scholarships and grants you have earned.
“Seniors, you are the last class with any physical connection to other high schools. You made the transition to being a Husky with tremendous enthusiasm and pride. You have matured and taken your rightful place next to our rival schools. You were brave enough to extend yourself to a new situation…to become a part of a new culture…to make new friends…friends that were your bridge in difficult situations…friends that you will remember forever. I am so proud to have served as your principal.”
The Senior and Jazz choirs then performed “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” directed by choir director, Joanna Hale. Graduate Cassidy Ford later performed “Up the Mountain.”
Class of 2013 Salutatorian Preston Phillips, who earned a 4.56 GPA and plans to attend the University of Virginia, introduced Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Services Dr. Kimberly Hough.
“This year’s graduating class at Tuscarora High School has engaged in hundreds of hours of volunteer and service activities,” reported Hough. “Already you have begun to develop leadership by serving others in your community. We encourage you to continue serving others because it is in serving others that we grow and develop. Developing requires us to perform at the edge of our capabilities.
“Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of our life. Learn from your mistakes…serve others…and build relationships…congratulations to the Class of 2013.”
Tuscarora High School Assistant Principal Richard Rovang recognized the honor students of the Class of 2013. The top five percent of the graduating class included:
- Carolina Anaya
- Shelby Anderson
- Laura Andrews
- Fayez Atari
- Will Avdellas
- Anna Cho
- Logan Feierbach
- Sarah Hilado
- Juliana Jackson
- Erica Kim
- Lori Kostka
- Dagney Palmer
- Preston Phillips
- Katarina Rebello
- Mikhaila Ritz
- Dylan Saunders
- Daniel Sedlazek
Senior Class President Andrew Corso introduced the two student speakers, Shelby Anderson and Daniel Sedlazek.
“We created a legacy of excellence that will last far more than our days here,” said Anderson. Sedlazek challenged his fellow graduates: “Would you rather use your life to collect a salary or to inspire others to be successful? Success is improving not only yourself…but those around you. We have our future in our hands. We have a chance to change the world.”
The faculty scholarship of $3,000, presented by Tuscarora High School Assistant Principal Justin Martin was awarded to Anna Cho, the Tuscarora High School yearbook editor who will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
Juliana Jackson, the Tuscarora High School valedictorian who earned a 4.61 cumulative GPA and will study at Princeton University in the fall, delivered the valedictory address.
Tuscarora High School Assistant Principal Denise Coon introduced her younger brother, Navy Vice Admiral David Dunaway, as the commencement speaker.
“To the graduates…I have a question for you…where are you going to take us? You’ve got a great start…we live in a great society. We have plenty of resources. You now have the keys to the kingdom. We have individual rights that no one else in the world has. The power in this country is being passed on to you.
Dunaway then shared these words of advice:
“Tribes – tribes (teams) are a good thing…but reach out to other tribes. Offer acceptance, tolerance and advocacy.
“Oysters – Be someone who can see beyond the outside by taking something that does not look good…but inside is something fantastic. Be bold…reach out…do something different…Don’t be afraid of adversity…or a hard shell.
“Buffalo Herd – a good buffalo herd leader will lead its followers to greener grass. It is important that you know the role of both a leader and a follower. Be a good leader…and a good follower. Keep focused…
“Take all that resides inside you…bring it out… and make the world a better place.”
Attending the Tuscarora High School graduation ceremony were Loudoun County School Board members Tom Reed (At-Large) and Bill D. Fox (Leesburg District).
Viva Loudoun Graduation 2013 Series
Today: Tuscarora
Tomorrow: Woodgrove
July 7: Stone Bridge
July 6: Potomac Falls
July 5: Park View
July 4: Loudoun Valley
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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