Posts
(July 9, 2013) - Woodgrove High School’s graduation was held inside for the second consecutive year because of rain on Monday, June 10th.
But the lack of sunshine was overcome by the enthusiasm and smiles of the families and friends of the 389 graduates that packed the gym and auditorium. Some of the graduates even found it necessary to wear the sunglasses they found waiting for them on their seats.
Genevieve Lemley, Jamie Sobota and Audrey Moentmann, Class of 2013 vice president, historian, and secretary, respectively, welcomed those attending the graduation ceremony. They thanked the Woodgrove administration, faculty and staff for their support and hard work in making their senior year a wonderful experience. Moentmann concluded the welcoming comments by stating the 2013 graduates would always remember to practice the school motto, “Work, Honor and Strive”.
Principal Sam Shipp thanked the graduates for making his first year as Woodgrove’s principal an honor and a rewarding experience. He said he would be remiss in his praise of the Woodgrove senior class if he did not give special mention to some students that had just finished their Woodgrove experience during the previous weekend. “We had five teams that made it the state quarterfinals. Two teams, the girls’ softball and girls’ soccer teams made it to the state finals. And yesterday, the girls’ soccer team won the state championship.”
“In three short years, you all have played such an instrumental role in defining our school. In fine arts, academics and athletics in three short years you have made such an impression on this community. You should be so very proud of what you have done.”
Shipp pointed out to the graduates that they were just starting to define their lives. “You are starting with a clean slate; you are going to be able to do whatever you want to do. Opportunity abounds, and the adventure is extraordinary … I hope that you make the most of it. We look forward to seeing what you put on that slate.”
The Class of 2013 collectively earned $2,366,424 in scholarships and financial aid. 366 graduates plan to continue their formal education (94 percent of the class). Five graduates plan to serve in the military and 14 plan to directly enter the work force.
Assistant Principal Renée Dawson recognized Lauren Leuck as the Class of 2013 salutatorian. Leuck has enrolled in Virginia Tech.
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Sharon Ackerman asked the graduates to join her in recognizing the graduates’ parents, family and faculty for the important roles that they have played in the students’ successes. Ackerman reminded the graduates that they would not always be successful, and that there would be “bumps in the road.”
“How you react to these adversities will define your successes.”
Ackerman referenced the example of Abraham Lincoln’s life as proof of someone who overcame adversity to have a positive impact on society. “Lincoln lost eight different political races before becoming president. If that were not enough … he lost jobs, the love of his life died, and he had a nervous breakdown. ”
Ackerman asked the graduates to “promise that those disappointments and bumps in the road will not define you but will strengthen your resolve to continue to be the person that you can be.”
Brian Jenkins, the 2013 Faculty Selected Senior Speaker, praised the graduates for their accomplishments and community service, but challenged them to do more with the resources and talents they have been given.
“We can set examples of the hardest work, but the greatest example that we could ever hope to set will always come from love for those around you. So go forward from this place with purpose and confidence and take hold of the opportunities that are given to you and create opportunities for others. Graduates of Woodgrove High School, take responsibility for this world around you. Make a choice every day to live the life of love.”
Carolyn Saunders was the Class of 2013 valedictorian. She plans to attend the University of Virginia.
Saunders was given the honor of introducing Dr. Mark Stavish, the keynote speaker. Stavish is president and general manager of Evergreen Partners and has served on various boards of directors for public service organizations.
Stavish opened his remarks with some humor. “First, you will not remember for very long what I have to say, but you will remember forever how long it takes me to say it. So I promise to keep my comments under 12 minutes.” (He then received a loud round of applause.)
“So starting today, you life’s mission is to find your unique talents and gifts. Use them and cultivate them. Be responsible for you and have the grit to be you. Find your purpose and make a difference in those around you. Make no mistake about it, now is your time to be responsible for the world around you, and I know that you will.”
Gabriella Santiago Reyes, the 2013 class president, expressed the gratitude of the senior class to the faculty and staff of Woodgrove for their countless hours of support and for making the graduates’ high school experience both rewarding and unforgettable.
She concluded her farewell address by saying, “the only way to pay off this debt and to repay these peoples’ countless hours devoted to our success is to continue what we have started. There will come points in our lives where we will face tough choices … we must always be moving forward … always remember to ‘work, honor and strive.’ ”
School Board Vice Chairman Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge District) attended Woodgrove’s graduation.
Viva Loudoun Graduation 2013 Series
Today: Woodgrove
Tomorrow: Adult Education
July 8: Tuscarora
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
.JPG)
No comments:
Post a Comment