On June 16, the class of 2011 slipped on their red caps and gowns for what was to be the grand finale of their high school careers–graduation day.
The ceremony took place in Washington D.C.’s D.A.R. Constitution Hall and hosted the family, friends and teachers of the 513 graduating seniors.
At 7:00 p.m., the lights dimmed slightly, accentuating the red arch above the stage. Hush fell over the crowd, with the only noise coming from band members adjusting their music stands and parents shifting in their seats in nervous anticipation. Then, with the flick of a baton “Pomp and Circumstance” and the eager clapping of parents filled the room, welcoming the seniors as the AHS faculty members led them in.
Once arranged alphabetically, they took their seats just in time for the chorus and band’s performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Following this, Executive Board Member Carly Bouchard and Class President Emma Barker each delivered their own welcoming addresses.
The ceremony featured Michael Thomas Vitez, an AHS alumni from the class of 1975 and a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. After retrieving a time-worn letterman’s jacket, Vitez launched into an what the audience viewed as an inspiring and comical speech that included numerous anecdotes about streaking through Robinson High School, going on a cross country road trip in search of a job, being rejected by over sixty newspapers, and receiving one harsh, critical letter from an editor at The Airforce Times. Woven into his own personal accounts, Vitez advised seniors to cherish their friendships, pursue dreams, take risks and welcome every failure that will teach them a lesson along the way.
Following the address, awards were presented to several seniors for service to their school and for being outstanding citizens. Faculty awards were also presented to students for academic achievement and excellence. Next, the graduates with the highest GPA’s were awarded and Polette Jazmin Centellas was crowned the valedictorian with a GPA of 4.51.
Beginning around 8:00 p.m., counselors read off the names of each student as they shook principal John Ponton’s hand and received their diplomas. A specially colored tassel indicated IB diploma candidacy and participation in one of fifteen honor societies, while a white stole represented participation in the National Honor Society.
The entire process took nearly an hour and a half. During this time, each student was congratulated and celebrated by the whooping and clapping of friends and family members. The process for the audience was long and tiresome, so much so that after the last student, Karl Ziegler’s, name was called and he walked across the stage, an entirely separate round of applause broke out.
“I kind of wish they had just mailed it to us,” said graduate Ndidi Obasi. “My favorite part was when Joseph Owusu got on the stage and fist bumped everyone. It was so cute to see him celebrating this special moment with all of us.”
As the applause returned to excited chatter, Vice President Kelsey Price, concluded the ceremony with a speech about remembering the past, embracing the future and doing what you love. Many seniors felt it was the perfect end to their high school careers.
Music once again filled the room as parents disregarded instructions and rushed with tear-filled eyes and bouquets of flowers to hug their children.
While the ceremony stirred a combination of pride and the realization of any parent’s biggest fear– their baby growing up– it represented something completely different for graduates. It signified the end of high school, yet the beginning of the rest of their lives.
