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Three hundred and sixty-eight students graduated from Robert E. Lee High School June 12. The commencement exercises were held at the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University.
Graduates entered the arena to the familiar theme of “Pomp and Circumstance” before the Lee Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors for the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Lancer Singers performed “Go the Distance” from Disney’s 1997 “Hercules,” before Jessica Escobar, senior class president, encouraged the students to use their voices to influence the world.
“Whether that be through your community, your place of worship, or your vote, use your voice. Never underestimate your ability to make a change,” said Escobar.
Principal Deirdre Lavery honored graduates planning to enter the armed services, the 64 students graduating with honors, IB Diploma candidates, IB Career Certificate candidates and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students.
Lavery also challenged the students to “be kinder than is necessary,” and to take “calculated risks,” in order to learn.
“That’s be beauty of risk-taking: it is a win-win proposition. For either it will work out and you are pleased with the outcome, or you will learn important life lessons that will guide you in future decision-making,” she said.
Nathnael Alazar and Sabrina Mohammed received the Lancer Award for their “outstanding service to their class and school during their four years in high school,” according to Lavery.
Alazar also received the Faculty Award with Emily Riffer, an award that recognizes students with ideal character, citizenship, and service.
Alazar gave the graduate address. He encouraged his classmates to thank their parents, claiming that their graduation journey began while they were still in their mothers’ wombs. “The very beginning of our story was being made without us even knowing,” said Alazar.
“Over time we have grown to become the next generation of leaders,” he said, urging students to give back to those who’ve sacrificed to make America what it is today and to help the marginalized and victimized.
Delegate Kathy Tran (D-42) delivered the commencement speech, telling the students to look around them for familiar faces. “This is your village,” she said, reminding the students that their families, teachers, and friends have and “will continue to sustain [them] in [their] journey ahead.”
The 64 students graduating with honors received their diplomas first, followed by the rest of the senior class. The ceremony ended with the graduates tossing their caps in the air and celebrating their accomplishments.
