By Katherine Gittman
CP Reporter
Despite a slightly stormy afternoon, the skies cleared in time for thousands of people to gather together and celebrate Caroline High School’s Class of 2017 at the high school’s 40th commencement exercises. For the sixth year in a row, commencement was held at the University of Mary Washington’s William M. Anderson Center with 277 graduates honored. The ceremony started with a welcome address by Kirsten Whitaker and a words of inspiration message from Emily Johnson.
Four students, Kerry Woolford, Arthur Stevens III, Destiny Childs and Daniel Aragon delivered student addresses to their graduating class. Kerry Woolford encouraged each of her classmates to express their individuality. “ Regardless of your unique path, each of you earned the cap on your head, the gown on your shoulders and the tassel in your eye, but most importantly, the diploma you’ll be handed…Individuality is an important and valued virtue in our society meant to be treasured, not abused or taken for granted,” says Woolford.
Arthur Stevens III reminded his classmates that they are willing to do anything they set their mind to with a rhyme. He shares, “no matter what color, size, or shape, we are all Cavaliers, bleed the red, white and blue, that is tried-and-true, coming from Caroline, there is nothing we can’t do.”
Following the first round of student addresses, students Tina Rousey and Jasmine Singleton honored students Cierra Moore who passed away on Oct. 21 2013 and Monique Ferguson who passed away on October 29, 2016. Members of their family were given a certificate of remembrance to honor the students in the graduating class.
Principal Jeff Wick then reminded the Class of 2017 about their wide range of accomplishments including 117 students who will be attending colleges and joining the military and other various achievements from students participating in TSA competitions, the JROTC program and the track team. Wick also praised the Class of 2017 for receiving over $3.8 million in scholarships with 33 students receiving scholarships from colleges that they will attend in the fall.
Wick pointed out how music plays an important role in the students’ lives and went on to quote song lyrics to encourage the graduates about the importance of hard work. Some of the bands and artists he quoted included Rum-D.M.C., M.C. Hammer and Michael Jackson. He shares, “ the most successful people aren’t the ones with the most ability, it’s the ones who work the hardest. That’s an important thing to keep in mind.” Wick ended his speech to the graduates by continuing his tradition of rapping to the graduates and the audience about the importance of knowledge and wisdom.
Before the diplomas were distributed, Mathew Delcourt gave a farewll address to his classmates and asked his classmates to repeat the phrase “Class of 2017 hooah” and then he asked the audience to say the phrase “Caroline hooah” with the term “hooah” being a military acronym.
Following the farewell address by Delcourt, Principal Wick, Superintendent George Parker and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Calveric rewarded the graduates by giving them their diplomas.
Loading ...