Potomac: ‘Respect, reject, responsibility’ themes of keynote speech
{Jeff Mankie/News & Messenger}
Matt Kohler raises his fist as he acknowledges several of his friends during Potomac’s graduation on Saturday.
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Betty Covington stood before Potomac High School's 2009 graduates and left them with words to remember as they sat together for the final time: Respect, reject, responsibility.
On respect: "You must respect yourself and your parents. You must respect others, treat them the way you wish to be treated."
On rejection: "You should reject those who encourage, who dare you to do things you know are wrong."
On responsibility: "You graduates have responsibility to serve your country and community in some capac-ity."
Covington, the Dumfries District representative on the Prince William School Board, was the keynote speaker at Saturday's commencement.
The ceremony began with Principal Marc Maloney welcoming the graduates, their parents and honored guests.
"Graduates, I want to congratulate you on a job well done," said Maloney, who asked the graduates to thank their parents, grandparents, relatives and teachers for their support in helping them complete the high school education.
Thirteen seniors were recognized as summa cum laude scholars, students who maintained a 4.0 GPA for the past four years.
Senior Class President Brooke Smith left her fellow graduates with words of encouragement in her address.
"As our lives' journeys begin, we must be able to believe in ourselves," she said. "Promise me you will exceed our wishes for you. Even as life gets rough, you will keep your head up and fight the battle.
"I wish you nothing but success. Congratulations class of 2009. You did it."
Staff writer Robert Daski can be reached at 703-878-8049.
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