Brentsville graduates told to follow dreams

The 2008 graduation class of Brentsville District High School was told to follow its dreams, not to fear failure or making mistakes and to know they are the best.

"We are all here today because we are convinced that you represent the best of your family, the best of this country and the best hope for this country, said the Rev. Cornell Brooks, guest speaker and executive director of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.

The institute is an urban research and advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of New Jersey's urban areas and residents. Brooks lives in Woodbridge.

Two hundred graduates and hundreds more parents, grandparents and friends gathered at the Nissan Pavilion on Monday afternoon for the school's commencement ceremony.

The graduates wore caps and gowns and many in the crowd dressed up for the occasion. Sundresses were popular. Others, however, with a nod to the high temperatures, opted for shorts and tank tops.

Just about everyone had a water bottle and the occasional breeze and shade from the pavilion helped.

"Ladies and gentlemen, to be without dreams is to be without hope. To be without hope is to be without purpose," said valedictorian Linda Ye. "Dare to follow your dreams and do everything to make your dreams come true."

Ye will attend the Duke University and pursue a major in bio-medical engineering. She plans to pursue a career in the health or medical profession.

"Mistakes are the best way we prepare ourselves for the future," said Salutatorian Bradley Morrison. "If we figure out what works and what doesn't, we will be able to make better decisions the next time around."

Morrison will attend Virginia Tech and pursue a major in biological systems engineering. He plans to pursue a career in the water pollution control systems design field.

During his remarks, Brooks asked the graduates to stand up, turn around to face their families and say, "Thank you."

The parents beamed with pride.

Brooks later asked the parents to stand and express their excitement over their child's accomplishment.

"In the next few weeks, Nissan Pavilion will host some of the biggest names in the music industry, but to your parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends, admirers, teachers, coaches, administrators and supportive staff, there are no bigger names than the names that will be read today of the Brentsville District High School Class of 2008," Brooks said.

"Whatever you think about this day, just know it is a big deal for your parents," said Brentsville Principal Robert Scott. "Your parents have been waiting, hoping, cajoling and praying for a long time and I just hope you realize this today."

Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.