As soon as Manassas Park’s graduating Class of 2009 took its seats for the school’s 33rd commencement exercise, principal Tracy Shaver shared his memories of what made these seniors special.
He spoke of how 34 seniors had a GPA of 3.5 or better, that the average combined SAT score exceeded 1500 for the first time in school history, how 86 percent of seniors are going to college or entering the military, how several contributed to team success at the district, regional and state level and how nearly $500,000 has been raised in scholarship money for them to continue their education.
And he was confident that the seniors had more to expect as they moved on with their lives.
“Think of graduation as a beginning, not an end,” Shaver said. “It is the beginning of what life has to offer.”
Class president Harvey Woodson urged his fellow graduates not to let failure stop them from achieving their goals.
“Anything worth having will get done,” Woodson said.
The commencement address was given by Manassas Park Vice Mayor Bryan Polk, a 1984 Manassas Park graduate and a member of the Manassas Park City Council.
Polk spoke of how the seniors have matured into quality individuals.
“I see in here what well-behaved upstanding young adults you are,” Polk said. “You are driven and have your sights set on higher goals.”
Polk stressed the importance of humility, leadership skills and communication skills and challenged the graduates to take those with them beyond high school. He also challenged them to keep in touch with their community and be active in it, whether it be in Manassas Park or elsewhere.
But they should also enjoy this moment.
“This is a day you’ve worked for,” he said.
Staff writer Robert Daski can be reached at 703-878-8049.
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