Schools
Herndon High Bids Farewell to the Class of 2013
In a bittersweet ceremony Tuesday night, members of Herndon High's class of 2013 officially became graduates.
It was a night they'll never forget.
The members of Herndon High School's class of 2013 officially became graduates Tuesday night at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, and took their first steps toward their futures.
See: VIDEO: Herndon High's Class of 2013 Arrives
Herndon High Principal William Bates addressed the audience, saying this year's class was one like no other for many reasons.
One of those reasons was the fact that this year's graduates have been awarded a reported $3.8 million in college scholarships - more than any other class in the school's history.
"That is a testament to your hard work and dedication, and your love of academics - so we applaud you for that," Bates said.
This year's guest speaker was mathematics teacher Jennifer Stull.
Josh Glazier, the class of 2013's treasurer, introduced Stull, remarking on what an inspiration Stull has been to the class.
Glazier said, this year has been extremely challenging for Stull, who experienced the death of her father, the death of a friend and her son's own battle with pneumonia, all within the school year - yet she was always there for her students, never wavering in her support for them despite all the personal challenges she was going through.
"It has been a particularly difficult for me, but it is because of all of you that I found reason to start each day," Stull said. "You rock my socks off."
The farewell address was given by class president, Ismael Elhelbawey, who said one of the biggest skills he is taking away from his past four years at Herndon High is improvisation.
"Improvisation is the most appropriate word to describe the life of a high school student," Elhelbawey said, sharing several memories of how he was forced to think on his feet over the past four years.
He said, learning how to improvise is something he knows will be invaluable to him as he begins his post-high school future.
"High school is so indicative of how life really is," he said.
Tuesday night's graduation ceremony was attended by Fairfax County Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Marty Smith, Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Virginia Delegate Tom Rust, and many others.
Did a loved one of yours graduate Tuesday night? Give him or her a shout-out in the comments below!
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