The Connection

The class of 2014 graduated from W.T. Woodson High School, Tuesday, June 17 at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax. Five hundred forty students walked on stage to receive their diplomas, with poise and confidence typical of high school seniors.

It was a very different story four years ago for student speaker Tianay Zeigler. Zeigler went to the wrong school on the first day of her high school career. The next day, she made it to Woodson and is thankful that she did.

"Woodson is awesome...Only Woodson has milk-and-cookie Wednesdays. Only Woodson has the Manettes," said Zeigler, who will be attending Princeton University in the fall.

Zeigler thanked Principal Jeff Yost, whom she called Papa Yost, "I think that title fits him better than principal. He’s been here for us through thick and thin," she said.

She acknowledged the staff at Woodson who were instrumental in keeping the school clean, safe, and hospitable. She expressed thanks to the teachers for "mentoring us, pushing us and believing in us."

Director of Student Services Tim Hopkins, along with Yost, presented math teacher Dan Schaefer with the 2014 Parent Teacher Student Organization Teacher of the Year Award.

Schaefer has worked at W.T. Woodson High School for 14 years and has served as the student government association leadership teacher for eight years. "His door is always open to anyone who needs help in math, some friendly advice, a place to hang out, or simply, a heartfelt smile," said Hopkins.

Hopkins also presented the 2014 School Award to student government president Claudia Muratore, who has "earned the trust and esteem of faculty and her peers through her hard work, unwavering integrity and selfless desire to help others." Muratore is also the president of the Young Hearts Club, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

THE GRADUATING CLASS applauded when Zeigler asked them to thank their parents. "They deserve a large thank you for always being there when we needed them, for kissing our booboos better, reading over our homework, teaching us to drive with a smile on their faces," or as she said earlier, "generally putting up with us."

The graduates burst into laughter and applause when Zeigler concluded her speech with the popular expression "YOLO [You Only Live Once]", and said, "I’m going to let you graduate, but first, let me take a selfie," which she did.

Jennifer L. Windsor delivered the commencement address to the class of 2014. Windsor is the Associate Dean for Programs and Studies at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is on the board of trustees at Freedom House, an organization that promotes the advancement of worldwide freedom.

Windsor gave the students five pieces of advice--take risks, don’t be afraid to fail, realize that life is not linear, be kind and remember to laugh. She said that taking risks can lead to experiences that are transformative and life-changing.

She urged the graduates to get back up and try again when they fail. "If you don’t fail, you will never learn or achieve greatness. You will always stay in your comfort zone, behind the shadow of what-ifs and might-have-beens," said Windsor. "The world needs people who are just as smart, resilient and kind as each and every one of you to help lead us all towards a better future."

PRINCIPAL YOST then presented the graduates with their diplomas. Benjamin Taylor Carter walked across the stage on crutches, having torn his ACL during a Woodson soccer game in May. Brandon Tenggara performed a flip as he received his diploma, prompting the announcer to describe him as an honor student and acrobat.

The last person to receive her diploma was Jennaveve Yost, who shared a tender moment with her father, Principal Yost.