U2's Bono, Africa and Fairfax High School's Class of 2002 were brought together in a roundabout graduation speech by Secretary of the Treasury Paul O'Neill, who ended with a message that all the graduates and parents could relate to.
"Every human being with the right support has the ability to have a meaningful life," he said, referring to a school O'Neill and Bono visited in Uganda while on their global trip recently.
O'Neill then donned a pair of wraparound "cool" sunglasses that were a gift from Bono.
"Life needs to be fun," he said.
Kevin O'Brian, an honor student and advanced-placement diploma recipient, was moved by the speech.
"There was a message to it. I will take a message from that," he said.
Jeri Mackay, a graduate of Fairfax with the Class of '79, was there, cheering on her daughter Opal Kocher.
"I was wondering where that one came from. In association with Bono, they're going to listen. With kids, whatever way you can get their attention. I imagined that probably helped a little," she said.
Carmen Cabero is a junior at Fairfax but was seeing friends Alex Prado and Juan Romero graduate.
"He brought it together and gave them some messages," she said.
Aliya Razvi was also listening.
"He didn't say a thing we couldn't understand. We all love U2. It was a good thing to lighten up the ceremony," she said.
O'Neill's participation was in part due to the fact that his granddaughter, Sarah Anne Reed, was among the 435 in the graduating class. His speech was just one aspect of an afternoon that will be unforgettable for the graduates. Townsend Bourne, senior class treasurer, presented the class seal. "We hope each time you pass this seal, you will remember the Class of 2002," she said.
Awards were presented. Sara E. Kramer was named Outstanding Senior. The Student Service Award went to Lisa Michele Merrill and Eun-Hee Grace Kim, the Faculty Award to Scarlett Olivia McCahill, and the Fairfax Award to lacrosse star Leslie Smith.
A TORRENTIAL downpour started off the afternoon, sending people scurrying for cover at the school, and many got soaked.
Freshman Callie Stapleton was in watching her boyfriend graduate.
"I had my dad drop me as close as possible, and then I ran. I was soaking wet," she said.
Grace Chiou, 14, was seeing her brother David graduate. He's going on to John Hopkins University next year.
"I ran with an umbrella," she said.
With diploma in hand, all the graduates met relatives and friends outside the school. Razvi thought back on her arrival to Fairfax.
"I was new, and everybody was nice to me. They made me feel welcome," she said.
Alaina Brinton had memorable experiences on the volleyball team and hopes to coach junior varsity volleyball next year.
"I played volleyball, and we won districts," she said.
Although the school was decked out for the all-night party as well, John Canigiani had his eye on beach week at Myrtle Beach.
"We rented a house," he said.