Hayfield Secondary School's graduation was all about new beginnings. The senior class was heading off in unknown directions just like their principal, Glynn Bates, who retires at the end of June.
Bates talked about her career of choice with Fairfax County Public Schools and urged the graduates to follow their passion.
"It won't be about money," Bates said to the class of 2004, at the Patriot Center on Tuesday, June 15. All through her career, Bates got to know the teenagers and hoped that others got to know them as teens and not just stereotypes derived from other sources.
"There are many people that don't know teenagers except what they read in the paper and I think, what a sad thing," Bates said.
To class speaker Benyam Muluneh, the graduation ceremony was all about moving on.
"High school is a bridge between childhood and adulthood, and we're here today, not breaking that bridge, just crossing into another part of our lives," Muluneh said.
THE SPEAKERS and guests sat on the stage under a banner that was the class of 2004's gift to the school along with a scoreboard for the gym. The graduating seniors raised a total of $25,000 through various fund-raisers over the past year.
"With pride the class of 2004 donates these gifts," said graduate Melissa Rodgers.
This was also the year that Michael Titunik would have graduated with this class. He died in a car accident in 2002, and a moment of silence was given in honor of Michael.
The faculty award went to Ashley Rock, and the principal's award went to Michael Phillips, who is bound for the University of Virginia in the fall. Ten students were honored for graduating with a grade point average of 4.0 or better, including Katrina Heyrana who earned the highest GPA of 4.121.
Then class president, Nina Otchere-Oduro took the podium, admitting that she was scared of the freedom to come — no more locker combinations to remember, no buses to catch, no more rushing to class, no more teachers acting as guides for her life.
"We have plans but no destinations, dreams but no strategies, but that is perfectly normal. Caution, the class of 2004 is about to be released into the real world," Otchere-Oduro said.
When Otchere-Oduro finished, a low murmur fell over the grads as they realized no more speeches remained between them and their diplomas. They filed up, some with goofy reactions to yells from the crowd, and finally it was time for Marco Zubieta, the last one in line, to grab his diploma. He had to wait until the mayhem subsided, and that was it. The orange carnations filled the air as the tassels were turned, marking a turning point for all the grads.
"It feels weird, I'm so used to going to school every day," said Marcey Wilkins, a graduate from Alexandria.
"I feel extremely happy, I'm free," said Fairfax Station resident Kathryn Irwin who is pursuing a career in nursing.
"This is the most incredible day of my life," said Eric Zitz. "I feel really great."