Virginia Minshew, principal of Park View High School, opened the Class of 2007’s graduation ceremony with a quote she found taped to the side of her computer screen. "One of the most important things we do in life is show up," Minshew said. "Today is a demonstration, each of you have shown up."
Kevin Jefferson, one of 271 students who graduated from Park View High School Thursday, June 21, at George Mason University in Fairfax, did just that. The Class of 2007’s valedictorian received a 4.47 grade point average and will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
"Someone had a vision one day that you were going to receive a high-school diploma. Today you are making my vision a reality," Minshew said. "This choice will open many doors for you in the future and will help you create a vision for your life and that vision is unlimited. It is my wish that you show up everyday. Find something you love so much that you can’t wait to show up."
WHEN JEFFERSON was in elementary school, one of his teachers taught him an important lesson, one he shared with his classmates Thursday morning.
"In elementary school, I had a teacher who asked us to turn our work in to a special bin, as many of us did. But this was no ordinary bin. It had a little sign above it that asked us two questions. You were told never to turn anything in until you could answer yes to both: ‘Have you completed it?’ and ‘Are you proud of it?’" he said. "We cannot say we completed high school until we ask ourselves ‘Are we proud of it?’"
Jefferson admitted to making some mistakes along the way, like forgetting which locker was his after returning from winter break last year.
"Tomorrow we will make some more. They are part of the journey of life," he said. "It’s the journey that matters most. That’s what makes my graduation different from yours."
PARK VIEW High School’s journey began in 1975. Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick, who at the time was principal of Loudoun County High School, sat on a committee that helped plan the Sterling school.
Park View High School was the first high school east of what would someday be east of Route 28, Hatrick said. It was also the most modern school of its time.
"My goodness, you had air conditioning," Hatrick said. "And no one else in Loudoun County had air conditioning."
Over the years, Park View High School recruited the best teachers, the superintendent said, and grew strong community ties.
After their four years of high school, Hatrick put the seniors to the test.
"The test is what you do with the education you received," he said. "Now it’s going to be up to you to decide."
STATE ATTORNEY General Robert F. McDonnell, the keynote speaker, took a moment out of his speech to give the parents of the Class of 2007 a round of applause.
"You no doubt sacrificed a great deal of your personal time in order to raise the leaders of tomorrow," McDonnell said.
McDonnell, a retired lieutenant colonel for the U.S. Army, challenged the graduating class to be positive leaders in today’s complicated world, respect their values and one another.
"You will be successful," he said.
McDonnell reminded the seniors to take care of each other, as well their community. He encouraged them to return to their communities to make them a better place.
"Leave the campground a little better than the way you found it," McDonnell said. "Leave the community a little better than the way you found it."