George Mason University’s Patriot Center was the site of the final gathering of the Herndon High School Class of 2010, as they took the next step in their lives June 22. The Patriot Center was filled with hundreds of family and friends of the graduates who came out to celebrate the important milestone.
Principal William Bates began the ceremony by recognizing the school’s National Honor Society Members (3.5 GPA or higher), Distinguished Scholars (3.8 GPA or higher) and the students that had over a 4.0 GPA. Bates also congratulated the class for receiving more than $2.5 million in local and national scholarships.
Class President Victoria Le addressed the class for the final time as president, reminding the seniors that "Herndon will never be the same without us."
She presented the Class of 2010 gift, the construction of new flagpoles and lighting at the front entrance to Herndon High School.
Del. Tom Rust (R-86), a graduate of Herndon High School, also presented the Class of 2010 with a gift, an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor.
Before the address, Bates awarded senior Joey Truncale the Most Outstanding Senior. Truncale, who earned a 4.1 GPA as well as participating in volleyball, chorus and theater, was recognized for "his contributions to the community and his school, as well as his success in academics and leadership," Bates said.
"During his time here, he has been a positive role model of the highest character," he said.
English teacher David Liess gave the keynote address, where he told the class about the importance of their actions. He spoke of his youth, where he made some bad decisions, and how he’s worked every day since then to make up for it.
"You are the result of your choices," Liess said. "It’s not who you are inside, but your actions that define you."
As the members of the Class of 2010 walked from their chairs to the stage to accept their diplomas, it was, as class Treasurer Brooke Brylawski said, the last time they would all be on the same path. Once they had all received their diplomas, Bates officially pronounced them high school graduates.
Before he could tell them to turn their tassels, the seniors had already tossed their caps. Though only a handful of them actually moved their tassels, no one seemed to mind.