The 486 members of Langley High School’s Class of 2010 gathered for the last time June 17 at DAR Constitution Hall for their graduation. In front of an audience of hundreds of family and friends, the seniors took their first steps as high school graduates.
Antonin Scalia, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and grandfather of seven Langley alumni, gave the commencement address. "It is important that you not believe that you face unprecedented challenges, not only because you might get discouraged, but also because you might come to think that the lessons of the past … aren’t important," he said, to the students.
The ceremony also featured performances by the Langley High School Madrigals, Women’s Chamber Choir and Wind Symphony.
Class President Shawn Ghuman told the class that they "redefined the definition of a senior class." While he spoke at length about the massive case of "senior-itis" that took over the class, he also said he knew how lucky they were as students to get a good education.
"We are ready and we are prepared to take life on and show everyone hat we have something special to offer," he said. "The diploma we receive today does not only represent the education we have earned these past four years, but rather the skills, determination and strength we have gained at Langley High School."
Just before the diplomas were handed out, a special mention was made of a student that beat the odds to get there. Babak "Bobby" Ghassemi was in a car crash in March, which rendered him comatose for a period and left him in a wheelchair. Ghassemi was able to stand up to receive a special principal’s award, and when he tipped his hat to the crowd, the place exploded in raucous applause.