Allison Datoc stands with her family after the graduation ceremony. Photos by Caroline Burr
Oakton High School’s graduating class of 2013 gathered at the Patriot Center Friday, June 14, for the school’s 45th annual commencement ceremony. With their burgundy caps and gowns, the class came together one last time to reflect on their high school years and celebrate their future.
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Photo Gallery: Oakton High School Graduation
Photos of Oakton High School's Graduation Ceremony.
Click Photo for FlashAfter Principal Dr. John Banbury congratulated the graduates and praised them for their hard work, Jeffrey Gehring, class president, gave the welcome address.
“Today is the greatest day of our high school career … as today, we graduate!” This is the “pinnacle of our achievements from the last four years and may we forever be united as the Oakton class of 2013. We did it!”
Principal Banbury then presented the Faculty Award, which is given to a student with a GPA of 3.5 and higher, who demonstrates good character and personal integrity. Dylan Hunzeker, on the Executive Council, received the award. Next, Principal Banbury listed the 108 Honor Graduates who are recognized based on the seventh semester GPA of a 4.0 and above.
Ciara Cooney reflected on some of her favorite Oakton memories. She said that her first days of each year are ones would not remember, but she said that watching her classmates join together at the sidelines and shout, “We are Oakton!” after winning a close game, is a memory she “would never forget.”
Sarah Kim, class vice president, presented the class gift of a new podium and used the analogy of old cheese to describe the insides of Oakton High School.
“Better with time, refined, crumbly and malodorous.” The audience laughed. Following Kim, Imren Johar, Executive Council, introduced the guest speakers, recognizing the diversity of various alumni’s lives after high school.
“With old age comes a history … Oakton alumni can be seen influencing the world in different ways.”
Guest speaker Adam Moyer, an Oakton High School graduate, Class of 2000, founder of Knockaround sunglasses, advised the graduating class to always remember to do what they have always wanted to do. He gave the entire class, faculty and staff a pair of commemorative Oakton sunglasses and reminded them that anything is possible.
“Do what you want to do. Do it now, and don’t wait,” he said.