Since arriving at Alexandria City Public Schools in October, I have enjoyed the exhilarating experience of getting to know this community. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many passionate parents, teachers and students. The commitment and desire to achieve among those involved in this wonderful and diverse school division has instilled me with a great sense of pride.
That pride reached a new apex on Saturday when I took part in the graduation ceremony for the T.C. Williams Class of 2014 at George Mason University’s Patriot Center.
Upon my introduction to this class at a homecoming pep rally in the fall, I could see it was brimming with hardworking students, talented leaders, inquisitive scholars, savvy entrepreneurs and accomplished athletes, artists and performers.
As the months passed, we learned of the next steps for this senior class. Those steps include some of the best universities in Virginia and the country. Some have made commitments to the U.S. armed forces. Many stand poised to join the workforce.
On Saturday, we sent these graduates out of the doors of our high school one last time. We celebrated them for what they have accomplished and what we know they will accomplish in the future. To stand among the families, teachers and administrators who helped these students reach graduation day was something special. It was the entire school community under one roof.
It is my hope that ACPS has done everything it can to prepare these students to excel in their postsecondary choices. The school division provided a wealth of courses, skills training, extracurricular activities and networking opportunities for our seniors. Many took full advantage of these chances to develop leadership skills and fuel their interests and talents, making lifelong friends along the way.
Moving forward, as superintendent, I have placed a priority on continuously providing students with a rich and rigorous instructional program, maintaining safe and supportive learning environments and helping students develop resiliency skills to maintain healthy lifestyles. This process begins as soon as students enter our halls. I remain committed to ensuring this is a reality for our students. I am committed to ensuring that our schools are filled with caring, dedicated adults working with our students.
As one traditionally does while speaking at graduation ceremonies, I offered our departing students some advice. I urged them to take advantage of every opportunity to achieve their goals and to strive to make a difference every day. I told them there would be ups and downs, but it’s important for them to get back up and keep moving when they do fall. They will forever be Titans. Today and every day, we remain committed to our past, present and future Titans.
I also encouraged our graduates to look for opportunities to give back to ACPS. The positive impact of caring adults must extend beyond the interior of our schools. We need champions for our students — people encouraging them to do their very best each day.
The Class of 2014 is filled with champions — champions in the classroom, champions on the playing field, champions in their families and to others.
As a community, let’s celebrate them. And let’s honor them by moving forward, building a brighter future for our next class of graduates.