After receiving her diploma, Saja Osama Abduljabbar is congratulated by school principal David F. Thomas. Photo by Louise Krafft.
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Class of 2014 received their diplomas and threw their caps in the air, as over 650 seniors graduated on June 23. Staged in the Patriot Center at George Mason University, parents and friends cheered on the graduates from their seats in the gallery.
Honor graduate Anna Coughlin heralded the importance of kindness and taking initiative in her address to her fellow students. "Let’s learn and grow and succeed, in order to be responsible for changing the world," she spoke.
A self-proclaimed "man of few words" soon followed her, guest speaker Alfred Morris of the Washington Redskins. Welcomed with enthusiastic applause, Morris made clear his humble beginnings, in which he began his first janitorial job at age 13. But with perseverance, and a willingness to outwork everyone else, he trail blazed a path to a rewarding life in professional football. "Whatever you do, give it 100 percent. Life’s going to give you curveballs," he said, "But my name is my brand, and if I’m going to put my brand on anything, it’s going to be the very best."
Shayla Scott, senior class vice president, presented the class gift of six microwaves to Lake Braddock, for students to use in the school’s cafeteria. The faculty award was then awarded to Vincent Michael Sica, who was chosen by teachers and faculty for the highest recognition of strong academics and character.
In presenting the Class of 2014, Senior Class Administrator Peter Kelly lauded the students for their diligence, and encouraged them to always make "a positive difference" as they step into the larger world. And although a chapter of education has finished for these students, their mentors hope that they never stop learning. As Morris taught, "Life is a teacher. Let it teach you lessons."