Teachers and faculty file in. Westfield High School held its graduation in the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University. Photo by Antonella Nicholas/The Connection
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Westfield High School’s commencement speaker, Ishwarya Sivakumar, selected in a school audition process, gave her 655 graduating classmates “one last ecology lesson” on Tuesday, June 21, in the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University.
Ishwarya explained that she sees the class of 2016 as an ecosystem – some students are “consumers,” part of the social class; others are “producers,” unique, innovative and eager to make their mark at Westfield; still others are “decomposers” because they do not receive the recognition they deserve.
On the topic of adversity, Ishwarya shared guidance from her father. When her family experienced hardships her father told her: “Knowledge is the characteristic that will make us unbreakable.” Knowledge and adaptability are products of inclusion and “not building walls,” she reminded the class of 2016. “Many of us have already faced the harsh realities of life,” Sivakumar said, she marveled at how far her “diverse and progressive” class had come.
The faculty presented Maya Anderson with the “Pride” award for exemplifying respect, personal responsibility, integrity, empathy and discipline. Maya overcame medical obstacles which prevented her from coming to school in her sophomore year and, as a result, was able to graduate with her classmates. The faculty recognized her constant support of others and her refusal to pity herself. The faculty presented the “Leader of the Pack” award to Catherine Crossett for her exceptional leadership as a student activist. Catherine raised awareness for pediatric cancer at Westfield and created a fund for students to donate to the cause.
Before the students received their diplomas, Principal Dr. Anthony Copeland reminded the audience of the many accomplishments of the Westfield class of 2016: Two National Merit scholars, 20 first place winners at the Fairfax County Science Fair, $3 million in scholarships over four years, 11 Cappies nominations and one Cappies winner, state champions in football and boys basketball (among other sports), and 107 summa cum laude graduates – “Westfield honor scholars.” Copeland said he was confident that the class of 2016 is well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.