MCPS Summer Grads Celebrate High School Careers, Receive Diplomas

GAITHERSBURG, MD — More than 75 Montgomery County students gathered in Gaithersburg on Thursday to receive their high school diploma and celebrate the end of an important chapter in their lives.

The summer school commencement ceremony at Gaithersburg High School marks a new beginning for these students — whether it's going to college, traveling the world, or starting a new job.

"As each of you walk across the stage, you walk with your story. I know that there are stories of commitment, connection, and drive for the future," Jennifer Webster, the director of Learning, Achievement, and Administration.

Rebecca, who was scheduled to graduate from Watkins Mill High School in 2020, received her diploma a year early.

"I had all my credits. I just took a summer class, like English 12, and I got to graduate," she told MCPS-TV.

Rebecca says she will be attending college in the fall.

"I also suspect," Webster continued, "there are stories of set backs and amazing perseverance that will walk before us today."

One Thomas S. Wootton High School student, Nima, couldn't walk with his 2019 graduating class in the spring due to an illness. But his desire to complete his coursework this summer, allowed him to graduate on Aug. 8.

"I was sick my second half of my senior year, where I had to get multiple surgeries," Nima told MCPS-TV. "So I couldn't attend class. But I persevered and I made sure to complete my work and I made sure to get the As" in order to graduate and go to college next year.

Congratulations to our Summer School graduates! Check out some photos from the graduation ceremony! pic.twitter.com/Rtuk3IHKJr
— MCPS (@MCPS) August 8, 2019

MCPS-TV published highlights of the summer graduation ceremony on YouTube (which can also be found below).