Arlington High Sends Off Class of 2011

When Jennifer Phan walked through ’s doors for the first time four years ago, she felt big, invincible and mature. Though excited to finally be in high school, she had fears sitting in the back of her head.

Would she be in a class with any of her friends? How would she find them at lunch? Would there be lots of homework?

On Sunday, as she addressed her fellow graduates of the Arlington High School class of 2011, Phan said high school was a rough ride. But in the long run, it felt like a smooth sail.

“In fact, high school has taught us to challenge ourselves, testing us to see if we can survive our own in order to overcome our struggles,” said Phan, president of the class of 2011. “We’ve learned to set our goals so that we may never take our eyes off of it, because once we do, all we will see are obstacles.”

Phan’s advice was echoed by fellow speakers: students, teachers and , who told his last graduating class they shouldn’t try to be heroes.

“Don’t be a hero by taking unnecessary risks, by spending money you don’t have, by doing outrageous things to impress people, by lying, by overextending yourself, by being funny at someone else’s expense or by overindulging in drugs or alcohol,” he said.

Instead, Skidmore said, they should be heroic. “Bring the kind, loving, respectful best of your grown-up selves to the rest of your life and you will truly be heroic,” he added.

Graduation was moved to the basketball gym, as the weather forecast threatened rain for the afternoon. Family members, faculty and friends packed the bleachers and lined the walls, hoping to get a glance of their graduates. Those who couldn’t fit there watched graduation from the auditorium, where the ceremony was broadcasted on a big screen.

Graduates displayed big grins as they walked on stage to receive their diplomas. Family members and friends snapped photos.

For the last time as Arlington High School’s principal, Skidmore told graduates he is immensely proud of the smart, talented and caring young men and women they came to be, full of potential and heroism.

“I love you very much, and on behalf of the entire Arlington High School faculty, I wish you and your families the very best on our glorious commencement day,” he said. 

—Check Arlington Patch Monday morning for a photo gallery of the best moments from Arlington High School's ceremony.