Ford Falcons in the Class of 2016 are ready to soar

Henry Ford II Falcons celebrated their 2016 graduation with an eye on their future.

"The world is waiting on you to be all that you can be, so what are you waiting for?" said student speaker Justin Walters. "What is it that’s stopping you from being the you that you can be? Falcons, know your worth, don’t be afraid to fail and never be afraid to dream."

Other stage speakers celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates and their ability to lead the future.

Noting the rapid pace of societal change, Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said graduates are poised take the success they achieved as Falcons to a new level.

"You are the new generation of leaders, dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs," Dr. Johns said.

Board of Education Vice President Gene Klida told the graduates the question UHS students will face in their bright futures is "how will you use that preparation to not only succeed in the world, but to make it better."

Principal Kenneth Cucchi acknowledged the accomplishments of the graduates, including 29 valedictorians, 4 salutatorians, 171 National Honor Society members, 100 presidential scholars, and $3.7 million in scholarships.

Cucchi also noted the "class and dignity" of the graduates.

"This is class is unique not because of their accomplishments, but because of how they accomplished it," he said. "They cared for each other."