On June 17, under threatening rain clouds, the graduates of James Monroe High School poured into the school. Family and friends followed, their excitement running high as they waited for the start of the commencement activities for the Class of 2011. The auditorium was filled to the brim when the ceremony began at 7:30 p.m.
The 210 James Monroe graduates marched to the sound of the processional played by the school’s symphonic band coupled with the whoops and cheers of the crowd. John Gordon, who became principal of the school two years ago, welcomed everyone with a particularly warm speech.
“This speech is a little bit different,” he began, looking out over the robed students, “It comes from the heart. Graduation may be a little bit longer this year because there’s going to be more hugs than handshakes.”
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He smiled as the graduates cheered him on. After a performance by the Monroe Singers, Salutatorian Rebecca Fisher gave her speech. Speaking of the potential of her fellow classmates, she urged them to go out in the world to experience far more significant events than high school graduation. It’s time to “go toward the daring adventure of our lives” she urged, “it is time to get living.”
Valedictorian Katherine Collins Boas wasn’t able to attend the ceremony due to illness, but Class Secretary Kirsten Craig and Class Treasurer Samuel Thomas III each spoke. Both emphasized the importance of just how far they had come as a class, many had been in school together since elementary and middle school. As Thomas finished his remarks, his voice broke as he thanked his classmates.
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“We have, do, and will always have each other’s backs," he said.
The James Monroe Class of 2011 received $717,000 in scholarship money, and 22 of the 210 seniors ended their high school career with a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
The ceremony was completed with the awarding of diplomas. Then, at the end and among the deafening cheers of the crowd, the 2011 James Monroe graduates threw their caps in a whirlwind of tassels and applause.
