Service to the Community Shines at Langley Commencement

As the Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr., the Langley 2012 graduation keynote speaker, spoke about his exercise habits, he raised a pair of his gym sneakers in the air that held bright, highlighter colored shoelaces.

This gesture epitomized the philanthropy the Class of 2012 has become known for within the McLean community.

As a way to help support Langley basketball coach, Travis Hess, whose one-year-old daughter, Gianna, had been diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, the varsity boys’ basketball team and the school raised thousands of dollars by selling these very shoelaces. 

“Langley knows service,” said Clapper as he praised the accomplishments of the class, while also giving a pitch why they should work for Uncle Sam. His five tips for the graduates:

Take care of yourself. Work on a vision for the future. Be kind. Be attentive. Be responsible.

Principal Matt Ragone, who is finishing his first four years at LHS, also highlighted the generosity of this 500-member class by creating a new Principal Service Award. That award was won by Holly Dodd, a leader in many of the projects undertaken by the students this year. 

“From Coats for Afghanistan to Bikes for Africa, the Class of 2012 has done their share,” said Ragone.

For class president, Ryan Natal, graduation was mainly for recollection. His speech touched on their progress from the naïveté of freshmen year to the distinction of becoming a senior, especially the privilege of calling out the infamous “seniors” expression that has been passed on for years.

“Instead of doing something, you do nothing, it's amazing,” said Natal, as he later walked off the podium to chants of “Ryan Natal!”

D.A.R. Constitution Hall was a buzz throughout the ceremony with hundreds of friends and family members sitting in attendance. The graduates, girls in white gowns and boys in green, were raucous in their applause and joyful in their cheers. For many, the next step will be going on to college. Universities with the largest amount of Saxons attending are University of Virginia, 26, Virginia Tech, 22, and Penn State University, 14.

Congratulations to the class of 2012.

Here are some thoughts of the recent graduates:

“I can finally tell my parents I’m an adult, being 18 is not enough,” claimed Johnathon Dereje.

“Graduation is kind of bittersweet, I’m going to miss everyone,” said Dan Richardson.

“This is just the beginning of something new,” said Debbie Pan.

As well as some advice from some parents:

“Keep in mind why you’re in college,” said Eric Brugel, father of Cara Brugel.

“Wishing Success, be cool, study hard,” said Helen Hojait, mother of Ashkan Hojati.

“Be anything you want to be,” said Rahul Chaudhry Sr., father of Catie Chaudhry.

Shawn Ghuman is a 2010 graduate of Langley High School. He is now studying journalism at Virginia Tech University.