Upper Marlboro, MD – There was nothing deflating about these Patriots. Pumped with spirit, the Northern High (NHS) Class of 2015 marched onto the floor of Show Place Arena June 3 to savor the cheers and receive their diplomas. The 365 diploma recipients from the Owings school include over 40 students (11 percent) designated as “graduates with distinction.”
The new, slightly controversial designation displaces the traditional “valedictorian/salutatorian” system, giving students with ultra-lofty grade point averages the status many outstanding college graduates receive. Prior to the ceremony, NHS Principal Kevin Howard told The Bay Net he was pleased with the way the new system has been received by the graduating seniors.
The graduate with distinction address was delivered by Gabrielle Marie Brooks, whose plaudits include a Maryland Merit Scholastic Award and the President’s Award for Education Excellence.
“The next few years will be exciting with new experiences,” Brooks told her classmates. To her teachers, Brooks told them they deserved “praise” and, among other things, “a lot more money.”
Before the red, white and blue confetti flew, class president Angel Tse offered closing remarks. Tse, who is headed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland to major in psychology, quoted Victor Hugo—“Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.”
“In the end, life is all about the process of deciding,” said Tse. “I am proud to be a Patriot.”
The spirit of the ceremony was augmented by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner by senior members of the NHS Chamber Choir, Schwartz and Moss’ “When You Believe,” performed by the NHS Band, Choral and Orchestra; and the closing number, Handle’s “Hallelujah.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
