Story Category: Local Schools »

The 405 members of the Huntingtown High School Class of 2012 received plenty of praise from Principal Rick Weber during the June 6 commencement exercises at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

“Each student has had some measure of success or they wouldn’t be here today,” said Weber, who noted the school’s eighth graduating class garnered over $6 million in financial aid toward higher education. Weber wasn’t shy about pointing out the grads had earned plaudits in academics, particularly in Advanced Placement courses and standardized testing; success in athletics, and applause in arts, music and entertainment.

While the students who spoke during the ceremony seriously reflected on the daunting challenges in the real world, Brigham Young University-bound salutorian Connor Smith couldn’t resist mimicking the angst often encountered by adult males. Tugging on his ceremonial gown, Smith asked the audience, “does this gown make me look fat?”

On a more serious note, Smith told his classmates, “I have been amazed by the skills and talents each of you have exhibited.”

“It’s an interesting world out there, Class of 2012, and we are about to become part of it,” class valedictorian Cecilia Sanders stated. Sanders, the recipient of a National Merit Scholarship and another grant from Concerned Black Women of Calvert County, is headed for Harvard University this fall.

The class’ president, U.S. Naval Academy-bound Maurice Harris, urged his classmates to not waste a day of their life after high school. “You only live once,” said Harris.

The grads and HHS underclassmen shared their musical talents with the audience. The HHS Band, Orchestra and Chorus performed Stephan Schwartz’ “When You Believe. Three graduates—Jennifer Brashears, Heather Robbins and Jessica Weimert did an a capella rendition of Ysaye Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebbaynet.com