Upper Marlboro, MD – Nearly 1,300 seniors walked across the stage at ShowPlace Arena June 1 and 2 as Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) conducted commencement exercises for the Class of 2016. The four county high schools all showcased their most articulate and talented students during the events.

All graduating classes heard sendoff speeches from CCPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry and Calvert Board of Education President Pamela Cousins.

Instead of delivering the predictable farewell speech from the superintendent, Curry opted to take a risk and use hip-hop music from Broadway to inspire the graduates. Using the words of Lin-Manuel Miranda from the musical “Hamilton,” Curry indicated that life offers individuals an opportunity at immortality, as long as they don’t squander that opportunity. He noted the subject of the musical, founding father Alexander Hamilton, was “not that appreciated in his time. But the impact of his work is clear.”

Paraphrasing the show-stopping song from the hip-hop musical, Curry challenged each graduating class to “show us you’re not throwing away your shot.”

To the graduates at Huntingtown (HHS), Patuxent (PHS), Calvert (CHS) and Northern (NHS) high schools, Cousins advised that “being highly likable” could open the doors to achievement. Thanks to a CCPS education, Cousins told the graduates they were “ready to begin (their) journey.”

Nearly 100 of HHS’ 366 graduates earned scholarships.  Students who spoke at HHS’ Wednesday afternoon, June 1 exercise were Class of 2016 President Jessica Park and Graduates with Distinction representative Nicholas Schmitz. Musical selections performed included “It’s Time,” performed by seniors Taylor Hinds, Madelyn Schaefer and Reed Lundegard; and “Here’s Where I Stand” by the HHS Band, Orchestra and Chorus.

Nearly 150 of PHS’ 269 graduates are college-bound with over 60 staying in the area and enrolling in classes at the College of Southern Maryland. Higher education institutes within Maryland are also popular with Panthers grads. At least 10 members of the Class of 2016 will head to Towson University this fall. Eight graduates have indicated they have plans to enlist in the military. Student speakers at the PHS commencement included 2016 Class President Alexya I. Brown and Graduate with Distinction Erin M. Field. During the ceremony the PHS Chamber Choir seniors performed “You’ve Got a Friend” and the PHS Music Department performed “Armed Forces—The Pride of America.”

Over 40 of CHS’ graduating seniors earned scholarships, including two students who received appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Graduates speaking at the ceremony were Class of 2016 President Michelle Callahan and Graduate with Distinction Trevor Penix. Ariana Hunter sang the Star Spangled Banner. Other musical numbers featured were “For Good” which was sung by Anna Almuete and Isabelle Gholl; and “Footprints in the Sand,” performed by Andre Jones.

The nearly 360 NHS grads heard remarks from Duke University-bound and Graduate with Distinction Ryan Briggs and 2016 Senior Class President Payton Fleming. Senior members of the NHS Senior Choir performed the Star Spangled Banner and “The Road Home.” Additionally, the NHS Band, Choral and Orchestra performed “Finlandia.”

Two of CCPS’ high school principals presided over their final commencements for their schools. Dr. Susan Johnson, CHS principal; and NHS Principal Kevin Howard have both been appointed to administrative posts in the CCPS Central Office.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com