The Henry E. Lackey graduating Class of 2013 got to live their dreams of graduating on Monday evening, June 3rd, at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. The class of 282 graduates, friends, family and guests enjoyed music selections performed by the Henry E. Lackey High School Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and Symphonic Band. Lackey Students were offered $5,000,000 in scholarships. Thirty graduates will be going on to serve our country in the Armed Forces.
As Student Government President Taylor Wade put it, “Today is the day we all get to live out our dream of being here and walking across this stage to get that piece of paper,” and that in her dream they are, “all here, ready to move on to that next stepping stone on our paths to success.” Wade added she couldn’t help but feel proud of each and every one of her fellow classmates for having made it through the last 12 years but not to think of these as the best years of their lives, quoting Dr. Seuss’s “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” She wished all the class the very best, ending with “let’s get out there and show them who’s boss!”
Salutatorian Stephen Bode’s address emphasized success and what it means to each person. He pointed out that the walls at Lackey make it clear that success is the only option and, noting the school’s academic and athletic achievements, that it is clear they were successful. He encouraged everyone to, “Think about it and decide what success means to you,” because it is likely to be a unique combination of many things.
While Bode wanted to thank each and every administrator and teacher by name, he instead shared what he heard so many of them say over the years: “If you aim nowhere that is exactly where you’ll go.” Bode plans to study engineering at the University of Maryland College Park.
Continuing Lackey’s successes, Valedictorian Paul Warren noted that they have not always been thought of as the greatest school in the county but that they have worked hard to change that. Hearty applause followed. Warren’s recited Lackey’s nationally recognized students and athletic achievements, adding that, “he who perseveres and he who overcomes tears and fears, can succeed beyond his wildest dreams.”
Warren reflected on how much he and his classmates have learned and grown since their beginning as Lackey freshmen “not knowing anything.” He left the class with one last message, “High school only happens once and our day is over. Take what you have learned and use it.” Warren plans to attend StanfordUniversity to study computer science and mechanical engineering.
Principal James Short expressed his pride and admiration for the students, telling them to remember one thing, “Always believe in yourself. Never doubt your ability to accomplish any goal you’ve set for yourself. Remember, whenever you are given the opportunity to do something good, do something great. Keep your eyes on your goal and never stop striving for greatness.”
Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools James Richmond, in his last set of graduations before retirement, closed out the addresses by telling Lackey students that they
