With 551 graduates, the largest graduating class in Charles County, North Point High School’s commencement exercises were held on June 4, 2013 to a packed and lively crowd in the school’s Convocation Center. North Point students were awarded a total of $15,078,274 in scholarships funds and 41 will be serving in the Armed Forces.
The Eagle, an icon of CharlesCounty and the school’s mascot, was featured prominently in the ceremony and speeches. “Seen as an ancient symbol of endurance, authority and power,” said 2014 Class Administrator Anthony Mast, “it was given to those of ingenuity and discrimination.” Teacher Rachelle Harner gave a reading of the poem, “The Bald Eagle” by Don Wilkens.
Junior Marshalls Anjali Kalaria, Armondo Rivera, Ashlynn Stanley and Anthony Teleky led the large procession of students, all wearing red caps and gowns, to a selection by the NPHS Symphonic band under the direction of Marvin VanDyke, Band Director.
Thanking teachers, staff and parents, Class President Jamie Ann Pineda received hearty applause stating she, “had the great honor of representing the greatest senior class ever at North Point,” but asking the next question, “Where do we go from here? It’s time to pass the torch of leadership on to the next class,” she said, reminding them that they are ready to take on the real world on their own. “This is a second beginning,” she added, “from now on and through the rest of your life be the best that you can be at whatever you do.”
The graduates were mindful of the protocol that had been given by Mast until President of the National Honor Society Joshua Land presented the recognition of distinguished guests. Each name Land read was followed by a single, unified clap until the name of the incoming superintendent, Kimberly Hill, was read. Clearly approving the selection, the crowd erupted into full applause. Prior to her new position, Hill served as Principal of North Point.
Alphonso Lopez gave the Salutatorian address, reminding the class that they had spent 1,381 days as citizens and stewards of the North Point nation. Breaking it down even further, he asked them,” to imagine the things you can do in 3 years, 9 months and 11 days.” Noting the progress they had made in that time, he reminded them that everything is based on uncertainty, which they had embraced. “But do you know where you are going?” he asked. He advised them that even in the face of adversity and uncertainly, “there are opportunities worth fighting for, just as they were here. Get after it.” The graduates laughed and applauded when he elaborated further, telling them “but to sit in a hole, scared? Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
Looking back to when they were freshmen, sitting in these very seats, Valedictorian Henry Buntz reflected that the past four years have flown by. He advised his classmates not to let failure stop them noting that the reason they fall is to learn how to pick themselves back up. He quoted Michael Jordan, who said, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeeded,” He stated that he sees a class full of immense talent and that he expects to see great things from them. “Be hungry, want more. Use what you have to get what you want,” he said, “Let nothing go to waste.” He ended by telling them to live their lives by the motto, “Veni, vedi, vici. I came, I saw, I c
