“You are now 2013 graduates” are the last words from the podium before mortar boards soar into the air, static with expectations. For four days last week, Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) graduated more than 4,200 students from 11 high schools across the county – 1850 from southeastern Chesterfied’s five schools alone.
Ten young men were celebrated last Wednesday at Ecoff Elementary School after completing a 12-week program that will send them off to middle school a little stronger, a little more confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead of them.
During last year’s summer break, Harrowgate Elementary first-grade student Mattingly Green, and kindergarten student, Alexa Malick, set out to collect as many Box Tops and Campbell’s soup labels as possible. Collecting throughout this school year, their final year-end count was a total of 2,054; Green collecting 1,033 and Malick, collecting 1,021.
Students at Chesterfield Community High School have always had individuality, diversity and a special need to succeed. Their individuality was upfront as Ms. Millhouse’s Guitar Assemble played “Pomp and Circumstance” as 151 graduates walked side by side up the center aisle to their seats.
The 34th Commencement of the Lloyd C. Bird High School Class of 2013 had 417 graduates. Teresa Hathaway, assistant principal, welcomed the Class, their families and friends. Christina Spruill, SCA president led the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem was sung by the Senior Choral members.
The 49th Commencement Exercises, at the Siegel Center, of the Matoaca High School Class of 2013 had 415 graduates. Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senior Class Vice President, Taylor Mason, the National Anthem was belted-out by the Up Front Girls Show Choir.
The 48th Commencement Exercises of the Meadowbrook High School Class of 2013 graduated 354 students at the Siegel Center on Monday morning. The Meadowbrook JROTC Color Guard presented the colors and the National Anthem was performed by the Meadowbrook Choir and Concert Band under the direction of James Neiner, director of band and Maegan Christiano, director of choir.
The 105th Commencement of Thomas Dale High School hailed the graduation of 512 students. The Thomas Dale JROTC presented the colors and the National Anthem was sung by Katie Bayer, Brittny Stowers, Zac Holten and Jeremy Moore.