Schools

T.C. Williams Celebrates Class of 2014 Graduation at Patriot Center

Plus, watch a video posted by ACPSTV, of graduates as they leave the school to board buses for the Patriot Center.

More than 600 graduates of Alexandria's T.C. Williams High School, Class of 2014, packed into George Mason University's Patriot Center in Fairfax, along with friends and family, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Dressed in red, white or blue graduation gowns and caps, the graduates streamed into the auditorium Saturday at 2:30 p.m., to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance," performed by the T.C. Williams High School Band. The school's choir also performed throughout the ceremony.

One of the graduates, Mynaia Rawls, sang the national anthem with gusto. Dr. Alvin Crawley, the new superintendent for Alexandria City Public Schools, gave a stirring speech, urging graduates to enjoy the view after climbing the mountain, but to prepare for the next climb as they head for college. 

In a touching tribute, English teacher Matt Zahn recalled the life of senior Erin Williams, who passed away in December. A candle was lit on stage as a remembrance to her, and her mother Lisa Goldberg, accepted a bouquet of flowers and hugs from school officials and students.

Class of 2014's Valedictorian Carter Goodwin finished his high school career with a 4.56 GPA. He is attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Outside of the classroom, Carter was a two-year captain of the T.C. Williams lacrosse team (earning honorable mention all-district honors as a senior), student liaison to the Alexandria City School Board and president of the National Honor Society.

Salutatorian Leia Moran closed her high school career with a 4.54 GPA. She will be earning a Joint Degree, Bachelor of Arts (International Honours), at the College of William & Mary and the University of St Andrews. Leia distinguished herself as a standout performer in T.C. Williams Drama Department productions and served as president of the school's Environmental Club, publicity manager of the Breast Cancer Awareness Club and vice president of the Random Acts of Kindness Club.

At times during the three-hour ceremony, students lightheartedly batted a beach ball into the air; in all four beach balls were confiscated, but as soon as the last graduate received their diploma, at about 5:30 p.m. amidst thunderous applause, several beach balls appeared and were being tossed in the air, along with graduation caps.

An all-night grad party was held at Chinquapin Rec Center, beginning at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, continuing until 4:30 a.m. Sunday.


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