Hundreds of parents, siblings, relatives and friends cheered their graduates-to-be during last Sunday's graduation of the senior class of Paul VI High School at the Patriot Center.
Rev. David M. O'Connell, president of Catholic University of America, urged the 285 graduates to create a theme and dream for the lives, using Paul VI's motto of "Grow in grace and wisdom" as a guide.
"To have a great theme and purpose requires that you let go of selfishness ... and discover that your truest and most real self is in the community," O'Connell said.
"Be women and men with and for others," he said. "Always be open for growth. Be intellectually competent. Don't be afraid to be religious. Be loving."
The student addressees also told graduates to live in the present by enjoying the company of their friends and loved ones.
"No matter how much it seems someone controls our lives ... in the end, it's in our own hands," said salutatorian Carolyn Greene.
Valedictorian Jessica Kennedy quoted Jesus and Bill from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure."
"We are called to love and be excellent with each other," Kennedy said.
After the ceremony, graduates received hugs from proud parents and friends and waited patiently as numerous pictures were taken.
"I'm feeling sleepy right now," said graduate and Woodbridge resident Tameisha Williams. "But I'm all right. Good, happy. Relieved it's over."