Although finding parking was a hassle, Carol Morrison and her 11-year-old son Wayne believed their efforts were worth it. They came to James Madison High School's graduation ceremonies to cheer their next door neighbor, Abby Oremland. Abby had befriended the Morrisons when she had babysat Wayne.
"You couldn't ask for a better next door neighbor," Morrison said. When Wayne said he looked forward to seeing Abby on-stage, Morrison added, "We're going to give her a good scream, huh?"
The Morrisons were one of many hundreds of guests attending Madison's 41st commencement last Tuesday evening, June 17. Held at the Field House of Fairfax High School, the family and friends rooted for their graduates as they went up to the podium and reached for their diplomas.
"I'm excited to gain the freedom I've always desired," said student speaker Parker Ramsdell, relating his anticipation of closing one chapter in life and starting another one.
No graduation ceremony would be complete without advice from guest, faculty and student speakers. Megan Mullaly, an actress on the television show 'Will and Grace' gave both serious and lighthearted to the graduates.
"Go out there and transcend the norm...and how you do that is by being yourself....Find your thing. Figure out what it is that you love and do that. Think big," Mullaly said.
Other advice tidbits elicited laughs from the graduates and their guests.
"Don't ever flip out over some guy or some girl. It's not worth it. It's too exhausting!" Mullaly stated.
She added that students should also aim to age well-- "You're not supposed to look like 17 when you're 90! It's horrible!"
Student speakers Mary Ann Kearney and Parker Ramsdell expressed excitement and nervousness at taking charge of their lives as they enter a new direction.
Mary Ann Kearney, who will attend West Point next year, likened the journey to driving.
"The direction you choose to drive is up to you...We will find that the true test will come when you hit the red lights," said Mary Ann.
Parker Ramsdell, who intends to study pre-law and government at the University of Texas, agreed, giving graduates advice that his swim coach had told him.
"You've got to know where you're going and how you're going to get there, or you'll just be swimming laps," Parker said. "Do not allow yourself to become a bystander."