Many commencement speakers talk about graduates reaching for the stars and becoming famous. Barbara Hulver, however, told Loudoun County's final graduating class of 2004 that life is not always about achievement.
"In the future, you will have to make a living, but time with friends and family will always be worth more than raises or headlines," she said.
Hulver, Loudoun's director of Secondary Education, was the guest speaker at the Summer School Graduation in Leesburg last week. Thirty-seven students from Broad Run, Heritage, Loudoun County, Loudoun Valley, Potomac Falls, Park View and Stone Bridge high schools received diplomas. They wore solid colored caps and gowns of red, blue, white, black, green, maroon and gold.
Hulver told the story of Eric Moussambani, who represented a small country in Africa in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He did not attain any medals, but he won the hearts of many because of his perseverance, she said. "Eric is a brilliant reminder to all of us that life is more often about inner triumphs, not outer achievements."
Hulver congratulated the graduates for finishing their race. "It was sometimes difficult. Sometimes you struggled, but you finished."
She advised the seniors to choose their friends carefully. Quoting Andy Andrews' book, "The Traveler's Gift," she said many of life's sorrows could be traced to relationships with the wrong people. Andrews wrote, "Choose your friends with care for we are always and forever influenced by those with whom we associate."
Hulver also told a tale about a little girl who wrongfully trusted a snake. "The moral of the story — if you hang out with snakes, you'll probably get bitten."
AFTER THE CEREMONY, the graduates posed for the cameras with family and friends.
For Sarai Salguero, a native of Guatemala, graduating from Loudoun County High School was particularly special. "I feel so great," she said. "I had lots of obstacles. I'm so proud.
"As long as you put all you have [forward], you are going to make your dreams come true."
Salguero said she plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College and take business and computer classes. Her dream is to own her own beauty salon. She took cosmetology at Loudoun's C.S. Monroe Technology Center.
Her sister, Cecy Salguero, translated for their mother, Olga Salguero, who said she was happy that "this country has opened the door for us," and as a parent, she has been able to witness "the biggest accomplishment of her first daughter."
Kevin Manriquez of Stone Bridge High School, said he was feeling "pretty good. It's more of a relief, especially for them." Grinning, he gestured to his parents and grandmother, Anna Mae Fritz of Scottsdale, Ariz. "I knew he would do it. If he didn't, he was in big trouble," she said good naturedly.
His father, Lee Manriquez, joined the banter. "We knew it. It was just a matter of when."
"We're very proud of him," said his mother, JoAnn Manriquez.
Kevin plans to attend the Art Institute in Washington, D.C., this fall, and major in graphic design.
Cassie Folgner, who graduated from Heritage High School, said she was glad to "finally finish. I'm off to Hawaii."
Her father, Ken Folgner, said the plane ticket was a graduation present. "It's an exciting moment," he said. "She's fantastic."
Cassie said she plans to eventually attend Virginia Commonwealth University and major in business.
Tyler Moten of Loudoun Valley High School said he was excited to be graduating. "I could fly right now, I feel so good," he said. "I'm glad it's over."
He plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College, then transfer to Howard University, majoring in computers.
His mother, Lorraine Moten, applauded her son's success. "I'm glad he's onto the next step," she said. "I love him. He's a great kid."