When Tai I. Um wandered the halls as a junior at Freedom High School, he said he did not know what to expect. But the valedictorian of the first class to graduate the South Riding school, said it was the best ride of his life.
Um began his speech the night of Tuesday, June 19, with "Thank you."
"We, as a Class of ‘007,’ have also helped each other get through busy days and difficult times, like finding a date for homecoming."
When Freedom High School opened in August 2005, Um said the students were faced with a number of challenges, like starting new clubs, forming sports teams and creating traditions.
"We barely had a junior prom due to lack of funding," he said.
But through a lot of hard work and bake sales, the Class of 2007 was able to pull off the prom, homecoming dances and carnivals, and instill some traditions along the way.
All of the hard work brought the small class even closer together, Um said, to make Freedom High School feel like a home away from home.
SUPERINTENDENT EDGAR B. Hatrick congratulated Um and the Class of 2007 for making Freedom High School an integral part of the South Riding community.
"This is the first of what will be many graduation ceremonies at Freedom High School," he said. "You have transformed this beautiful structure into a true learning community. You have laid the ground work for what will become traditions."
In the words of Oprah Winfrey, Hatrick encouraged the students to take the knowledge they gained during school and "pay it forward" to their community. He encouraged students to use their imagination, to make the most of learning, to do something great.
"Use the education you have gained to make a difference," he said. "Be the best you can be to create a better world to live in."
JUST WHEN they thought the hard work was over, Clara Adams-Ender, retired brigadier general and keynote speaker, gave the Class of 2007 an assignment. First, she instructed them to go back and thank everyone that helped them along the way. And second, go back to their middle school or their elementary school.
"Talk to some of the youngsters, tell them they can do the same thing you did," she said.
Adams-Ender applauded students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to further pursue their education. Education, she said, is the key to success.
"Someone once said, the shortest path between being nobody and being somebody is education," she said. "You won’t do it any younger, because you’re getting older today," she said.
Although their time at Freedom High School was short, Um said he gained the tools he needs to survive college life and all of the other challenges life has in store for him.
"I hope you will always remember the times at Freedom High School," Um said. "I’ll see you on Facebook."