2017 Graduation - A Big Success! By Elizabeth Sital, SGA Historian

The Pre-College Programs’ Class of 2017 graduation ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 6. It was very beautiful event! The Colony Ballroom of Stamp Student Union was decorated marvelously. Seniors, parents, and guests were dressed in professional attire, and the seniors looked like they were ready to celebrate! The Upward Bound/Northwestern HS orchestra played beautifully during the processional of graduates. Four students gave a welcome in an international language. Dr. Stevens, the Dean’s representative, gave a nice speech in which she talked about the value of education and diversity. She also congratulated the graduates and wished them good luck. Dr. Bell, the guest speaker, gave a motivational speech to the graduates. He talked about his life experiences as a blind person and how he still achieved success. He shared many important lessons but emphasized two key points: “Be yourself” and “Focus on your vision not your sight.” Dr. Bell brought a lot of humor to his speech and the graduates and guests seem to enjoy it. Kevin Villatoro was the Class of 2017 graduate speaker. Kevin’s speech encouraged students to “never stop chasing your dreams.” I think this is a good message to share with students who are starting college. When each graduate’s name was called to receive their certificate, the speaker announced the college they plan to attend, their intended major, and whether they were graduating high school with honors. Caroline Boisseau, an Upward Bound Math-Science alumnae who recently graduated from University of Maryland, led graduates in saying the alumni pledge. The Pre-College Programs’ Parent Association members also expressed their pride in all of the graduates. They also awarded association scholarships to four graduating seniors. One important and memorable quote said by a parent was “life is not going to be perfect, everything is not going to come to you.” Their advice reminded graduates that our parents really work hard for us! The final speech was given by Dr. Hardy DeJesus, Executive Director of Pre-College Programs. She encouraged graduates to “Dream big! When the rest of the world says that you won't survive, you must thrive!” At the end of Dr. Hardy DeJesus’s speech, Cindy Chavez, SGA Vice President, and I, presented Dr. Hardy DeJesus and Dr. Stevens flowers to thank her for her support. The advice each speaker gave the graduates was very important and encouraging. The graduation was a great success!