DAR constitution hall served as a bittersweet reminder of the four year journey that was coming to an end for this years senior class. On June 8, 2018, a sea of red caps and gowns flooded out of the hall, searching for friends, family, or just a familiar face.

The two hour ceremony was filled with tears, due to the memorable and reminiscent address by Sidnea Stresler, laughs, due to the comic and jovial reflective speech by Laith Samamreh, and applause, while audience members watched their loved ones get handed their diplomas. “The ceremony did a great job of showing our progression through high school as well as reminding us of the responsibilities yet to come, but most importantly, reassuring us that we are prepared to face them”, senior Brett Richardson said.

Praise was granted to Siddarth Shankar as well as Sam Gollob as they were handed this years Faculty awards; the most prestigious plaque that McLean has to offer. Shankar, current Editor in Chief at The Highlander, is headed off to Yale in the fall. Gollob, McLean’s student body President, is headed to Williams College for swimming. Both exceeded expectations both inside and outside of the classroom, and their efforts to better the school and its community goes beyond a given title. 

The ceremony was brought to life by former NASA administrator Charles f. Bolden, who highlighted the importance to never be put down by others and to embrace your identity. His verbal send-off of students into the professional world was inspiring with a hint of stability. However, it was words from Stresler that rang the most true as seniors enter the last academic stage of their lives: “Once a Highlander, always a Highlander”.