McLean held its graduation for the class of 2024 on June 4. The ceremony, which featured a speech from former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, started at 2:30 p.m. at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington. For transportation, the administration provided buses for students and staff.
Students convened in the auditorium before being searched by staff. Administrators checked to make sure students did not have phones or other prohibited items such as food, drinks or wallets.
“I think it was kind of unnecessary to take away our phones, but I understand. Maybe we could have held onto our phones but just shut them off, like in movie theaters,” senior Aarion Joseph said. “There’s no way to contact our parents. If someone gets lost, we’re in D.C. Some people wouldn’t know how to get back.”
After students filed into their seats, SGA President senior Philip Ermanoski and class of 2024 council member senior Mary Johnson introduced distinguished guests, including School Board Members Karl Frisch and Ilryong Moon, FCPS Chief Information Technology Officer Gautam Sethi and several principals from the McLean pyramid.
Shortly after, class of 2024 council member senior Bennett Brunner introduced Cheney, who delivered a speech reflecting on her experience at McLean High School as well as urging students to uphold democratic values.
“It is easy sometimes to imagine that our nation, our institutions, and our freedoms are self-sustaining. They aren’t. We must each resolve that we will uphold the rule of law, defend the constitution and not be bystanders,” Cheney said. “We can’t assume that someone else will come along and do the hard work. You all have the responsibility to be educated and informed participants in this great blessing of democracy.”
Cheney also encouraged students to utilize their full rights and vote in the presidential elections to preserve democratic ideals.
“Most of you will be old enough to vote in November. Exercise that right. Go and vote. We need you to do even more. We need you to run for office. We need you to work to support good and honorable candidates. We need you to serve your communities,” Cheney said. “History teaches us that no great change happens without the dedication, determination and leadership of individual men and women. We need you all to do the hard work of defending our constitution and republic.”
After Cheney, student speaker Lauren Vandivier gave short remarks. In her speech, she stressed the importance of appreciating life outside of work and education.
“Don’t get me wrong, you should always strive to be the best version of yourself and find new opportunities,” Vandivier said. “But don’t keep your head down for so long that you miss what’s right in front of you and what is so important: living.”
Following this, students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas as their names were called. Finally, Principal Ellen Reilly concluded the ceremony with the turning of the tassel.
“I can’t believe that we were in school for [so many] years. Today, we don’t have to go to school anymore,” Joseph said. “I think that’s remarkable. We all survived.”
