On Friday, May 29, the Eleanor Roosevelt High School Class of 2015 took to the stage at the University of Maryland College Park’s Xfinity Center and said their final goodbyes as they officially graduated.

The ERHS Symphonic Orchestra, led by orchestra teacher Dr. David Yarbrough, played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the class of 2015 began their orderly march to their seats. Girls wore white caps and gowns, and boys blue, representing the school’s colors for the last time.

The program then began with the introductions of important attendees, including several Prince George’s County officials and guest speakers. The first guest speaker was Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education Member, District 2, Lupi Quinteros-Grady, who gave a short speech about growing up and learning lessons. Her speech was followed by a powerful performance of “There’s a Dream/Impossible Dream” by the ERHS Combined Choir, which was directed by choir teacher Michele Fowlin.

Salutatorian Shweta Roy and valedictorian Kanan Mehta each gave brief speeches. “Fear of change is natural,” said Mehta in his speech, but “we must never truly accept our present,” because that is the equivalence of complacency. The Class of 2015 will lose their “safety net,” Mehta continued, and assume more responsibilities as adults.

Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, received a standing ovation for his powerful speech. He recalled working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, when he could not fathom the impact his actions would have on future generations. The lengthy speech continued with several wittily given lessons, ranging from “keep your rooms clean,” to “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Hrabowski ended his speech by repeating a thoughtful sentiment. “Words become actions. Actions become habits. Habits become character. Character becomes destiny. Destiny becomes who you are,” the crowd joined Hrabowski in saying.

ERHS’ Symphonic Band, also directed by Dr. Yarbrough, performed “The Great Gate of Kiev” by M. Mouororgsky just before Principal Mr. Reginald McNeil made his final remarks.

The president of the Class of 2015, Milan Brown, then stood at the podium to lead the traditional turning of the tassels. The students moved the tassels of their caps from left to right as a final symbol of their graduation at the end of the ceremony. In their final performance, the Symphonic Band played “March from the Opera Carmen,” by Bizet, as the Class of 2015 marched out.