As the seniors in royal-blue caps and gowns entered Fairfax High’s field house for their graduation, last week, parents eagerly waved and shouted, hoping to catch their children’s eyes, if only for a second. And with 587 students graduating last Thursday, June 14, that wasn’t easy to do.

"We’re here today to celebrate an accomplished group of men and women, and we’re excited for what they’ll do in the years to come," said Principal David Goldfarb. He then had the grads-to-be stand and applaud their parents and teachers.

"Your parents will have a sense of pride when they see you walk across the stage today," he said. "And your teachers always had your best interests at heart – and may have believed in what you could do, even before you realized it."

Goldfarb also led the huge crowd in rounds of applause for those with 4.0 or higher GPAs and for those going into the military. Noting today’s technological advances and 24-hour news cycle, with "information coming at you with rapid speed," he urged the seniors to go against the tide.

"Slow down," said the principal. "Take time to figure out who you are and where you’re going. Think about the people and experiences that influenced you, and decide who you want to become. Really listen to people, but make sure your dreams are your own. Explore what you enjoy and surround yourself with it so your happiness will last. God bless you all."

Next at the podium was guest speaker Lillian Lowery, former Fairfax High principal from 1999-2006 and current Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. Returning to the school, she said, "I could still sense the pride and tradition here."

She then passed on National PTA President Byron Garrett’s "ABCs of Life," – Accept, believe and choice. "Accept the challenge to make a success of your life," said Lowery. "Don’t wait for opportunities to come along; take action. Believe in yourself and give to a cause you believe in with all your heart. Choice, not chance, determines success. Chances are something someone else gives you; choices are up to you to make."

Finally, Honor Graduate Jenny Thai thanked the parents, teachers and administrators for their support in helping the seniors reach graduation. "Everyone here today has helped shape us," she said. "This is Fairfax; this is a family."