Senator Webb Keynotes Lake Braddock Graduation

Senator Jim Webb (D) was the keynote speaker at graduation at the Patriot Center on Friday morning.

His granddaughter, Brianna Lorraine Hogan, a member of Lake Braddock's Class of 2012, introduced her grandfather.  "Please give a warm welcome to my Pop Pop and your United States Senator from Virginia," she told her classmates.

Senator Webb's brief remarks focused on the American Dream.  "Find something that you care about and make it possible," he told the graduates.

Webb said he wasn't a great student in high school, but he knew what he wanted after high school, and went after it.  "Here's the American Way: If you want it, go get it," he said.  He encouraged the students to work hard.

He said his drive combined with his ability to take tests, work hard and advocate for himself led to people believing in him and giving him opportunities.  "When you succeed, remember those who believed in you," he said.

"Whatever you do, don't ever forget there is no other country like this country," he told the Class of 2012.  "You have been blessed to be a unique part of this historically unique country and don't you ever forget it," he finished.

Lake Braddock Principal David Thomas congratulated the seniors on their achievements, including the 6,000 plus hours of service they volunteered in the community during the school year.  In addition:

• 105 students graduated with honors.
• 86 students graduated with the Virginia Board of Education's Excellence in Civics Education Seal on their diploma.
• Three students received The President's Volunteer Service Award for more than 100 hours of volunteer service.
• 22 students are going from graduation into service for their country, including four appointments to the U.S. Military Academy (Westpoint), two to the Air Force Academy, one to the Naval Academy and one to the Coast Guard Academy.

Quoting William Jennings Bryan, Thomas told the students, "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice; it's not a thing to be waited for, but a thing to be achieved." 

"You've been given the foundation [at Lake Braddock] to shape your destiny, to be the person you want to be," Thomas said.

Honor Graduate Kelsey Carpenter presented the class address.  "To be a great champion you must believe you are the best," she said, quoting Muhammad Ali.

History teacher John Cabiati introduced the recipient of the Faculty Senior Award.  "This person has great grades, high test scores, musical talent; but so do many others in the class of 2012," he said.  "This person goes beyond to do for others."

"The adjectives used by teachers to describe this person include cerebral, magnificent, charismatic, unique, determined and impressive," he said. Emily Schell proudly walked to the stage to receive her award.  During high school she launched a non-profit called “Promise for Preschool,” which assists area Head Start programs.