Glenholme sends 14 grads on their respective paths

A beautiful summer's day graced the eighth commencement exercises of the Devereux Glenholme School June 27 in Washington.

Fourteen students and soon-to-be-graduates made their way to the sidewalk between Glenholme and the Center for the Arts for the early afternoon ceremony.

Once there, they paused to reflect upon the commemorative bricks placed in the walkway, one brick noting "The Class of 2012," along with 14 others etched with the graduates' respective names.

After a short pause, they made their way to the arts center, where more than 200 parents, family members, friends, faculty, staff and students of the school gathered to celebrate accomplishments and the diploma presentations.

"This ceremony is a true testament to Helena Devereux, the founder of Devereux," said Glenholme executive director Maryann Campbell.

She said Ms. Devereux began her journey to educate students with learning differences in 1906.

"It is through her success and the generosity and genuine devotion to young people by the Van Sinderen family, who donated this beautiful property to the Devereux Foundation in the late 1960s, the Glenholme School came to be. And it is here where each of you found your means to success and are moving forward confidently with your lives," she said

Amy Reingold, the Student Council secretary, commended the graduating class for its hard work, personal growth and accomplishments.

She also encouraged them with a quote from Dr. Suess: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

Ms. Reingold said, "For all of our graduates, the opportunity exists to soar greater and climb higher than ever before. And always remember, it is your life. Your direction is your choice."

Among the awards were the recognition of the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award and the Glenholme Scholarship Award to Maggie Moonan.

Highlighting the afternoon were a vocal and piano performance of "Hallelujah," by Emily Svenningsen of the Class of 2004 and a vocal delivery of "My Way," by 2012 grad Stephen Mohan.