T.C. Williams High School celebrated the graduation of 720 students on Saturday, one of the largest cohorts for a June graduation in the school’s recent history.
The numbers of students who graduated on Saturday in T.C. Williams’ 51st graduation ceremony were evenly split between those graduating with an Advanced Studies Diploma and a Standard Diploma. A further 65 students will be eligible to graduate this summer after the completion of summer school. The final on-time graduation rate will be calculated by the State and released later in the summer once adjustments have been made.
Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley applauded graduates for their hard work and perseverance and acknowledged Principal Jesse Dingle and T.C. Williams staff for the role they have played in preparing all students for success in college and careers. He also encouraged the Class of 2017 to maintain a commitment to excellence and a faith that they can make their dreams a reality through hard work.
This ceremony is a celebration of new beginnings filled with opportunities to continue growing, creating and making a difference. It is not this single day that will define you, but what you do with the tools that you take with you – how you help your community grow, how you contribute to the political processes that help shape the future of our country, how you help others who are less fortunate and how you stand up for injustices that oppress others,” Dr. Crawley said.
This will be the last T.C. Williams graduation for Superintendent Crawley, who is leaving to take a position in the graduate school at George Mason University in the fall. Superintendent Crawley noted that this year was special for him as he had been in the leadership role for the school division all four years that the Class of 2017 had been in high school.
As you embark on the next leg of your journey, go with the confidence of knowing that you have what it takes to be successful. Go with our support and encouragement knowing that once a Titan always a Titan,” Dr. Crawley told them.
Valedictorian Emily Kiernan and Salutatorian John Asher Elkins both went to George Mason Elementary School and attended George Washington Middle School before T.C. Williams High School, one of the largest and most diverse high schools in Virginia. Emily will be attending Amherst College next year, while Asher will be attending the United States Naval Academy.
T.C. being so large means that there are so many opportunities. The reason that Asher and I were able to take almost 40 AP credits combined is because T.C. offers so many classes and they encourage you to take them. It really helps you grow and learn and makes you more competitive with college applications. We are lucky to have spent our most formative years at a school with such diversity and so many opportunities. Without T.C., I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” said Emily.
A total of 354 students from T.C. Williams will be attending college next year, including some of the top colleges in the United States, such as Cornell University, Duke University and Princeton University.
Congratulations to all our graduates!
High resolution photos will be posted on the ACPS Facebook page.
Watch the 2017 T.C. Williams Graduation Ceremony video.