GW graduates 386

A total of 386 seniors — 34 who graduated in Janu-ary and 352 from June — hit the stage at J.T. Chris-topher Stadium at George Washington High School Saturday morning to get their diplomas.

Principal Chris Carter earned a thunderous round of applause when he told the huge crowd that this class had broken records by earning almost $2 million in scholarships for higher education.

Salutatorian Christopher Monioudis told classmate that the graduation cere-mony would probably be the last time all of them were together at the same time, but to stay in touch with each other.

“We will remember all of the times we went to our friends for comfort and support,” Monioudis said, noting that they would also remember they have learned that meeting goals and being successful is difficult to do along.

Valedictorian DesRaj Clark kept the crowd chuck-ling, telling them all the things he had decided not to say in his speech — which he started working on last Thursday, though he’s known since January he would be the valedictorian.

He also quoted Mark Twain, who said, “Never let your schooling get in the way of your education,” and told his classmates that, though they have learned and experienced a lot al-ready, “there’s a lot in the world for us to find.”

The commencement ad-dress was given by George “Buddy” Currey Jr., a GW alumnus and former NFL football player, who told the class to, “Do what you are passionate about.”

He told them family, friends and things they see, hear and read make them what they are.

“Choose your friends wisely,” was one piece of advice he offered. “Our choices determine the course of our actions.”

He also told the gradu-ates, “Dare to dream. Be-lieve in yourself. Do your best. Stick it out and be all you can be.”

Carter gave them final words of encouragement before the diplomas were awarded.

“Continue to fly like the eagles you are,” Carter said.

Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.