WALDORF, Md. — On Friday, May 31, the North Point High School Eagles gathered at Regency Furniture Stadium for their graduation ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the 429 graduating seniors, led by valedictorian Samuel Stine and salutatorian Shreeya Chada.
Samuel Stine, who is set to attend the College of Southern Maryland in the fall to study engineering, captivated the audience with a symbolic gesture. He showcased $1,000 in Eagle Bucks, the school's unique currency earned through good behavior and redeemable at the school store. This achievement, unprecedented at North Point, required contributions from his brothers and engineering classmates, highlighting the power of collaboration.
"A single student might not be able to do it, but many together can -- you can get by with a little help from your friends," Stine remarked. He emphasized that his accomplishment wasn't solely his own, but a testament to the collective support he received. "Combined with my own dedication, I was given the resources and support to do something great, and I'm not only talking about the Eagle Bucks," he added.
Stine credited parents, teachers, administrators, and leaders for providing a foundation that allowed students to thrive. "They gave us their all and let us call it our own," he said. Holding up the Eagle Bucks, he conveyed a message of generosity and shared responsibility. "Although I hold this, it makes no sense to hoard this. It is the responsibility of those of us who have been given a gift, be it from God or from others, to do good with it. If good happens to you, it's only fair to pass it on."
Salutatorian Shreeya Chada, who will attend UCLA on a pre-law political science and anthropology track, offered reflections on the importance of living in the moment. "I speak for myself, and likely for my peers, when I say high school has been stressful as we plan for the following stages of our lives," Chada said. She acknowledged the pressure students felt, often at the expense of appreciating the present.
"Stress about the future constantly occupied my mind in lieu of experiencing and rejoicing in the moment," Chada admitted. She encouraged her classmates to savor their achievements and the journey they had taken. "Appreciate the moment that you're in and recognize the adventure you took – the risks and the triumphs," she advised.
The North Point Class of 2024 achieved significant academic success, earning more than $45 million in scholarship offers. This accomplishment contributed to the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2024's total of nearly $184 million in scholarships, with 2,102 graduates.
CCPS provided a livestream of all graduation ceremonies on their website, Vimeo, and YouTube channels. For those who missed the live events, the school system will rebroadcast the ceremonies throughout the summer. More information and access to the livestreams can be found at CCPS Graduation 2024.
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