Miss Kick-ass Congeniality
Posted on 06/05/2002 2:38:31 PM PDT by rabidralph
Most speakers at high school graduations try to give words of advice and wisdom to the outgoing students.
Condoleezza Rice was no different, but she wanted the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Class of 2002 to remember one thing: "I do not remember a single word my commencement speaker said, and neither will you," she said lightly.
Rice blended humor with stories of her own experiences in her commencement address to the graduating seniors of B-CC at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Tuesday afternoon.
Rice urged the departing seniors to find their passions, and follow their dreams.
"Your mission over the next several years is to find your passion ... find something that you love," she said. "Many of the most satisfying accomplishments are those where you have to overcome adversity."
Rice drew more laughter from the audience when she spoke of her decision to become an international politics major, as opposed to a music major, when she discovered she "was not very good at playing the piano."
"In 1990, I found myself on the south lawn of the White House in a helicopter, alone, with Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife, and I thought to myself, I'm glad I changed my major," Rice told the students.
She also described the importance of education to the Class of 2002.
"Education is the great equalizer, and here in America it does not matter where you came from, it matters where you're going," she said.
More than 270 seniors walked across the stage, and were cheered by supporting family and friends at the school's 75th commencement exercises.
Senior Michael Becker will attend Syracuse University next fall, and said before Tuesday's ceremony that he was relieved graduation day finally arrived.
"It's a good feeling," he said. "All of the graduation parties have been a lot of fun. It's been a long four years and I'm glad it's finally over, but I've had a great time."
Senior Sandra Vallejo will attend Montgomery College, and said before the ceremony that she has been waiting anxiously for graduation since her freshman year.
"It feels awesome and I can't explain it," she said. "It's been hard and fun at the same time."
Stephen Howell of Wheaton, a consumer math teacher at B-CC, said the Class of 2002 has a lot of personality. "They were a lively bunch," he said. "They were very high spirited, but they all had a sense of direction and were very level-headed."
Science teacher Larry Levin of Bethesda, who is retiring, said the Class of 2002 rarely complained about moving to Northwood High School for two years while B-CC was being renovated.
"I think they've been fun," he said. "They are extremely resilient. They adjusted well when we moved schools ... They are just really nice kids."
Matthew Beck, whose four-year reign as class president ended Tuesday, said he will miss his experiences at B-CC. "This year has flown by so fast," Beck said in his address to his classmates. "But I must say, senior year has definitely lived up to its expectations ... Congratulations to all of you. The world awaits us."
Senior Ben Tejblum was publicity chair at B-CC, and worked to bring Rice to speak at graduation.
When students learned several weeks ago that Rice would be speaking, 54 students signed petitions showing their nonsupport for Rice, according to senior Ann Horwitz, Student Government Association president, because of the war in Afghanistan.
"When I first heard Condoleezza Rice was the speaker, my first reaction was shock," Horwitz said. "But I think it's a good thing. I think we at B-CC are pretty open-minded, and she's a woman who's accomplished a lot in her life."
And despite the petition, the response during and after her speech showed no sign of opposition. She was interrupted during her speech numerous times for applause, and was given a standing ovation at the conclusion of her speech.
"In some ways, I can see where the protesters are coming from," Tejblum said. "But political beliefs aside, I think she's an excellent woman and I'm excited she's here to speak."
Miss Kick-ass Congeniality
A high school senior living in the 13th richest county in the U.S. has no reason to be shocked about anything. In the story, only 54 students signed the petition protesting Dr. Rice's visit. They sure made a big stink about it in the Post, as if the school was against her coming.
To have the National Security Advisor speak at your high school graduation is a signal honor. "We at B-CC" are young to think so highly of our own intellectual stature as to presume to look in the mouth of such a gift horse as that.
Condi! Topics List bump for Chris and Patrick!
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