On Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 5-7 the Arlington Career Center’s Commencement -. Parents, teachers, friends and family gathered on the bleachers to watch their student graduate from high school. The
weather was perfect, warm but not stifling. As the sun began to set, it cast a golden glow across the stage, showering the graduates in light. A sea of purple robes and caps walked single file across the field, they filed neatly into their chairs. Their personally decorated and unique caps helped the parents spot their children.
It started with a welcome speech from Ms. Chung. Then the Junior ROTC led the Presentation of Colors. Julian Eichers sang the National Anthem, while playing his guitar. For the opening remarks, Ms. Chung, she talked about how proud she was to see everyone graduate and that they’ve become a part of ACC. Our honored guests included:
School Board Members:
Mary Kadera, Chair
Bethany Zecher Sutton, Vice- Chair
Kathleen Clark, Member
Zuraya Tapia- Hadley, Member
Miranda Turner, Member
APS/ACC School Administrators:
Dr. Francisco Duran, Superintendent
Kim Graves, Chief of School Support
Dr. Gerald Mann, Chief of Academics
Margaret Chung, Principal, Arlington Career Center
Rachel Bowerman, Assistant Principal, Arlington Career Center
Cory Mainor, Assistant Principal, Arlington Career Center
Kathy Brewster, Director of Counseling, Arlington Career Center
NVCC/ DE Partners:
Dr. Anne Kress, President, Northern Virginia Community College
Dr. Eun-Woo Chang, Vice President, Northern Virginia Community College
Malcolm Pace, Director of Dual Enrollment
Kristen Carter, Associate Director of Dual Enrollment
Angela Hightower, Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Katie Aimone, DUal Enrollment Coordinator
Deirdre Margo, Career Coach/Counselor/Instructor
After a speech by Dr. Duran, each program’s director, introduced their student speaker. Ms. Madeline LaSalle Frazier from The Academy introduced Christopher Vasquez Monjaraz. He shared his struggles and challenges throughout the years.
Dr. Michelle Van Lare from Arlington Tech introduced Akshay Kuchibhatla. His inspiring speech was paired with humor and numerous puns that left the audience in laughter.
Ms. Amanda Trevino from the English Learner Institute (ELI) introduced Yanirah Hernandez Velasquez, who shared her story of coming here 2 years ago and how hard it was to learn English.
Mr. Shane Johnson from the Program for Employment Preparedness (PEP) introduced Yulisa Guevara, whose heartfelt speech inspired everyone.
Then were the awards and diplomas. National Honor Society (NHS) students, an extracurricular where
students were given the opportunity to give back to their community. NVCC degrees and certificates, those 19 students who earned a NOVA degree were again recognized for their accomplishments. The presentation of diplomas, each row would stand and line up. They would hand a slip of paper with their name on it to whoever was doing the announcing. Students names were called and they would walk onto stage to receive their certificate and take a photo with Ms. Chung. Then they would have another photo taken with their diploma before going back to their seat, where they would remain standing until everyone in their row was back.
Once everyone was back, Ms. Chung did the conferring of graduates, which officially declared them graduates. The moment of students moving their tassel from the right to the left and throwing their caps in the air was a beautiful scene. It marked the start of their new journey. Afterwards, the newly graduated mingled on the field to take photos, meet up with family, talk with friends and teachers, and say their goodbyes. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
