M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M Graduation M X V M M X 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 5 2 0 1 M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X M M X V M M X The Fort Lee Traveller pays tribute to military families and the time-honored celebration that highlights the academic accomplishments of their sons and daughters
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T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects
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he Prince George High School class with the highest number of honor graduates is expected to maintain high standards as it takes the next steps toward the horizon of future achievements. The graduates were told during their commencement exercises Saturday at the PGHS Athletic Field to bask in their secondary school achievement but to embrace the belief of accomplishing more. “The great achievements the class of 2015 has earned only provides us with a starting point on the way to furthering them,” said co-salutatorian Meaghan Elliott during her address to a crowd of roughly 2,000. “As we enter the workforce, further our education at a four-year university or trade school, or serve our country, our class will go above and beyond the point where we stand at today.” Elliott’s prediction was in line with her fellow graduates’ accomplishments. A record 59 of them earned the title of honor graduate. Graduates totaled 397, and they received scholarships worth millions. It’s a good start to what will become a greater body of work, said Elliott. “We won’t stop here,” she said earlier in her speech. “This is merely the first chapter of our lives, and we’re ready to take on the next.” Elliott’s words may hold special meaning for those who have military affiliation. Many of them have experienced unique episodes in their lives many times prior to graduation. One such student, Bridget Monet Brooks, studied at 12 different schools at various locations around the world prior to enrolling at PGHS. The journey made the accomplishment all the more gratifying, she said. “Even though I moved to so many schools – I almost failed the 4th and 6th grades – I actually made it,” said the daughter of Army Staff Sgt. Michael Brooks with a sudden burst of elation after the ceremony. “I don’t think anyone could say they’ve gone to so many schools and was able to make it without having to repeat any grades.” The students of military members not only face the obvious challenges of relocation, but their academic performances might be negatively impacted due to different educational standards at the various schools they attend. It’s one reason graduation is more like a milestone in military families, said Monica, the graduate’s mother. “This (graduation) means a lot being a military kid, because moving around, she’s
Reason to celebrate
Prince George students revel in achievement of high school graduation
gone through a lot,” she said, noting her daughter’s struggles, triumphs and talent. “I’m really, really proud of her.” Roughly a third of PGHS’s student body has some military affiliation. The school is the assigned public secondary school for installation residents, and still a larger number of students are the family members of military retirees, Fort Lee civilian employees and veterans. Though the struggles of military kids have been well-documented, there’s much validity to what military kids can achieve in terms of resiliency, said retired Lt. Col. James N. Wright III, whose daughter Emily was among the graduates. “It means she can overcome any obstacle she faces,” he said. The same could be said for Corrine Marshall who, said her father, dealt with the rigors of military life by means of active engagement. “It was a positive impact because she participated in everything,” said Tyrone Marshall, a retired Soldier. “She was always in clubs like the Girl Scouts. Wherever we moved, Corrine made friends and quickly
(ABOVE) Students and parents erupt in celebration after the last student received his diploma during the Prince George High School graduation ceremony Saturday at the PGHS Athletic Field. (LEFT) Eighteen-year-old Bridget Monet Brooks is overcome with emotion and a bit of embarrassment at all the attention she received from her family after the ceremony. Brooks is the daughter of Staff Sgt. Michael and Monica Brooks of Fort Lee.
photos by T. Anthony Bell
adapted.” Corrine, proudly boasted her father, is the sixth of his 10 children to graduate high school and go on to college. “This is a great day for our family,” he said with a smile. Staff Sgt. Brooks was also in a celebratory mood. He said the occasion meant just as much to him as it did his daughter, mainly because he was present for it and not deployed or training in some far-off location. “Just actually being here in person for
the graduation and to see them overcome being in a household where one parent is not always around and graduate on time with her fellow classmates means a lot to me. It means I did something right,” said the Alpha Company, 244th Quartermaster Battalion Soldier. “We’re extremely proud of her.” Bridget Brooks said she has no immediate plans to attend college but is interested in becoming a history teacher sometime in the future. Prince George High School, located about three miles from Fort Lee, is the only high school in Prince George County. It has an enrollment of roughly 1,300 students.
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Teresa Artis Appomattox Regional Governors’ School Retired Master Sgt. David Artis & Itanya Milligan-Artis
Jordan Alexander Barnes Thomas Dale High School Col. Robert & Tarra Barnes
Braxton Bonner Thomas Dale High School Retired Lt. Col. Paula DavisBonner & John Bonner
Aviance Golden Brown Prince George High School Chief Warrant Officer 3 Darlene Golden-Brown & Corey Brown
Mikayla Bryant Prince George High School Maj. Kristal & Eric Bryant
Aaren Davis Matoaca High School Retired Col. Alexander Davis Jr. & Karen Davis
Alexis Dove Manchester High School Retired Sgt. Maj. Gorden & Celeste Dove
Jimshad Farooque-Wooden Matoaca High School Post employee Mohammad Farooque (grandfather)
Alexander Font Prince George High School Master Sgt. Patricia & Jose Font
Kendell Finster Prince George High School Staff Sgt. Scott & Reneé Finster
Tamya Graves Prince George High School Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth & Danielle Harrison
Garrick Griffin II Prince George High School Command Sgt. Maj. Garrick Griffin & Maj. Donna Vanderhayden
Savannah Danielle Harbert Prince George High School Sgt. 1st Class William & Kelly Harbert
Daria Hardy Prince George High School Retired Master Sgt. Kelius & Sgt. 1st Class Damaris Hardy
William Joyner Jr. Meadowbrook High School Retired Sgt. 1st Class William Joyner Sr. & Nicole Joyner
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Jordyn Kent Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Retired Lt. Col. Debbie & retired Sgt. 1st Class E. Doug Kent
Anna Mae Kepley Kepley Academy Chaplain (Maj.) Todd & Lori Kepley
Arynn Jeane Kepley Kepley Academy Chaplain (Maj.) Todd & Lori Kepley
Sierra Milan Lewis Thomas Dale High School Retired Master Sgt. Robert & Chloris Lewis
Corrine Marshall Prince George High School Retired Staff Sgt. Tyrone & Charlotte Marshall
Dericka Desireé Stinchcomb Thomas Dale High School Retired 1st Sgt. Derick & Cynthia Stinchcomb
Jazzlyn McFarland Taylor Prince George High School Staff Sgt. Stanley & Trudy Taylor
Darvin L. Taylor II Thomas Dale High School Retired Sgt. Maj. Darvin and Retired Sgt. Maj. Dana Taylor
Lauren Watkins Meadowbrook High School Retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willie & Natascha Watkins
Zana Weatherspoon Prince George High School Chief Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Broughton II & Sgt. 1st Class Teameco Broughton
Adrian Martinez Martinez Academy Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Pete & Dwanna Martinez
Markida Maxwell Thomas Dale High School Retired 1st Sgt. Akida & Onethia Maxwell
Heather Meyer Stevens High School, S.Dakota Post employee Jean Dahlbeck & Craig Dahlbeck
Derek Milam Prince George High School Post employee Kathy & Douglas Milam
Kaela Orr Prince George High School Retired Sgt. 1st Class Anthony G. & post employee Linda Orr
Tiana Whaley Prince George High School Retired Master Sgt. Kelius & Sgt. 1st Class Damaris Hardy
Lance Wichern Prince George High School Sgt. 1st Class Eric & Gena Wichern
Saquise Wimberly Prince George High School Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne & Merissa Simpkins
Sierra-Lynn Wise Prince George High School Marine Master Sgt. Gerald & Barbara Jean Thomas
Kaayaliah Williams Prince George High School Retired Staff Sgt. Christopher & Sgt. 1st Class Guadalupe Alexander
future aspirations come true! We love you so very much!” To Kendall Finster from SSG Scott and post employee Renee Finster Ź“Derek, we are so proud of your hard work and dedication to your studies and future career goals. Congratulations!” To Derek Milam from Douglas Milam and post employee Kathy Milam Ź“We are all so proud of you Savannah and all the hard work you have done! Keep doing great things! Love, Mom, Dad, Kaleb,
Gabriel and MaKenna.” To Savannah Harbert from the Harbert family Ź“Congratulations Alexis! We are all so very proud of you and wish you all the best at VCU!” To Alexis Dove from The Crutchfield family Ź“Congratulations beautiful butterfly! Watching you blossom into such a wonderful young lady has been the most rewarding time of my life. You are a blessing beyond measure. I LOVE YOU!” To Aviance Golden Brown from CWO3 Darlene C. Golden-Brown
Congratulations and accolades
Kourtney Prigge (Nossett) Prince George High School Sgt. 1st Class Chris Nossett
Kinsea Ragland Prince George High School Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan & Jacqueline Ragland
Bailey Kathleen Rivero Colonial Heights High School Post employee Andrea Lakata
Kelly Smith Prince George High School Maj. William & Tammy Smith
Jacob Snover Prince George High School Retired Staff Sgt. Timothy & Lisa Snover
Emily Wright Prince George High School Capt. Yolanda Wright & James Wright III
Ź“We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. We know that you will do great things at VCU! Don’t ever give up! We love you! Dad, Mom and Santana” To Kaayaliah Williams from Ret. Soldier Christopher and SFC Guadalupe Alexander Ź³&ongratulations on a job well done. Follow your dreams toward accomplishing the goals that you have set for your future. May God continue to bless you and direct your path. You are truly an amazing son! We love you dearly.”
To Alexander Font from MSG Patricia Font, post employee Jose Font and sister, Gabriella Font Ź³We are so happy you accomplished this major milestone in your life. Keep pushing forward and reach for the stars. We love you.” To Tamya Graves from SFC Kenneth and post employee Danielle Harrison Ź“We are beyond proud of your accomplishments Kendell! Wishing you much success on your journey into the Coast Guard. Make your
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T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects
The school isn’t listed in the local phone book and doesn’t have a website. It doesn’t boast a science lab, gymnasium or school colors. And it has only one student. Welcome to the Martinez Academy, an all-in-one institution of learning that has called several states home and features a custom-designed curriculum. It is in fact a home school, but Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Pete Martinez, one half of the faculty, said it is much more. “It’s the Martinez vision for all things scholastic, intellectual and academic on the course of lifelong learning,” said the deputy installation chaplain, now in the middle of a PCS move. “It’s a worldwide and multicultural approach that is incorporated into the curriculum.” Eighteen-year-old Adrian Martinez is the academy’s prized and final product. The only child of Dwanna and Chaplain Martinez, also his teachers, he completed his 12th year of schooling this year and is headed to Southeastern University in Florida. He said home-school more than prepared him for the new world that awaits. “It was better because I had to learn on my feet,” said Adrian, who spent roughly nine of 12 years at Martinez Academies all over the world. “It definitely taught me to be an independent learner, how to be selfmotivated, and adjust and adapt to all kinds of environments.” The chaplain’s reason for home-schooling his son is varied. Noting many of the most important figures in history, politics and science were educated privately, he said, pointing out that home-school education has a greater power to unleash potential. “Home-schooling taps more into the student’s creativity, creative energy and imagination,” said the Yuma, Ariz., native. It uses “resources that have always existed in the world.” The chaplain counts an extensive home library as one of those resources. The younger Martinez’ home school education was complemented by Junior ROTC and the Civil Air Patrol. The foundation of a home-school education program is the curriculum, according to the chaplain. It is set but can be adapted as needed. “We have an actual curriculum but it only acts as a guardrail,” he said. “It’s not the law, it’s a guideline.” The subjects covered are typical – math, history and science via computer programs
WITH HONORS Adrian Martinez is the first, the last and only graduate of the Martinez Academy
T. Anthony Bell
– but the Martinez Academy approach to teaching them can follow a different path. For instance, said Martinez, a two-day trip to a historical site can be a multi-faceted excursion that touches upon many subjects. Informality and the inclusion of enhancements can make it a profound learning experience versus a mundane classroom drill. “You have to incorporate fun,” he said The experience of home-school was generally enjoyable, said Adrian, noting it was like one long field trip. “The best thing about it was going to see all of these places firsthand that you read about in books,” he said. “When I was a kid, I didn’t appreciate it as much, but I can now.” Much of the pleasantry during Adrian’s school experience was orchestrated by Dwanna, who acts as the headmistress, teacher, tour director, activity coordina-
tor and any other positions that need to be filled. Martinez praised her work with their son, considering his military duties limited his involvement. “Homes-schooling is not for everybody,” said the chaplain. “It takes a certain kind of commitment. Having said that, she is the one who caries the bulk of the responsibilities. Her job has been the home, and she has always kept a great home for me to return to.” Although Dwanna did most of the teaching, Adrian said home-schooling provided the opportunity to bond with his dad, despite the fact his duties kept him away much of the time. “My dad and I could be sitting down at a fast food restaurant or regular restaurant or a coffee shop or just driving down the road and start talking about something related to history,” he fondly remembered, noting much of his learning didn’t involve a book, desk
or the rigidity of procedure found in a classroom. “It just felt like a talk with my dad.” All in all, said Martinez, the parent-teachers in a home-school program have a better handle on how a child learns and what’s best for him or her. “God bless the professionals, but they don’t always know what’s right for your child,” he said. There are home-school disadvantages as well. The social aspect of a home education is generally not as strong as it is at formal institutions. “I can understand the argument they don’t socialize properly,” said Martinez, “but you can take measures to mitigate that.” The other disadvantage is something related more to the realities of military life – moving. Every relocation can bring on concerns about home-school associations, available resources and state standards, but “it’s a minor issue,” said the chaplain. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the requirements to home-school students are minimal. Parents must submit an application that includes the student’s educational record and parents’ level of education. If the application is approved, they must then register with the servicing school district. Parents must re-register every two or three years, and there are no test requirements, said the chaplain. Some states require test scores, professional evaluations and home visits, according to the Home School Legal Defense Association website. The northeast as a region has the highest home-school standards in the country. On the federal level, “there is no acrossthe-board standard,” said Martinez. The varying standards and lack of federal oversight begs the question, “How do parents gauge whether home school students are prepared for life after school?” Results – accomplishments and other indicators of success – are the easy answers, said Martinez, noting his son has achieved the highest standards in the Civil Air Patrol, has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and did better than average on the SAT. “He is out in the world doing things,” he said. “He functions at a higher level than others, I think.” At Southeastern, Adrian is planning on enrolling in the ROTC program and looks forward to the challenge. “I’m definitely ready to charge in full steam ahead,” he said. “Obviously, I know there’s going to be difficulty, but I found out when it comes to those difficulties, you just have to feel the burn for a couple of seconds. Then, before you know it, you’re at the goal.” Adrian has plans to become a career Army officer.
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T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects
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MOVING FORWARD
aren Davis has much to be proud of in the wake of her senior year at Matoaca High School. She was a member of the band, a recipient of the Principal’s Leadership and Chesterfield County Citizen Board awards, and earned the honor’s bar after three years of logging a 3.5 grade point average or higher. However, it is her achievement as the “come-back kid” that truly makes her stand out from her peers. Two years ago, Davis’ high school journey was rocked by an event that pushed her emotions into a state of uneasiness and her grades into a downward spiral. “In two classes I had straight Fs at the time,” she recalled from her junior year. “I was just thinking in my head ‘My dad is going to kill me’ if he ever saw those Fs on my report card.” “Dad” is the late retired Col. Alexander D. “Big Al” Davis Jr., the former assistant commandant and civilian employee at the Quartermaster School. His death on Sept. 6, 2013, was a crushing blow to her foundation but later a stabilizing and influential force in her life. “I definitely got myself together and started working harder, making sure those Fs got back to the grades they were sup-
posed to be,” she said. Needless to say, her dad would have insisted it, said Aaren, and not just for the short term. “I remember him always saying how proud he was of us,” she said, noting it was almost a daily occurrence. “Just because he’s not here, I wasn’t going to slack off be-
Military upbringing, father’s legacy help teen to stay focused despite tragedy
cause I wasn’t ever going to hear that anymore. I knew if I kept working hard, he was going to be proud.” Big Al would be proud of both of his daughters. Twenty-two-year-old Alexis, who said her father was her best friend, struggled through her grief as well but none-
TO THE RESCUE Prince George graduate eyes career in firefighting T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects
When the revelry ends and the dust settles after the celebration that is high school graduation, many students will go on to ponder their career paths. Some may change their trajectory of childhood aspirations altogether while others will apply tweaks here and there. It’s to be expected, considering these are young people who are still maturing, still growing, and in a lot of ways, still searching for the perfect fit. That doesn’t really apply to Derek Milam. The Prince George County resident, who received his diploma Saturday at the only high school in the county will not be sec-
ond-guessing his career choice or tinkering with college course schedules. He stands on his decision with rock-solid commitment and has done so since he was 16, the age he took up vocational firefighter training at Rowanty Technical Center in Carson. “I looked at my options,” said the parttime Cardinal Golf Club employee. “Do I want to be a mechanic? Do I want to be a police officer? Do I want to be someone who does carpentry, a welder? They had firefighter, and that’s what I wanted to do.” The career choice presented the opportunity for Milam to steer clear of traditional university pursuits; a “good fit” in his opinion. “College is a last resort for me,” said Milam. “I don’t want to spend all my time in a classroom. I want to get a job right out of high school. If I can’t, I just have to keep working at it; get more certifications.” Milam is steadfast about where he fits in society and what he wants, said his mom
Kathy Milam, an employee at the Army Logistics University. “Derek is very serious and committed,” she said about her son’s intent to be a firefighter. She added his interest was only
Aaren Davis, the 18-year-old daughter of the late retired Col. Alexander Davis Jr. and post employee Karen Davis, poses with her mother at the Army Logistics University. Aaren excelled academically despite losing her father in her junior year at Matoaca High School. She graduated with honors and is headed to Old Dominion University in the fall.
theless graduated cum laude in global affairs this year at George Mason University. “We both try and make our father proud,” she said. “Valuing our education, making new experiences and creating friendships with others who uphold the same values as him allows us to keep moving forward.” Aaren’s mother, Karen, said her daughters, have always shown a certain reverence toward their father. “What their dad thinks about them matters a lot, and that pushes them to move forward and do what they need to do,” said the Army Logistics University employee. Aaren’s ability to ascend from heartbreak was partly due to the support she received from family and friends, but also her parents’ persistent emphasis on education and achievement. “I just thought about the things both my parents have always ingrained in me,” SEE RESILIENCY, PAGE 8 recently articulated, but the attraction was always there. “He is somewhat introverted but has really come out of his shell in the last couple of years… I think he became interested when he was in preschool because every year they would visit the fire station and ride on the truck during fire safety month, and he always looked forward to that.” “I like helping people,” said 18-year-old Derek. He further explained firefighting’s appeal. “It’s different every time. If you look at a car, you’re looking at the same parts with every car. You can look at a Ford, Chevy or Toyota – it’s a car. When you look at a fire, someone’s house could be burning down, the porch could be burning, they could be in a car accident or they could have a gas leak – you never know what you’re going to get.” As a volunteer with the Burrowsville department, Milam’s hours are not set. He is simply on-call (volunteers are provided with beepers) and said he has to furnish his SEE RESCUE, PAGE 8
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RESILIENCY | Military family
member a living tribute to father’s legacy Continued from page 7 she said in finding her way back to normalcy. “They always told me to stay positive and keep moving forward, and I knew how important education was to both of my parents.” Karen can vouch for the academic-centricity. “Education was always the most important thing with our kids,” said the Smithfield native who met her husband
while both were students at Virginia State University. “Both of us have always said our kids were going to college and going straight to graduate school afterward. That was plan one from day one.” The plan is working its way to fruition. Alexis is set to attend grad school at George Mason in the fall. Aaren plans to pursue her undergraduate work at Old Dominion University this year with hopes of attending grad school in the fu-
RESCUE | Prince George graduate
takes vocational route to career success Continued from page 7 own equipment and transportation. Those are minor inconveniences, said his mother. “I believe he likes knowing he could possibly save someone’s life or property, and enjoys the camaraderie of the guys he serves with,” she said. Two recent incidents demonstrated how a first responder’s job is fraught with triumph and tragedy. In the first, he and others arrived on the scene to find a back porch in flames. One of the occupants extinguished much of the fire, but
Derek said it could have been worse. “I’m glad we got there before it caught the house on fire,” he said. During the second incident, Derek said he found himself in the presence of a horrific tragedy after a motorcyclist ran off the road and seriously injured himself. He and his mother were driving in Prince George on their way to Midlothian for an emergency medical technician exam when three motorcyclists passed them. Further up the road, one of them had crashed at a bend in the road. Derek happened to be the first at the scene.
ture, said Karen. Those achievements can be attributed partly to her family’s military experience, said Aaren. Although she has attended at least seven different schools and has had the usual struggles with friendships over the years, she said growing up in an Army household has provided a strong moral foundation and given her a greater sense of the world. “Being a military child has helped me in many ways,” she said. “It has allowed me to affect people around the world and vice versa. I’ve met a lot different people, experienced a lot of different personalities and that
has helped me to grow into a better person.” And it taught her resilience. During a building dedication at the 262nd QM Battalion headquarters Friday in her father’s honor, the battalion’s motto “Lifeline to Victory” and the warrior’s resolve to never quit was resonating. “It’s about going on until you win,” said Aaren of her upbringing as a military child. “You have to keep accomplishing your goals, and keep moving forward. That’s what the military is – there are hardships but then there’s victory.” Aaren has plans to pursue the path of victory as a teacher following graduation.
“He was barely breathing by the time I got to him,” he said. “Luckily for me, I had help because two Colonial Heights firefighters just happened to be driving by. I helped to roll him over and held his spine to prevent further injury, and we started CPR until the emergency crew got there.” The rider was later pronounced dead at a hospital. “It doesn’t bother me on an emotional level,” he said of the incident, “unless someone dies in your hands. But, I don’t know, it’s just something you want to keep doing. You may lose 20 lives before you save the first one, but as long as you save one life, that’s all that matters.” Derek is on his way to saving lives fulltime. He said he has about 10 different certifications but must pass the EMT
exam and the firefighting exams administered by individual departments. The graduate intends to be employed in the very near future. “I’m not picky,” he said. “I’ll go to the other side of the state to get a job. I want to get a job. I don’t care about the pay because I can always transfer to another department.” Derek also has later plans to maybe drive for a private ambulance company so his work schedule is more, but one thing is clear. He has no plans to attend college, work behind a desk or work in any occupation that has a shortage of thrills. There are fires to fight in his future – no doubt about it. “I guess I’m just bullheaded,” he said. “I’m not going to settle for what I don’t want to do.
Congratulations and accolades Continued from page 5 Ź“We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Stay on your path to success and continue to search for YOUR truth. The world is a better place with you in it!” To Teresa Artis from David M. Artis and Itanya Milligan-Artis Daria and Tiana, we are so very proud of your accomplishments. Stay focused on your path, grow from every challenge and enjoy the journey. May God bless you both! Love, Mom and Dad.” To Tiana Whaley and Daria Hardy from ret. MSG Kelius Hardy and SFC Damaris Hardy Ź“Best wishes to our firstborn, in whom we are well pleased. May God give you good success. Mom and Dad loves you and are proud of you.” To Sierra M. Lewis from Robert A. Lewis Sr. aka Rev Redskins Ź“Braxton - Embrace the joy of your accom-
plishments and never stop dreaming. We are proud of you!” To Braxton Bonner from Paula Davis-Bonner Ź³Dad, Jaeda and I are very proud of your accomplishment. We love you very much. Remember to always keep God first, make wise choices and enjoy college. To Kaela Orr from ret. SFC Anthony G. and post employee Linda Orr Ź“Congratulations Darvin!; Florida State awaits you. We are proud of your accomplishments, and the best is yet to come. Love and God bless!” To Darvin L. Taylor II from ret. SGM Darvin and ret. SGM Dana Taylor Ź“Congratulations graduate! May this indication of how hard work pays off provide a peek into a bright future awaiting you. Dad and Mom are extremely proud of you!” To Dericka Stinchcomb from Ret. 1SG Derick
COVER PHOTO and DLA employee Cynthia Stinchcomb Ź“Your mother and I are very proud of you. We pray for your success as you move on to college. We love you and thank God for the young woman that you have become.” To Corrine Marshall from Tyrone Marshall and family Ź“Kinsea you’ve worked so hard throughout the years and now you’re about to embark on another stage of life. We are so proud of you! Love you always.” To Kinsea Ragland from the Ragland family. Ź“You have changed schools, homes, cellphones, jobs and friends. The one thing you have not changed is your determination to succeed. Your hard work has paid off... Congratulations on your graduation’ No. 2.’ We love you to pieces!” To Mikayla Bryant from Eric and Maj. Kristal Bryant
Photos and photo illustration by T. Anthony Bell Graduate photos courtesy of submissions
Ladeja Renea Irving ecstatically points to the diploma she just received during the Prince George High School graduation ceremony Saturday. She was one of 397 students who earned diplomas at the school designated for family members residing at Fort Lee.