Fort Lee Traveller Graduation 2016

Class of 2016 • Class of 2016 • Class of 2016 • Class of 2016 • Class of 2016 • Class of 2016

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For the eighth year, the Fort Lee Traveller pays tribute to the journey and achievement of military-affiliated high school graduates

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T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY – “Never ever settle. There’s nothing more suggestive of failure than settling.”

Those words came courtesy of Abigail Mae Pannill during her welcome speech at Prince George High School’s 63rd commencement exercises June 11 at the PGHS athletic field. The Student Government Association president was using a “truth or dare” comparison in challenging students to better themselves as well as the lives of others. “… Do not settle in life, in school, in love, in anything,” she continued. “Give your all in everything you do and always strive to improve. Nelson Mandela once said, ‘There’s no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’ Dare to incorporate that into your life.’’

Pannill received cheers for her encouraging words even before her speech was over, and it set the tone for an occasion heralding the achievement of 423 students who received their diplomas from the county’s only high school and the designated institution for Fort Lee residents.

PGHS, located roughly three miles from the installation, has a large military-affiliated enrollment.

The graduation event, held under sunny skies and featuring a constant breeze that relieved humid conditions, was attended by county and school administrators as well as a few thousand spectators, some armed with cameras at the ready position, some holding flowers to be presented to graduates and still others who carried placards expressing congratulatory messages. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jaime Delgado of the Fort Lee Marine Detachment and his family were among them.

“It’s a great moment,” said the Marine, whose son, Jimmy carried the placard to support his sister, Mireya Ibarra. “We worked so hard. The last two years when we came aboard at Fort Lee she had a

&+((56 $33/$86( Military-affiliated students cross threshold into adulthood at Prince George High graduation

(ABOVE) Military family member Pasha Quintana (center), erupts into cheers as the name of daughter Deijha Villagomez is announced moments before receiving her diploma at the Prince George High School graduation June 11 at the learning facility’s sports stadium. PGHS is roughly one-third military-affiliated. (RIGHT) PGHS honor graduates walk off the stage after being introduced to the audience.

Photos by T. Anthony Bell

little bit of trouble adjusting, but she did just fine in her last year ,and we’re very proud of her.”

Pride was the predominant emotion felt among the attendees, especially the parents, many of whom see graduation as a bridge to adulthood and testament to their own resolve. Monica Brooks was one such parent. The wife of the Ordnance School’s Sgt. 1st Class Michael Brooks could not hold her emotions as she spoke about the special occasion of her daughter, Lizette Brooks.

“It means a lot,” she said with trembling words, “a lot more than

people understand. Ever since she was a baby, I wanted her to be better than me. Her walking across that stage today already proves that. I wasn’t able to do so at her age because of my circumstances, so all I wanted for her is to make sure she accomplished what I couldn’t … I’m really, really proud of her.”

Pride was running deep with Fort Lee civilian employee Tamara Griffin as well. The mother of graduate Tamara Mone’ Stevens sported a large grin during and after the ceremony, and the mere thought of her daughter’s

achievement produced a gushing radiance.

“It takes my breath away,” said Griffin, exhaling deeply. ”She’s my only child and seeing her start to spread her wings and fly … I’ve got butterflies.”

The occasion for Griffin was made even more special with the presence of Command Sgt. Maj. Ruth Potter of the CASCOM G3/5/7. Potter was Griffin’s former supervisor when the two were assigned to Camp Casey, South Korea, more than 18 years ago.

“It’s so surreal,” said Griffin. ”I’ve got CSM Potter sitting next

to me, and she was the person who told me I was pregnant with this child. When you meet people, you never know when your paths may cross again.”

Not far from Griffin stood Pasha R. Quintana Santana, who was accompanied by several family members to cheer on her daughter, Deijha Villagomez. Wearing sunshades and constantly fanning herself to keep cool, she threw her hands in the air as though she had just won a race when her daughter walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Her elation was an understatement.

“Oh, my God, I am so proud of that little girl,” she said of her middle child, a Junior ROTC student. “For the first time in eight years, she took the drill team to the nationals in Kentucky. She made captain, she’s gotten leadership awards, she was cadet of the year for JROTC, and she’s gotten a leadership award through Prince George High School.”

Predictably, the sense of accomplishment resonated deeply SEE CHEERS, PAGE 8

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Joshua E. Aponte-Alonzo Prince George High School SFC Carole Alonzo-Mercado and Staff Sgt. Roberto Mercado

Rayah Bayer Governor John R. Rogers High School SFC Ramon and Marilyn Bayer

Renae Bayer Samuel F. B. Morse High School SFC Ramon and Marilyn Bayer

Bennett Craig Buetow Prince George High School COL. and Mrs. Steven C. Buetow

Christopher L. Chappell Colonial Heights High School Ret. Soldier Tracey D. Chappell

Savannah Cornejo Thomas Dale High School Giovanna Cornejo and CW4 Val Cornejo

Marcus Daniel Jr. Dinwiddie County High School Post employee Paula Daniel

Alexander S. Davis Prince George High School COL. Robert and Anastasia Davis

Jerome D. Dummars Jr. Clover Hill High School Post employee Linda and Gregory Clark and Ret. SFC Jermone D. Dummars Sr.

James Faison Colonial Heights High School Post employee Susan Faison

Gabriella P. Font Prince George High School MSG Patricia and Jose Font

Lauren H. Fryzlewicz Matoaca High School Ret. USAF MSG Ted and Ret. USAF MSG Tonda Fryzlewicz, DCMA

Breyona Gadsden Thomas Dale High School Ret. 1SG. Charles Gadsden Jr. and post employee Wanda Gadsden

Isabelle Breeding Prince George High School Post employee James Breeding

Channing Alexis Brooks Saint Gertrude High School LTC Chris Brooks and Lisa Leigh Clemmer

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Davion Gilliam Meadowbrook High School SFC Charles Gilliam and Ret. MSG Florinda Blocker

Celestria Hill Cosby High School CW4 La Shanda Hill

Sierra Holsclaw Dinwiddie High School Ret. SFC Gregory and Billie Jo Holsclaw

Sean Huynh Atlee High School Post employee Minh and Julie Huynh

Mya Jefferson Colonial Heights High School Ret. CW4 Richard and Stephanie Jefferson

Andrea D. Johnson Prince George High School Ret. LTC Rossie D. and post employee Adrienne N. Johnson

Chynna Johnson Matoaca High School SFC Furman F. and Monique Johnson

Jeffrey Colton Johnson Prince George High School SSG Jeffrey and Toni Johnson

Ashanti Dejanique’ Koger Prince George High School CPT Chalmus J. Burgess Sr. and Keasha M. Burgess

William Hamilton Koob L.C. Bird High School Ret. MSG Keith L. Jr. and Julie Smart Koob

Malaysia S. Long Prince George High 1SG Jamil and Sharon Long

Connor Maceyak Cosby High School Ret. Navy Chief Petty Officer Lesley Maceyak and Ray Maceyak Jr.

Ariel Martinez Prince George High School Marine SSG Marcus and Elizabeth Giboyeaux

Samuel “Sam” McPeak Matoaca High School Ret. Col. Bruce and Ret. LTC Mary McPeak

Paul C. Mendez Prince George High School SFC Paul and Bonnie Mendez

Christina C. Morales Prince George High School SFC Mark and Teisha Morales

Adrian Quimbayo-Cipric Cosby High School Ret. Soldier William Quimbayoglen and Sandra Quimbayo

Luis A. Rodriguez III Thomas Dale High School LTC Luis A. Rodriguez Sr. and Rosa Rodriguez

Mariah L. Rogers Prince George High School SFC Janice A. Barnett

Yarielys Roldan-Ramos Prince George High School SSG Alvin E. Ortiz-O’Neill and Miriam Ramos

Alexis Rollins Cosby High School Ret. SFC Jeffrey and Marie Rollins

Alexis R. Sauers Prince George High School SFC Russell and Sherry Sauers

Teon Son Prince George High School Post employee Owen and Ret. SFC Treesa Son, DLA Richmond

Tamara Mone’ Stevens Prince George High School Post employee Tamara Griffin

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Vargas Thomas Dale High School CW4 Isaias and Kimberly Vargas

Deijha Villagomez Prince George High School Family member Pasha Quintana and Roberto Quintana

Selwyn A. Walker Jr. Anthony Warner Cosby High School Matoaca High School Selwyn A. Sr. and post employ- Velba and SGM David Gutrick ee Sharon D. Walker and Ret. CW4 Anthony D. Warner

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Jaihde I. Williams Prince George High School SGM Elizabeth V. Siplin

Markeisha Young Prince George High School Ret. Sgt. Priscilla M. Bozeman and Ret. SFC Markey T. Young

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Davion Gilliam Meadowbrook High School SFC Charles Gilliam and Ret. MSG Florinda Blocker

Celestria Hill Cosby High School CW4 La Shanda Hill

Sierra Holsclaw Dinwiddie High School Ret. SFC Gregory and Billie Jo Holsclaw

Sean Huynh Atlee High School Post employee Minh and Julie Huynh

Mya Jefferson Colonial Heights High School Ret. CW4 Richard and Stephanie Jefferson

Andrea D. Johnson Prince George High School Ret. LTC Rossie D. and post employee Adrienne N. Johnson

Chynna Johnson Matoaca High School SFC Furman F. and Monique Johnson

Jeffrey Colton Johnson Prince George High School SSG Jeffrey and Toni Johnson

Ashanti Dejanique’ Koger Prince George High School CPT Chalmus J. Burgess Sr. and Keasha M. Burgess

William Hamilton Koob L.C. Bird High School Ret. MSG Keith L. Jr. and Julie Smart Koob

Malaysia S. Long Prince George High 1SG Jamil and Sharon Long

Connor Maceyak Cosby High School Ret. Navy Chief Petty Officer Lesley Maceyak and Ray Maceyak Jr.

Ariel Martinez Prince George High School Marine SSG Marcus and Elizabeth Giboyeaux

Samuel “Sam” McPeak Matoaca High School Ret. Col. Bruce and Ret. LTC Mary McPeak

Paul C. Mendez Prince George High School SFC Paul and Bonnie Mendez

Christina C. Morales Prince George High School SFC Mark and Teisha Morales

Adrian Quimbayo-Cipric Cosby High School Ret. Soldier William Quimbayoglen and Sandra Quimbayo

Luis A. Rodriguez III Thomas Dale High School LTC Luis A. Rodriguez Sr. and Rosa Rodriguez

Mariah L. Rogers Prince George High School SFC Janice A. Barnett

Yarielys Roldan-Ramos Prince George High School SSG Alvin E. Ortiz-O’Neill and Miriam Ramos

Alexis Rollins Cosby High School Ret. SFC Jeffrey and Marie Rollins

Alexis R. Sauers Prince George High School SFC Russell and Sherry Sauers

Teon Son Prince George High School Post employee Owen and Ret. SFC Treesa Son, DLA Richmond

Tamara Mone’ Stevens Prince George High School Post employee Tamara Griffin

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Vargas Thomas Dale High School CW4 Isaias and Kimberly Vargas

Deijha Villagomez Prince George High School Family member Pasha Quintana and Roberto Quintana

Selwyn A. Walker Jr. Anthony Warner Cosby High School Matoaca High School Selwyn A. Sr. and post employ- Velba and SGM David Gutrick ee Sharon D. Walker and Ret. CW4 Anthony D. Warner

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Jaihde I. Williams Prince George High School SGM Elizabeth V. Siplin

Markeisha Young Prince George High School Ret. Sgt. Priscilla M. Bozeman and Ret. SFC Markey T. Young

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West Point-bound Joseph Harding, posing with his parents Damian and Master Sgt. Ursula Harding, is a product of both strife and achievement.

The Prince George High School graduate spent his formative years in difficult conditions and was later adopted by his aunt and uncle – the Hardings.

T. Anthony Bell

T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

Somewhere between then and now, Joseph Harding was a foster child – a ward of the state who was subject to the strains of foster care systems.

Along the way, someone cared enough to lift him and his two siblings from state confines and place them in a home where they felt the warmth and protection of family and the stimulation of a nurturing environment.

Today, Harding is 18 and a 2016 graduate of Prince George High School. The “then” of his life is merely a remnant serving to make him more determined to succeed at any endeavor he chooses.

The “now” is worthy of being framed and frozen in time – Harding will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y, this year, a feat achieved by roughly 9 percent of all applicants.

“It felt like a million-ton explosion going off in my chest,” he recalled after opening his acceptance letter in February. “It felt like I could run around the

Caring ‘Parents’ catalyst for student’s appointment to U.S. Military Academy world at least twice.”

The USMA, with an enrollment of roughly 4,000 students, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious service academy. Its admission standards require many to obtain a Congressional nomination.

Those accepted – about 1,100 yearly – follow a strict honor code.

Furthermore, graduates reap the benefits of an educational experience worth roughly $400,000.

They are obligated to a 5-year term of service upon graduation.

Harding’s journey to West Point arguably began the moment he and two siblings were adopted by an aunt when they were young children living under difficult circumstances in California.

That aunt, now Master Sgt. Ursula Harding, felt compelled to do so because she had grown up poor and because her brother was not prepared to shoulder such a responsibility.

“I knew I wanted to take Joseph

and his siblings in as soon as my brother started having them because I knew he was too young,” said the Soldier assigned to the Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy here.

When Joseph was 2 years old, he, a younger sister and an older brother were placed with California’s Child Protective Services, said MSG Harding.

Harding’s brother regained custody of the children when Joseph was 3, but he lost them once again shortly thereafter.

“At 6, he (and his siblings) was placed into a foster home,” she said. “He lived with a foster family for about 1-and-a-half years. I was phoned by CPS that the kids needed to be either separated or placed with a family. Nobody in California wanted to take all three kids, and I did not want to see them separated, so I decided to foster, then adopt them.”

Harding, who married her

Soldier-husband Damian in 2003, moved the kids to Fort Hood, Texas, in 2005. By that time, the instability had taken a toll on Joseph. MSG Harding said he could barely form sentences and struggled with reading. He was required to repeat the 3rd grade.

“My husband worked many long nights to ensure he was able to read and finish all of his homework,” recalled MSG Harding, who said she and Damian also have three biological children.

The couple’s mission, bolstered by love of family, eventually paid dividends, especially for Joseph.

“Once he reached junior high school,” said MSG Harding, “he was taking honor classes. In high school, he was taking AP classes.”

Joseph completed his senior year at PGHS with a 4.33 nonweighted grade point average, good enough for 17th in a class of 423. In addition to taking on the academic challenges, he was active

in a number of activities and causes to include Junior ROTC, basketball, soccer, the National Honor Society and the Interact club.

If Joseph goes on to complete his studies at West Point – and there are strong indications for success – he will exceed expectations of former foster children (according to a 2003 Northwest Alumni Study), whose college graduation rates are far below that of the general population.

Perhaps even more striking thatnJoseph’s future prospects are his attitude and persona. MSG Harding describes him as “ambitious, quiet, generous, reliable, self-confident, self-disciplined, sincere, nice and hardworking.”

What would one expect a mother to say about her son?

But the superlatives authentically cling to Joseph. A minute in his presence and it is difficult to detect any traces of his “then” life. He talks about becoming a politician, being an advocate for the indigent, striving for excellence, overcoming obstacles and being himself “because everyone else is taken.”

He spouts all this with such conviction, a billowing cape could rise above his shoulders at any time in a backdrop of intermittent lightning bolts and roars of thunder.

Most impressive about Joseph, however, is his sense of reciprocation.

“My country has served me by giving me the opportunities I needed to excel,” he said. “Why not let me serve my country. Why not let me show the world I can do great things for it just as it has done for me.”

That kind of sentiment is an indication Joseph has not forgotten from whence he came, that his “then” – the dark days of his childhood – is his reality, but certainly not his “now.”

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Thomas Dale High School graduate Matthew Miller poses with his mother, Sharon Hayes.

T. Anthony Bell

T. Anthony Bell Senior Writer/Special Projects

Matthew Miller had a most difficult reception upon entering the world.

First of all, he was blue in color, the result of a cardiac arrest upon delivery by cesarean.

“They revived him at birth not knowing he had a heart condition,” said his mother, Sharon Hayes.

Three days later, Hayes was told her baby had a heart murmur. At seven days, he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart anomaly involving at least three anatomical abnormalities.

To save Miller’s life, doctors performed a heart catheterization procedure at three months and open-heart surgery at six months, said Hayes.

“Without it, he was cyanotic because all of the blood going out to his body wasn’t making it to his lungs to get oxygen, so he would turn blue – what would appear to be a seizure,” said Hayes.

Limited by a childhood congenital heart condition, graduate now has greater physical abilities as well as a new outlook The surgery allowed Miller, who recently graduated from Thomas Dale High School, to see his school-age years, added Hayes. At some point an additional surgery would be necessary or he could “end up with congestive heart failure and die.”

Throughout Miller’s childhood, this specter of reality – surgery at some point and physical limitations – loomed large within the household.

“It was hard on the whole family,” said Hayes, who with husband, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Curtis Hayes (Joint Culinary Training Center), is raising a blended family.

“They (Miller’s siblings) would go outside to mow the grass, and Matt could do it for 15-20 minutes and that was all; so he would come inside and help me make dinner or do the laundry.”

Or if the family went to the

amusement park, the siblings could go scream their lungs out on the rollercoaster while Miller and his mother took in a less-thrilling theatrical production, Hayes recalled.

Theoretically, children with TOF can lead a normal life, but their existence may be bound by physical restraint that can limit full exertion or participation in some activities. For Miller the child, the latter was true and this caused a sense of isolationism, “starting in the 3rd or 4th grade,” he said.

“It was kind of depressing because you’re just sitting there watching everyone else have fun because you have to take a break for five or 10 minutes to regain your strength and endurance,” he said.

Miller’s parents acknowledged their son’s condition but did not make excuses for him or resort to coddling. In fact, they encouraged

him as they did their other children, taking extra measures to protect him. Hayes used her son’s playing days in T-Ball as an example.

“It’s 100 degrees standing on that ballfield,” she said, “so I kept the van ready. When it came time to go to the dugout, I took him to the van, and he sat in the air conditioning and hydrated. Then we went right back out to the field.”

For Miller, accommodation became the norm, either through the efforts of others or himself. To some extent, they ended when he had surgery at age 15. It was complicated, involving tissue donation and other procedures. The results gave him physical abilities he had never before experienced. He described his newfound strengths as a school band participant.

“Before the surgery, I would have to play long notes for an extended period of time,” he re-

called. “That was hard for me. I pushed myself to the last breath as far as I could before having trouble. After surgery, I went back to the band a month and a half later, and I could play just like everybody else if not better with longer breaths because I was use to expanding my lungs further.”

The surgery’s success had a psychological impact as well.

“I felt like I was an inspiration to a lot of people at school because of what I overcame,” he said.

Miller’s new being was manifested during his three-month rehabilitation at a facility treating much older patients, said Hayes.

“Here’s a 15-year-old in rehab with a bunch of old guys who had bypass surgeries and they’re racing on treadmills across from each other to see who could go the fastest and longest,” she said.

“I’m not only watching my son do something I never thought he could do physically but watching him inspire this little old guy and making a connection most 15-year-olds can’t make.”

Miller’s ordeal resulted in life lessons not experienced by most teenagers. “I now understand how people go through things like this,” he said of his surgery and rehab. “I also understand how vulnerable they are to being hurt afterward.”

With his much-improved physical capacities, Miller still has limitations. He has been advised against smoking or drinking and will need at least another surgery to replace a heart valve in about 10 years, he said.

Looking toward his future, Miller wants to major in bio-medical engineering, partly inspired by his journey to well-being and the promises technology holds in helping people lead fuller lives.

“I just feel like I want to give back to the medical community for what they gave me,” he said.

Miller has plans to attend John Tyler Community College in the fall then Virginia Commonwealth University in his junior year.

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Job well done, Sean!

Congratulations! Mom and Dad are proud of your achievement.

– Minh and Julie Huynh to their son, Sean Congratulations, Alexander!

We are so proud of all your accomplishments and the young adult you have developed into.

We are excited to see what the future holds for you. Love you, dad, mom, Yanni and Michael – from the family of Alexander Davis Our hope and prayer is that you find joy in all you do, share your talents and knowledge to the glory of God, and strive for excellence no matter the task.

We love you always, mom, dad, and Abbey – from the family of Bennett Buetow To our dear daughter, Gabriella – you’re graduating!

What a remarkable accomplishment! You’ve become such a lovely young woman. I admire your determination, your spunk and the warmth you show to your friends and teachers.

You’re definitely going places,

sweet girl! Best wishes to you, we love you, mom, dad and big brother Alexander Font – from the family of Gabriella Font For all the times of late night studies, lack of sleep, sacrifice of enjoyment and parties, your reward is here. Congratulations to our beloved child who has emerged victorious and will graduate Class of 2016!

Congrats in your future endeavors. Your parents wish you the best in all you do! – from the family of Joshua AponteAlonzo “Aloha Nui Loa,” which in Hawaiian means with all the love, happiness and inspiration; now go off conquer and do great things. – From Tonda Fryzlewicz to daughter Lauren Fryzlewicz We are very proud of your accomplishments. Your dedication and hard work has paid off.

Continue to work hard to bring your dreams and aspirations into fruition. Know that we have your back during this entire journey. Love, mom and dad.

– from the parents of Selwyn Walker Jr. Christopher, I’m proud of the young man you have become.

Know in your heart, that God is writing a great story with your life. Approach the world with an open mind and know that everything in it can be yours. – from Tracey D. Chappell to her son, Christopher Chappell Congratulations King David!

We are so proud of the young man you have become. The best is still yet to come because your steps have been ordered. Go and be great! – Linda Clark to her son, Jerome D. Dummars Jr. Billy, from the very beginning you have been faced with many challenges in life. You have met them, challenged them (and challenged us!), and remained true to yourself. We love you, we are proud of you, and we know this is only the beginning. All our love, dad and mom – from the parents of Billy Koob To My “No. 1 Son:” Today is

CHEERS | High school graduation for military

students mostly unique, rewarding experience Continued from page 2 among the military families and their students, who may attend as many as seven schools prior to the start of their secondary education.

Additionally, many experience long periods of separation from at least one parent.

U.S. Army Reserve SGM Sondra Sharp said her daughter experienced several moves; the most recent being the most difficult.

“She was scared when we first came here to Virginia,” she said of

her daughter Alesondra P. Adams.

“She didn’t like the school she initially went to, but when she came to Prince George, she began to stabilize and began connecting with people.”

When Adams leaves home for Tuskegee University later this summer, said Sharp, she will take with her the resiliency that enabled her to transition during the many relocations.

“She’s better for the experience,” said Sharp, who will now have an empty nest. “I think the moving

kind of instilled some things in her that will help accomplish goals in her life. It toughened her up. ” In addition to providing opportunities to increase coping skills, military life offers a unique learning experience for children, giving them an unmatched sampling of the world, its people and cultures.

“They are exposed to a lot of diversity – people, things and cultures – and they understand differences and learn to accept them,” said Priscilla Bozeman, mother of graduate Markeisha Young and an

the second proudest moment in your life ... second only to the day you were born. I love you and decree a successful life for you. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:68.) – Paula Daniel to her son, Marcus Daniel Jr. Whatever path you decide to choose, stay on it and don’t give up. Make the best out of your decisions you decide on because life is too short. And remember your family always supports and loves you. – from Lesley Maceyak to her son, Connor Maceyak I am so extremely proud of you. Through all the military moves and constantly having to change schools, you’ve managed to remain focused to finish on top. Your future is limitless, holding all that your heart desires. Love, mom. – from SGM Elizabeth Siplin to her daughter, Jaihde Williams

become. The future is yours, live your dreams and never change who you are! – Sandra Quimbayo to her son Adrian Quimbayo-Cipric Congratulations Celest! You are an amazing daughter with a bright future. Good luck at Hood College next year while you prepare to educate our next generation.” – from CW4 La Shanda Hill to daughter, Celestria Hill “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ( Jeremiah 29:11)” Congratulations on graduation!

We love you, mom, dad and sister – From the family of Andrea Johnson

Son, you did it ! We are so tremendously proud of you and what a wonderful adult you have

In your career, you will meet many people. All are significant.

They deserve your attention, respect and care, even if all you do is smile ,say hello and thank you.

The future that lies before you is endless, like a field of driven snow, be careful how you tread it, for every step will show! – from Owen Son to his son, Teon Son.

Army retiree and installation employee.

Bozeman added military life can still have negative impacts on children because they can be put in situations in which they “have to establish friends when things are already going on, and they may face the possibility of getting with the wrong crowd because they’re trying to fit in. It can be challenging.”

Brooks, who arrived at Prince George as a sophomore, said she made friends quickly but appreciates the level of difficulty. “It’s harder than most people understand,” she said.

Delgado, the Marine, said his daughter’s rough patch was rectified with lots of communication

and a bit of tough love.

“At times, it was just us having to put our foot down, letting her know we weren’t going to let her give up on herself and pushing her a little bit harder at times,” he recalled.

“At other times, we just had to listen to her concerns. There were a couple of times when we had to take trips up to Frederick (adjacent to Fort Detrick, Md.) so she could hang out with her friends.”

On an academic note, Jenna Kristine Taylor earned the title of valedictorian while Elizabeth Meade Wilson achieved salutatorian. In addition, 19 students were named to the honor grad list.

PGHS’s class of 2016 collectively earned $1.3 million in scholarships.