'Today Decides Tomorrow': Class of 2012 Celebrates

's class of 2012 celebrated its  at the Patriot Center in Fairfax on Tuesday with plenty of tears, laughter and the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance."

"Class of 2012, in the last four years, you have brought school spirit back to Centreville," Assistant Director of Student Activities Chris Padgett said in the commencement address. "I have never seen a class that has more love than yours. On behalf of the faculty and community, I thank you."

Dressed in golfing clothes and carrying his clubs to reiterate the point, Padgett urged students to work hard, but maintain a balanced lifestyle. He shared the advice his mentor gave him his first week of work eight years ago at CVHS. 

"She said, 'Chris, if you want to survive this job and find happiness in life for that matter, remember these three things. Number one, wake up with a smile on your face every day. Two, get the job done. And three, never miss a tee time,'" Padgett recalled. "What Nancy was saying to me—and my message to you—is to have balance in life."

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"When you find that career, be the best that you can be. Whether it's the job of your dreams or just a job that pays the bills, work to your potential. Success will always be the result," Padgett told the graduates.

Student speakers also shared their reflections on the last few years and urged their classmates to look with optimism towards the future. 

"Let's make the four years that we spent as a high school count, and use every experience, every friendship, every moment of joy or pain as a lesson to learn from," said Young Shin, a graduating senior, who gave the Centreville Scholar address. "Let's take each step towards the future without regrets and live our lives to the fullest." 

gave an emotional farewell, and he urged the graduates to keep working towards success. He praised the class of 2012's role in helping Centreville High School to for the last four years. CVHS also was labeled as one of the top 10 model high schools in the state by the Virginia Department of Education and the International Center for Leadership in Education, thanks in part to the class of 2012. This year's class, Campbell added, has received over $4 million in scholarships. 

"Today, celebrate your accomplishments, but tomorrow brings a new day. Don't rest on your laurels, but instead seek new accomplishments, new goals, and receive new awards," said Campbell.

"I am confident that you have the skills and knowlege to make this happen. Like our motto states, 'Today Decides Tomorrow'—and to me tomorrow looks very bright with the class of 2012."

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