Farewell Class of 2009

By Shelbi Aris Taylor (June 18, 2009)
(Photo Credit: Ms. Joy Sulewski)

The seats of DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. were filled Wednesday night for friends and family to witness the graduation of 152 George Mason High School seniors.  The Class of 2009 is known for their school spirit and many of the speakers recognized this by citing the many events which have brought the class together. 

Commencement speaker Scott Blake Harris, General Counsel to the US Department of Energy, spoke to the Class of 2009 as a parent, having had his own son graduate from high school just two weeks prior.  He recommended defining success on an individual basis and-- garnering laughs throughout the audience-- always knowing what one posts to Facebook. 

In his closing remarks, Principal Tyrone Q. Bird thanked the Class of 2009 for welcoming him so strongly this school year and for being his “first Mason graduation.”  “There can never be another first,” he said. 

Important Summer Course Information

If you plan to take a summer course for high school verified credit you MUST contact your counselor before you register for the course.  Students planning to take an SOL exam at another high school MUST contact the GMHS Counseling Department PRIOR to taking the exam in order for the score to be verified for graduation credit and included on the student’s transcript.  The last day to notify your counselor is July 22, 2009, as this is the only way you will be registered through the state and the only way your test scores will be recorded.  THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!  For more information, please see your counselor prior to leaving for your summer break.

Chilean Exchange

George Mason sixth annual CHILE EXCHANGE with our sister school Trewhela’s in  Santiago, Chile has been approved and plans are underway. Our visit to Santiago has been scheduled from March 27th until April 10th. George Mason students in Spanish level 3 or above are invited to participate. Unfortunately, the Chilean students are unable to visit Falls Church in September, as they have done in the past, but they have extended their welcome for a visiting group from Falls Church. For those who are interested in participating, Summer may be a good time to get passports and start making plans. Please contact Manuela Renata Carvalho, Chile Exchange Coordinator, George mason High School at Carvalhor@fccps.org.