Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990 TAG: 9006090387
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRISTINA A. SAMUELS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When the center was built, the school decided not to install air conditioning in the auditorium, a move some probably regret. But the humidity didn't wilt the students' spirit at the 27th annual commencement.
Linda K. Lorimer, the president of Randolph-Macon Woman's College, gave the commencement address, in which she urged the students to get a broad-based education. She quoted a character from a book she bought during a visit to England: "It made me gladsome to be getting an education; it be like a big window opening."
Lorimer said, "That big window has opened. Be gladsome."
The presentation of awards followed the address from Lorimer. Tiffany Louise Bond, who will be attending Mary Washington College, received the North Cross Medal. The medal is presented to the member of the graduating class who had attained the highest academic average for the final three years of high school.
Nicole Ann Basile received the Thomas A. Slack Award, named for a former chairman of the Board of Trustees of North Cross School. This award is for a senior who has rendered North Cross highest service through leadership.
In addition, nine seniors received the Jefferson Cup, presented to the students who have attended continuously for 12 years. Headmaster David Dougherty called this group "the survivors club."
Valedictorian Ann Wray Johnson had only two days to write her speech because her final exams were held Wednesday, but there was no hesitation or nervousness in her address.
Johnson said, "Today we celebrate an ending that is actually a beginning." She also credited North Cross with giving the students a strong foundation on which to continue their studies. "We must know where we came from to perceive where we are going."
by CNB