WMST High School Graduates React to Michelle Obama’s Commencement Speech
Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School graduates erupted in bedlam when they learned that first lady Michelle Obama accepted senior Jasmine Williams’ poignant request to deliver the commencement address. WMST was only one of two schools that Obama decided to speak at in 2009, as she was determined to attend a graduation of a school “in my new hometown.” Rolling out caught up with several students and the assistant principal to gauge their reaction to the keynote address by what is considered American royalty.
–terry shropshire
Jasmine Williams:
How did you feel after graduation? I’m now a graduating senior at WMST. I just introduced Mrs. Michelle Obama to give the commencement address. … I wrote a letter asking Mrs. Obama to speak at our graduation. And I told her a little about myself and my classmates who live in the city. And my principal said that since I invited her that I [should] introduce her as well.
What was it like to meet the first lady? When she walked in, she was a very normal person. She greeted everyone with hugs and handshakes. The only thing that made me remember that she was the first lady was the Secret Service in her entourage standing behind her. She was very normal, and very down-to-earth.
What did it mean to have Michelle Obama deliver the commencement address? I really appreciate her coming. I didn’t think it was possible for me to like her any more [than I do]. But it is — I love her so much more.
What did she say that impacted you? ‘If you fall, so what? Get back up, try again and get ready to do it. And it doesn’t really matter what people say. They may speak loud, they make a lot of noise but just focus on your dreams and get ready to go far.’
Why are you Michelle Obama: I’m Michelle Obama because I’m [a] strong, confident young black woman. I know what I want and I’m very family oriented.
Brittany Denise Jackson:
How’d you feel about Obama’s commencement address? It’s a big honor for Michelle Obama to be here. We were one of two schools she actually chose.
How did you feel about graduation? I’m ever so proud. I worked so hard for the last four years at this school to do my studies. I’m very happy.
Where are you going after graduation? Montgomery College [to] get my MBA and go on to better things.
What did Obama say that impacted you? Everything she said had a big impact. One thing she said is that we are more ready than we think we are.
Why are you Michelle Obama? I’m Michelle Obama because I came from a not-so- wonderful background and I’m going to make myself known — [I’m] going places in life.
Ashley Johnston:
How’d you feel about Obama’s visit? I enjoyed the graduation. It meant a lot to me. She didn’t pick a lot of schools, and this is one that she picked, so it really meant a lot for her to come and show her face.
What did the first lady say that impacted you? To be a hard worker, to not let life take you down. Just do what you got to do to be where you want to be.
What are you doing after graduation? I’m going to study business management and accounting at PG [Prince Georges County, Md.] College.
Why are you Michelle Obama? I’m Michelle Obama because I’m hardworking and I’m dedicated to my goals and what I’m supposed to do in life.
Karen Liverpool:
How did you feel about graduation, especially since first lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address?
I’m so proud that Michelle Obama came to our graduation. It was important that she came today because Barack Obama is our first African American president and she is our first African American first lady.
What did the first lady say that impacted you? That we’re ‘ready.’ I’m just so proud. I’m just glad that I graduated. I never thought that I’d see this day.
So you saw the first family on Inauguration Day? “I was in the hotel when Barack Obama and Michelle were in the JW Marriott, and I was in the parade. And I also went to Sen. Barack Obama’s office in Chicago before he became president.
What are you doing after graduation? [Studying] early childhood development at UDC [University of the District of Columbia], then [I’m going to] transfer to Clark Atlanta University.
Why are you Michelle Obama? I’m Michelle Obama because I’m an honor roll student and I made it. Thank you!
Kortni Stafford, assistant principal for academics at WMST:
How did the appearance of Michelle Obama impact the proceedings? Everyone is very excited that the honorable first lady Michelle Obama was here as our keynote speaker. To me, as a first-time administrator — this is my first year out of the classroom — and this is first graduation under my administration, I’m very excited. I’m very hopeful and very proud that we have students that have … [received] scholarships for their work and that our past administration has done and continues to move forward and excel further.
What did Obama say that impacted you and/or the students? From picking out single students and actually talking about their stories and what they have to do, I feel like she made a very [profound] impact on the class of 2009 at WMST, especially [by] picking out the five students and their stories. What it means [is], our enrollment is going to increase. … We will have students more interested in math and science
