December 7, 2021
The five distinguished graduates and the selected speakers from the class of 2025 gather to take a picture with their pins and plaques.
To be a freshman speaker at the Distinguished Graduate Organization ceremony is considered an honor. The Class of 2o25’s student leaders introduced the honorees on November 23.
Cody Duckhorn introduced David Reaver (Athletics); Rachel Ham introduced Gordon Johnson (Public Service); Owen Newcomer introduced Curtis E. Jewell (Arts and Humanities); Brennan Considine introduced Phillip Arnold (Academics); and Kendall Bazemore introduced Dr. Remington Poulin (Science).
Logan Wall led the pledge to the flag. Clay Stull and Dorothy McMillen led the recognition of the guests on stage.
Nick Wright spoke about the history of the Distinguished Graduate Organization.
The Distinguished Graduate Organization was established in 2002 to recognize the graduates of Linganore High School who have made a difference locally, in the state, and/or in the nation. Graduates are nominated in six categories: Academics, Arts & Humanities, Athletics, Business, Public Service, and Sciences. Since its inception the group has honored more than 70 alumni.
“It was awesome to represent the class of 2025 and to be able to listen to the graduates’ story of success. They were an inspiration to us all,” said Wright.
Student leaders Grace Booth, Daniel Etherton, Hannah Morin, Matthew Coffey, Leaf Kullgren, Maeve Smarick, Connor Cunnane, Promise Green, and Lindsay Toothaker were assigned a Distinguished Graduate to give a tours around the school. The Honorees visited classes.
Reaver visited Coach Rick Conner and Coach Rachel Easterday’s physical education classes and shared his wisdom with students who may aspire to become professional athletes.
Divison 1 baseball athlete Benjamin Moore, had the pleasure of speaking to the Athletic Distinguished Graduate.
“When I talked to him, he didn’t say much about himself. He made sure to put the focus on me. When he spoke to our class, he repeatedly mentioned the importance of practice. I couldn’t agree more,” said Moore.
Most of the freshmen speakers were nervous every year because some had never spoken on stage before.
The Brass Ensemble members included Mary Bailey, Daniela Gerardi, Zach Bieritz, Chloe Byrd, Nolan Lizmi, Jack Mccoy, Matt Germann, Aiden Gilbertson, Diego Monzon, Eddie Cretella, Johanna Huggins, Charlie Wurster, Lyra Garrett, and Augie Jansen.
At the end of the assembly, Principal Cynthia Hanlon encouraged the Class of 2025 to take what the Distinguished Graduates talked about, and told them to apply to consider they have potential to one day receive the award.
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