ARMY NAVY

The Class of 2016: “The Best Class”
The Class of 2016 graduated from
Army and Navy Academy on June 4, 2016
with over 400 proud parents and family
members in attendance and another
10,000 viewing live online. For the first
time in school history, the commencement
ceremony was broadcast live for those
unable to attend.
The overcast weather was perfectly suited
for the occasion, allowing the Cadets to
shine brightly as they walked across the
stage to shake the hands of Academy
President, Major General Arthur Bartell
and Chairman of the Board, Barry
Shreiar as they were presented with
their diplomas.
Dr. Robin Cowen, Faculty Chair,
Cadets from the Class of 2016 look on during the Annual Achievement Awards.
challenged the graduating class to keep
striving for excellence in all that they do.
the foundation required to continue to build upon all of
Cadet Dewei Li accepted the challenge on behalf of his
the lessons learned during their years at the Academy.
class, assuring the crowd that the combination of a
boarding environment, leadership training, and single-
The commencement address was delivered by Brigadier
gender learning strategies has given the Class of 2016
General David A. Ottignon who informed the Cadets that
they’ll look back on high school as one of the best times of
their lives, marked by the brotherhood of the Corps and
the important lessons learned from teachers, coaches, and
other mentors on campus. “If you continue what you were
taught here,” he said, speaking of the Warrior Experience,
“it will set you apart.”
No stranger to the Warrior Experience, Cadets David A.
Ottignon, USMC Commanding General of the 1st Marine
Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, California, and
Vanness Zhu have attended Army and Navy Academy
since seventh grade, and were recognized as "Lifers" during
the ceremony. Cadet Tucker was promoted to the rank of
Cadet Colonel and Cadet Zhu delivered the Salutatorian
address. During his speech, Cadet Zhu spoke about the
brotherhood that the young men shared in athletics, the
Brigadier General David A. Ottignon delivering delivers the the
classroom and throughout their leadership training.
Commencement Address to the Class of 2016.
Needless to say, emotions were running high by the time all
of the Cadets received their diplomas. Led by Cadet Tucker
and Senior Class advisors, Mrs. Kacie Drake, Mr. Bobby
Huggins, and Mrs. Denise Martin; the Seniors marched
through the receiving line made up of proud faculty, staff,
and other members of the Corps of Cadets. Once each of
the 75 Seniors made his way down the line, the group
gathered around the Senior Well where they stood for their
final formation, proudly sang the school’s Alma Mater
and waited for
Assistant
Commandant of
Cadets, Gunnery
Sergeant Charles
Glimka to say
the words they
had been waiting
to hear since the
moment they
stepped foot on
campus: "Cadets
of the Class of
2016, you are
dismissed!"
Following
Academy
tradition, the
Lifer Cadet Cadet Lifer Vanness Zhu delivers the
graduating
Salutatorian address.
Cadets tossed
their hats high into the air and walked through the Rose
Garden gate, signifying their transition from Cadets
to Alumni.
The Class of 2016 had an outstanding year with seniors
accepting offers from renowned institutions such as
Cornell, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Penn State. The faculty
and staff at Army and Navy Academy wish continued
success to the Class of 2016 in all of their future endeavors
and hope to hear and see their accomplishments as alumni.
Warrior Proud, Warrior Strong!
Cadet Aziz Seck looks '16 looks on during on during the the Commencement
Ceremony. Seck was awarded the Brookhart-Maffucci Award
during the ceremony.
Cadet Joel Wilson delivering delivers the the Valedictorian address.
Faculty and family members watch from the Senior Lawn
as Cadets from the Class of 2016 throw their hats in the air
after graduating.
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