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. 6 7