Henrico HS graduation: 'We persevere, because that’s what Warriors do’

Like their mascot, Henrico High School seniors were warriors this year.

“For my brothers and sisters that stayed virtual, a lot of us were hit with waves of feelings of isolation and loneliness,” said senior class president Carson Thomas. “Our teachers tried to lead us through this time, but the feeling just was not the same. So we had to lead ourselves. We had to become adults. We had to grow up.”

But all of the obstacles and struggles were another step in the class’ greatness, Thomas said.

The class faced the pandemic, social injustice and political turmoil, remarked Principal Karin Castillo-Rose. Despite the obstacles, the senior class of Henrico High School earned over $10.4 million in scholarships, according to Castillo-Rose.

(View photos from the Henrico High School graduation here.)

“We finished navigating our senior year amid civil unrest, political animosity, and a devastating pandemic, all while being physically isolated from each other, doing school from home,” said Valedictorian Shriya Nambula. “I'm incredibly proud of all of us for pushing through such unprecedented times. Our strength truly lies in our perseverance.”

Salutatorian Christine Guarnieri congratulated the graduating class on making a difference not only at Henrico High School, but also as active members of the outside community seeking changes.

Henrico School Board Chair Roscoe Cooper, III, who represents the Fairfield District, declared the class graduates at the Richmond Raceway on Tuesday.

“We celebrate your tenacity, we celebrate your perseverance,” Cooper said. “We congratulate you and the village that helped to raise you and nurture you and to bring you to this moment.”

Principal Castillo-Rose reflected on the tragedy that the football program endured. Senior football player Samar Lemons suffered a broken neck in a game against Freeman H.S. in March. Castillo-Rose said that he is receiving world-class treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and making “tremendous progress.” His mother received his diploma at the ceremony on his behalf.

“We all persevere, because that's what Warriors do,” Thomas said. “Wherever the world may take us, we have that one thing in common.”

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Anna Bryson is the Henrico Citizen's education reporter and a Report for America corps member. Make a tax-deductible donation to support her work, and RFA will match it dollar for dollar.