A new day

"[Unity Reed High School] (URHS) in Manassas graduated its class of 2014 Wednesday evening at Jiffy Lube Live amphitheatre in a ceremony that emphasized strength through diversity and the importance of finding your own voice… Principal Richard Nichols told the class of 2014, family and friends that this is his 20th year at [Unity Reed] and, as times change, he continues to be impressed by the students… ‘Diversity is our strength and our future,’ he told graduates… Salutatorian Nethan Reddy announced that “[Unity Reed] is undoubtedly the best school in the county,” because of the community. From academics to athletics, Reddy noted that [Lions] excel. He praised his classmates who “fought against any negative portrayal” of [Unity Reed] and proved they are all winners who take pride in representing maroon, gold and white. He told people not to live someone else’s life but pursue their own dreams, referencing the life lesson of author J.K. Rowling whose parents once said her creativity was ‘quirky’ but it would never pay the bills. Reddy also urged his peers to rebound from their failure, saying, ‘It’s importing to keep screwing up’. ‘One time,’ he explained it might lead you ‘to fulfill your dreams.’