Dr. Washington's Remarks to the Graduating Class of 2026
The Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD | May 21, 2026
Good afternoon to our dignitaries, platform guests, graduates, families, staff, and the entire Wise community.
Class of 2026… four years ago, we walked into the school together.
You entered Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School as freshmen, and at that same moment, I entered this school as your principal. We learned each other together. We grew together. We created traditions together. And over these last four years, we have watched one another rise to meet challenges, celebrate victories, and build a culture that represents what it truly means to be a Puma.
As I reflected on what message I wanted to leave with you tonight, I thought about the book What You’re Made For by George Raveling. In it, he reminds us that greatness is not something handed to us. It is discovered through discipline, purpose, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when the journey gets difficult.
And Class of 2026, you have done exactly that.
You faced obstacles that could have distracted you, discouraged you, or defeated you. Yet you kept showing up. You kept growing. You kept believing in yourselves even when the road was uncertain.
That is why this afternoon, I think about the words often associated with Nipsey Hussle: “The marathon continues.”
Graduation is not the finish line. This moment is not the end of your story. It is the beginning of your next chapter. The lessons you learned here, the relationships you built here, and the strength you developed here will continue to guide you long after today.
Some of you will head to college. Some will enter careers, the military, entrepreneurship, or other pathways. But wherever life takes you, remember this: your purpose is bigger than your fears, and your potential is greater than any obstacle standing in front of you.
And while today is a celebration of achievement, it is also a moment of gratitude. None of us make it alone. Behind every graduate sitting here tonight is a village of parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, counselors, coaches, friends, and mentors who poured into you every step of the way.
That is why the words of Marvin Sapp’s Never Would Have Made It resonate so deeply tonight: “Never would have made it.”
Not without the support.
Not without the sacrifices.
Not without the people who believed in you even on the days you doubted yourself.
Class of 2026, I hope you leave here understanding exactly what you are made for. You are made to lead. You are made to overcome. You are made to inspire. You are made to leave your mark on this world.
And although your time at Wise is coming to a close, your connection to this place never will.
So go confidently into your future. Chase purpose over popularity. Choose impact over excuses. Continue the marathon.
And no matter where life takes you, always remember: once a Puma, always a Puma.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. I am so proud of you.
