In-Person Graduation: A Promise Kept

Much to the delight of all members of the Class of 2021, this year’s mission to reach in-person graduation was a success!

The Academy began the 2020-2021 school year with one end goal in mind: observe all necessary safety protocols to make in-person graduation a reality. Missing the final send-off for the Class of 2020 was enough motivation to ensure it didn’t happen again. In speaking with General Wesley last October, he shared, “Nothing was harder than not being able to look each cadet in the eye and shake their hand in congratulations for their hard work and dedication to R-MA.” With hard work and dedication, in-person graduation took place on May 22, when the seniors and Falcons received their diplomas on Riddick Field.

Ultimately, this year’s graduation was similar in many ways to the numerous ceremonies that had preceded it. The band started by welcoming in the senior class as they walked to their designated seats with friends and family watching on from a responsible distance.

Following Chaplain Orndorff’s invocaiton, General Wesley took a moment to reflect on the year being left behind, and the tremendous effort and risk that went into safely advancing through the school year. In addressing the parents and family members present in the audience, General Wesley shared,

“This year, like no other, has been purchased with two things: the courage of our faculty…[and] trust. When [our faculty] came back to teach in August, they could not know what this year would involve, what it would cost, what it would take. They confronted a danger no faculty has ever faced. And they did it without complaint. They did it with enormous skill. So I say to you...it is no exaggeration that our faculty risked their lives to educate your child. The other thing this incomparable year required was trust. Trust that you placed in us to finish what we started. The faculty, the staff, the board and I will always be grateful for your trust in any year. To be trusted with the education of a child is indeed a great gift. For you to do that for us, and for your children this year, is something that I will never forget.”

Soon after the General’s poignant words, class valedictorian Kisyl Housden took the stage to give an impassioned speech harkening back to Chaplain Orndorff’s previous sentiments regarding moving on from this year. Kisyl proclaimed, “Graduation is not the end goal itself. It is a part of the larger journey in life that should serve as our launching point,

projecting us to wherever the future takes us.” And in looking to the future, Kisyl shared her closing remarks and final message for the class of ‘21, “Believe in yourself and who you are. Work hard. Be positive. Be grateful for all you have, and choose to be happy. We have the tools, knowledge, and what it takes to succeed.”

General Wesley welcomed the Graduation Commencement Speaker, General Stephen R. Lorenz, U.S. Air Force, Retired, who addressed the Class of 2021 and offered words of advice for the graduating class. General Lorenz is a featured contributor to the Air & Space Power Journal, authoring the ongoing series, “Lorenz on Leadership,” which has been published as a book by Air University Press. During his 37-year Air Force career, General Lorenz commanded at the squadron, group, wing and major command level.

Gen. Lorenz used every bit of his years of experience to convey the most important lessons he’s learned along the way, sharing, “For the rest of your life, you have to learn the art of balancing shortfalls...Don’t lose your temper unless you plan to…You never know when you’re going to make a difference...You can always be a positive example to others.” Gen. Lorenz closed his speech by quoting a parable that stuck with him years after he picked it up from ROTC, “My deepest fear is that I’ll look back on my life and wonder what I did with it.”

Throughout the many ups and downs of the 2020-21 school year, the Class of 2021 forged friendships that will last a lifetime. Now, with a firm foundation, they take their next steps into the world. This year’s graduates earned a staggering $12.3 million in competitively awarded, merit-based college scholarships. All nine of this year’s Falcon Scholars earned appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where they will be joined by three of this year’s seniors. To see the full list of college acceptances, scan the QR code below!