Congratulations Class of 2004

Country Day School proudly graduated its 778th student on June 5th at the 38th commencement exercises at Island Center. Of the 41 graduates, thirteen students had been with the school since they were in first grade, fourteen graduated with honors and as a class won over three million dollars in merit based scholarships. All 41 students are college bound in the fall.

Guest speaker Semaj Johnson, an alumni of CDS himself, had many relevant points to bestow on the graduates:

"Never let fear or inhibitions determine how far you will go."

"Maintain solid relationships."

"The more you go away, the more you realize you are a Virgin Islander - stay connected to the Virgin Islands."

"Take a class in finances."

"Seek the council of elders."

The 2004 class Valedictorian had an impressive 3.986 grade point average and will be attending Stanford University in the fall on a full scholarship. She was class President for all four years of high school, on the Student Council, Honor Court, National Honor Society and a member of the choir. She was also chosen as a National Achievement Scholar, a distinction bestowed on only 800 students nationwide.

In her highly energetic address, she spoke of the power of love, "In everything you do, let your heart be in it, live a life of love." She spoke of her instructors and classmates as "a big family."

Our Salutatorian was described by Headmaster Sadler as "polite, respectful - a class act." He is an athlete, a musician and a member of the National Honor Society. With a grade point average of 3.975, he will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study medicine and music.

In his address, he said that success is achieving goals set for yourself, that it is felt in your heart. And he reminded his fellow graduates that "getting lost in your life's journey is not necessarily a bad thing."