25 years ago in 2001, nearly 8,500 students from Montgomery County Public Schools high schools and alternative programs prepared to receive their diplomas as 28 schools scheduled graduation ceremonies through June 13.
The commencement speaker lineup that year featured a mix of nationally recognized figures, local leaders, journalists, educators, and athletes. The most high-profile appearance came from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who addressed graduates at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. Montgomery Blair High School welcomed back alumnus and Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein as its commencement speaker.
Several schools selected beloved teachers to deliver commencement addresses, including Springbrook High School English teacher Omari Daniel, Wheaton High School social studies resource teacher Donald Housley, Sherwood High School chemistry teacher Bernard Freiland, and retiring Rockville High School teachers Joan Chiariello and Linda Mencarini.
Other notable speakers across the county included 20/20 TV Magazine correspondent Roberta Bascom at James Hubert Blake High School, Denver Nuggets assistant coach John Lucas at Walter Johnson High School, and former Washington Redskins player Brigg Owens at Mark Twain School.
The 2026 commencement speakers can be seen here.
