First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks in Cramton to Local High School Graduates

Washington (June 3, 2009) - First Lady Michelle Obama assured the 2009 class at the Washington Mathematics Science and Technology Public Charter High School (WMST) that they were “more than ready” for college and the challenges they will face as they matriculate. Mrs. Obama was the keynote speaker during the June 3 commencement held in Cramton Auditorium on the campus of Howard University.

Mrs. Obama urged the students to not listen to the doubters and to “step up” to what the future holds. The First Lady accepted the invitation to speak at the commencement after receiving a letter from graduating senior Jasmine Williams, who also introduced Obama at the commencement.

“I wanted to celebrate the achievements of young people in my new hometown,” Obama said.

At the ceremony, Williams presented a crystal vase to the First Lady, thanking her for all that she has done and described her as “a beacon on the hill giving light to all the WMST class of 2009.”