D.C.P.S. Chancellor Michelle Rhee Addresses Trinity Seniors at Cap and Gown Convocation

Listen to Chancellor Rhee's remarks:

More than 400 Trinity seniors, faculty, alumnae and guests gathered for Cap and Gown Convocation, which featured keynote remarks by D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. "Do not let anyone dampen your enthusiasm and tell you something cannot happen," she advised members of the senior class of 2007. She encouraged the Trinity students to "use your education to make a difference in the world."

President Patricia McGuire presented Rhee with a "Trinity Washington Woman of Genius" award at the September 29 ceremony for her courage and leadership as she seeks to bring about significant and positive changes in the D.C. Public Schools system. After receiving her award, Rhee reflected on the lessons she learned as a new teacher and as the founder of The New Teacher Project. She talked with passion about her commitment to improve the D.C. Public Schools.

"We are facing a major crisis," she noted. "The most fundamental values of this country are at risk. Education is supposed to be an equalizer in this country… but public education is not balancing out the inequities." She said that she is optimistic about effecting change to provide a quality education to children in the D.C. schools: "We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a real difference."