September 8, 2009 -When President Obama walked into the auditorium of Wakefield High School, the first day back to school for many Fairfax County students, there was little opposition as the gym-filled room eagerly awaited, and readily accepted, President Barack Obama.

Why Wakefield? 

To Wakefield principal, Doris B. Jackson, the answer to why President Obama chose Wakefield was an easy one.

“Today is the most non-traditional and exciting start to school that you will ever have”, Jackson told the assemblage of over 800 students.

“You are diverse racially, socially, economically; you vary in ability and aptitude; you are a rich and colorful tapestry of individuals who bring joy to us every day (a sometimes few frustrations).”

“You teach us, just as much as we teach you.”

Principal Jackson pointed out that the school had the all-time high score last year for the state mandated SOL (Standard of Learning) test. The school also exceeded the Federal No Child Left Behind Standard.

“So when someone asks you why President Obama chose your school to visit today, you should tell them, because we are Wakefield, and we are phenomenal”, said Jackson.

Students, in agreement, responded with stirring applause.

As speaker after speaker made their way to the podium, among them, Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, and Danielle Greenfield, (who sang the national anthem), perhaps no other person at Wakefield caused as much excitement (aside from the president), as senior class president, Timothy Spicer. 

Spicer, known as ‘TJ’ to family and friends, and Volunteer of the Year by Arlington County Parks and Recreation, and winner of the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest, introduced President Obama.

His parents looking on proudly, and in admiration, spoke to us after the president’s address.

“I’m still nervous”, said Timothy Spicer, Sr. 

Timothy Spicer with Secretary of State, Arne Duncan

“He did a great job.  Whatever he puts his mind to, he does. I’m so proud of him right now. This is one of the proudest moments of my life, right here.”  

Mr. Spicer credits hard work, and prayer, when it comes to getting his son to this moment.

 

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