First Lady Celebrates Grads on Virginia Marine Base

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • First Lady Michelle Obama shares a light moment with Michael Hollier, principal of Quantico Middle/High School, as graduation ceremonies get under way on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. The first lady gave the commencement address to the school's 27 graduates, including nine who relocated from Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. She praised the students for the strength they have gained from growing up in military families and said she was there because of how special they already were. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama gives the commencement address at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. She congratulated the students and told them: "We are all so very proud of you!" DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • Graduates of Quantico Middle/High School listen as First Lady Michelle Obama gives the commencement address on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • A Marine listens as First Lady Michelle Obama gives the commencement address for graduates of Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • A member of the Quantico Middle/High School Band listens as First Lady Michelle Obama gives the commencement address to the 2011 graduates of the school on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama gives the commencement address at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. "I'm here because I think that all of you are incredibly special," she said, citing the resiliance they have gained from growing up in military families. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • Quantico Middle/High School Band members wait to play for their school's graduates on Marine Corps Base Quantico, June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a graduate after giving her a diploma as another graduate and school administrators look on at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. The first lady gave the commencement address. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a graduate after giving her a diploma at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama and a 2011 graduate of Quantico Middle/High School prepare for a hug during commencement ceremonies on Marine Corps Base Quantico, June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a graduate at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • A service member gets out of his seat to photograph the First Lady Michelle Obama handing out diplomas to 2011 graduates of Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a graduate after giving her a diploma at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a graduate after giving her a diploma at Quantico Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama watches as graduates move their tassels to the left side to signify they have their diplomas at Quantico Middle/High School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. The first lady gave the commencement speech. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • First Lady Michelle Obama poses for photos with the graduates of Quantico Middle/High School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • After posing for photos with the 2011 graduates of Quantico Middle/High School, First Lady Michelle Obama chats casually with them on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • After posing for photos with the 2011 graduates of Quantico Middle/High School, First Lady Michelle Obama chats casually with them on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • Quantico Middle/High School 2011 graduates stand on stage after receiving diplomas from First Lady Michelle Obama on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • Brannon McKee Niblock, the valedictorian for the 2011 graduates of Quantico Middle/High School, meets up with a friend, Samantha Sargent, after commencement ceremonies on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek
  • Naomi Chenelle Castro, a Quantico Middle/High School graduate who relocated from Japan after the earthquake earlier this year, gets help adjusting her cap from her father, U.S. Navy Ensign Irian Woodley outside the school on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. DOD photo by Linda Hosek