On the morning of January 14, the William Obediah Robey High School community gathered for a heartfelt celebration honoring 20 students who reached a powerful milestone by completing the coursework and testing required to earn their high school diplomas.
Friends, families, staff and the entire student body filled the cafeteria, transforming an ordinary school morning into a moment of pride, reflection and shared accomplishment. Before the ceremony began, guests and staff came together over breakfast to celebrate, reconnect and reminisce, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the recognition to follow. A donated cake from El Paso Bakery added a sweet centerpiece to the morning, complementing the smiles, embraces and quiet moments of gratitude shared throughout the room.
Many Paths, One Goal
Robey’s January honorees ranged in age from 17 to 21 and represented schools from across Loudoun County, including Broad Run, Freedom, John Champe, Tuscarora, Heritage, Riverside, Potomac Falls, Dominion and Park View. All were recognized for their determination, persistence and commitment to finishing strong.
William Obediah Robey High School serves students who often arrive with real-world responsibilities and a clear vision for their future. Many students transition to Robey after engaging with their home high schools and are 19 or older. Others are balancing school with work, bills, childcare or need a schedule that fits into their lives. Robey offers a nontraditional model grounded in rigorous expectations, strong supports and personalized instruction, creating a safe, welcoming environment where students build confidence, earn their diploma and prepare for meaningful futures.
Student Voice at the Center
The celebration program was grounded by remarks from student speaker Gigi Machuca Vivas, whose words reflected both gratitude and growth.
She began by thanking her teachers, sharing that graduation was possible because of their patience, dedication and belief. Reflecting on her first day at Robey, she described feeling nervous and uncertain, only to later realize that choosing Robey was one of the best decisions she had made.
Addressing her fellow graduates, she encouraged them to never give up on themselves, to remain open to learning something new and to trust that persistence leads to greater rewards. Her message resonated deeply, drawing nods, smiles and applause from across the room.
A Place to Belong and Thrive
One parent shared her joy in seeing her daughter recognized and in watching her flourish along the way. She spoke about the impact of small class sizes, consistent encouragement and strong relationships that helped her child grow in confidence and believe in what was possible.
Dr. Jeanene Sims, principal of William Obediah Robey High School, emphasized the importance of recognizing both achievement and effort.
“Robey is a school that meets students where they are and challenges them to rise,” Sims said. “Our students work incredibly hard, often while managing adult responsibilities. This celebration honors their commitment and reinforces that Robey is a school worthy of respect, pride and recognition.”
As each student’s name was called, applause filled the cafeteria, marking not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of new opportunities.
Discover Robey High School
To learn more about William Obediah Robey High School, visit the school website. School counselors can also share additional information and assist students who are interested in beginning the application process.
Upcoming opportunities include:
In-person Open Houses (21328 Augusta Drive, Sterling, VA 20164)
Wednesday, March 25, 8 to 9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Information Session
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
At Robey, success looks different for every student, but the goal is the same. A school that fits education into life and helps students move confidently toward their future.