Naples Class of 2013 Graduates

LAURO, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, spoke at Certosa San Giacomo in Lauro, Italy, June 6.

Sailors gathered there were not attending an all hands call, however; they attended to watch their children graduate from Naples American High School and Adm. Bruce W. Clingan was the guest speaker. Sixty-nine students walked the stage at the Certosa San Giacomo, Lauro as the 60th Class to graduate from Naples American High School.

"I extended so that my son Dylan could graduate," said Yeoman 1st Class Marshal Kessler. "I thought the ceremony was good. How often do you see a high school graduation in a 13th century abbey? Where I grew up, the graduations were in gyms."

During the ceremony, Clingan commended the graduates for their achievements and credited the families for their outstanding support. He encouraged the students to remember the experiences they had overseas -- to plan for the future, but not forget to live in the present.

"Savor this moment," said Clingan. "Soon, this will be a distant past."

Lt. Ruben Garcia came to see his neighbor, Austin Miller, graduate and to listen to what Clingan had to say to the class.

"He mentioned integrity as a key point to success," said Garcia. "I agree that no matter what you do after high school it plays a major role."

After the ceremony, there was a reception held in the open fields surrounding the abbey. Cake and punch were served as parents and friends took photos of the graduates.

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