Calls were made, favors were asked, but no one knew who would be appearing June 1 at Woodgrove High School in Purcellville. Loudoun County Public School officials were tight-lipped about a secret speaker who was said to be surprising Woodgrove High School juniors and seniors during their senior award ceremony.

As the auditorium slowly filled up, whispers and hushed voices were trying to determine the identity of the surprise speaker. Even Woodgrove teachers had no clue who it could be prior to the event. Then former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appeared on the stage.

Albright is a familiar face to some graduating seniors. She appeared 12 years ago at Hillsboro Elementary School, which now feeds into Woodgrove, during a series of events entitled, “Secretary in the Classroom.”

Albright, who served under former President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, noted her experience was both daunting and one of the best positions she’s held.

“What I found very quickly is that as hard as I tried I couldn’t always avoid making mistakes or be spared criticism,” she said. “And not every choice I made was the right one. Even the good days were accompanied by worries about what would come next because the world was constantly evolving. There were always new issues to consider.”

Albright offered some insight to the graduating class and spoke honestly about the challenges they may encounter.

“We’re certainly in need of fresh thinking because the world that you young people will inherit is indeed a troubled one. In fact, if I were in your shoes, or flip flops, or wedges, or chucks, or whatever, I would ask some questions,” Albright said. “For example, why hasn’t the old generation done more to create jobs and to protect our economy from [the] rising tide of debt? Why in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence have done so little to preserve the environmental health of our climate? Why have we allowed such [a] gap to open up between rich and poor in our own country and overseas? And why do our politicians so often remind us of kindergarteners who refuse to share the swing.”

Born in Czechoslovakia, Albright and her family fled from Nazi invasion to London during World War II.

“Because of that experience, I learned never to take freedom for granted or forget that American ideals and leadership can make an incredible difference in people’s lives,” she said.

Addressing the audience, Albright said there’s nothing more exhilarating or frightening than moving into the next part of their lives – but they shouldn’t feel hindered by what has been put in front of them.

“Now inciting these questions, I don’t mean our graduates this year are entitled to feel sorry for themselves. Struggle is part of the human condition and the failures of one generation have always provided a test for the next,” she said. “For the members of the class of 2012 that positive testing will soon enter a more intense phase. Whether you’re going off to college or beginning a new job or still planning on what to do next, you have arrived at a point where the path you will follow is increasingly your own design.”

Her advice to the next generation was to keep in mind what doesn’t change in the ever-changing world.

“Never be satisfied of what you know, because by asking questions and listening to others you can always learn more. Take pride in who you are, but leave room for others to express their own pride,” Albright told the seniors. “When you’re wrong, don’t be afraid to admit it. Even as you strive to keep pace with the latest technology, remember there is no technological solutions to the tests that matter most. Above all, have faith in yourselves. Live each day with the knowledge that your actions and choices truly count and that every challenge surmounted by your energy, every problem solved by your wisdom, every soul awakened by your passion and every barrier to justice brought down by your courage will inspire others and enrich your own journey on this earth.”

The ceremony acknowledges outstanding seniors in each school department, clubs, teams and other school activities. Certain students are awarded with certificates and scholarships.

“Many of [the students] have given their own time and effort to make Woodgrove High School a better place. Everything we do at this school, from academics to sports to clubs to arts to music, all of these endeavors connect us to each other,” said Woodgrove social sciences teacher, Tim Greening. “To put it simply, education, like life, is about relationships. That is what we are here to celebrate as well. Both your individual accomplishments, but also, and maybe more importantly, our common bonds.”