WALDORF — North Point High School seniors selected Tears for Fears’ 1985 song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” as their class song, a choice that reflects ongoing concerns about power, privacy and the environment.
Principal Daniel Kaple said the lyrics remain relevant. “The lyrics are very relatable to our lives today,” he said. “Highlighting continuing concerns – global conflicts for control, privacy and personal data, the environment and short-lived financial success.” Kaple added that the words encourage people to avoid tying happiness to power or temporary gains. “Ultimately in life we find ourselves chasing feeling and moments that are not meant to last forever,” he said.
The song, from the band’s album Songs from the Big Chair, reached number one on charts in 1985 and has been interpreted as commentary on societal drives for control.
Valedictorian Argun Gang will study mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. He told classmates it is important to align actions with ideals for personal and community benefit. “It’s not only important to live life aligned with your own ideals for your sake but also for the sake of those all around us,” Gang said. He shared advice he received: “You say you’re a good person – then show me. I want receipts, I want evidence. You’re a good person because you do good for the world.”
Salutatorian Noah Williams will attend Princeton University to major in political science and economics. He reflected on phrases like “I wish,” “I could’ve” and “What if?” that surfaced as graduation approached. “At the time, these phrases didn’t bother me,” Williams said. “But the phrases became more concerning to me. We’re all barely 18 years old, if not younger, and carrying around feelings of regret. And the thing about regret is it forces you to live your life retroactively.” He urged peers to avoid living retroactively while still celebrating achievements. “It is not only an opportunity to celebrate what we have achieved, but what we will achieve,” he said.
Kaple closed the ceremony with a line from the class song. “Welcome to your life,” he said. “There’s no turning back.”
The Class of 2026 earned more than $61 million in scholarship offers. North Point conferred 458 diplomas as part of Charles County Public Schools graduations held at Regency Furniture Stadium. CCPS ceremonies continue Wednesday, June 3, with Henry E. Lackey High School at 9 a.m. and Westlake High School at 1 p.m.
The event marks a transition for local students in Charles County, where families and employers follow the progress of graduates entering higher education and the workforce. Mechanical engineering and political science paths chosen by top students align with regional needs in technology, infrastructure and public policy.
