Cambridge native delivers commencement speech at alma mater after 30 years

CAMBRIDGE, MD.- After 3 decades,  Acting Chief of the US Capitol Police Department Yogananda Pittman came back to her alma mater to deliver the commencement speech for Cambridge- South Dorchester High School. She said it was an honor to be there addressing the students after the year of uncertainly these graduates have had.

Despite this, she says their ability to overcome is what will have them go far. “Their perseverance and dedication to being committed to completing their school diplomas lets me know they are absolutely ready and prepared,” said Chief Pittman.

Chief Pittman says she owes her success to the city of Cambridge, having a solid foundation of leaders in her family and not having to look past her own living room for people who were outstanding citizens in the community. Because of her own success story,  she says that’s why she knows students at C-SD are in the right hands. “I know that there is a plan for them as well and they have the absolute tools and necessities so that they can be successful in life because they are going to be graduates of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School,” said Chief Pittman.

Principal Jerome Stover says that it was an honor to have the chief speak and that her presence in the community has always been felt. “She has been apart of this community since she’s left, even though she’s been across the bridge with Capitol Police. But once she came here, she knew as soon as she crossed that bridge that she was back home,” said Stover.

As for the graduates walking across the stage, Chief Pittman says to never giver up on your dreams and that it won’t be easy. “You’re expected to have struggles and you’re going to have to overcome some of those life challenges but those challenges will become your badges of honor,” said Chief Pittman.

Ultimately, she wants the citizens of Cambridge and students to know… “You have an awesome foundation right here and never look further than Dorchester County. Your home and your roots are going to give you the foundation to be successful in life,” said Chief Pittman.

Chief Pittman also presented Principal Stover with a flag that used to hang right over the capitol at one point. It was a tribute to Stover’s grandfather that died two years ago and he said the moment meant a lot to him.