More than 11,000 MCPS students are expected to receive their diplomas during commencement ceremonies that began May 24 and continue through June 13. The ceremonies will include a wide array of commencement speakers, including TV and radio reporters, politicians, educators and others representing a variety of professions and interests.

MCPS is also inviting parents and students to share photos of graduation via email and on Twitter.

The first graduation ceremonies were May 24 for Wheaton, Paint Branch and Gaithersburg high schools. They continue today, May 29, for Thomas S. Wootton and Sherwood high schools.

Among those who will speak: National Geographic Partners Chairman Gary Knell, University of Maryland, College Park President Wallace Loh and U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen.

Other speakers include:

• Brian Isaac, United States Naval Academy alumnus and artistic director at the Alexandria Choral Society, who will speak to graduates of Damascus High School
• Leon Harris, NBC4 news anchor, will speak to graduates at John F. Kennedy High School; and Hillary Howard, WTOP reporter and host of It’s Academic, will speak to Montgomery Blair graduates
• Koki Adasi, owner of Compass Realty, will speak to graduates of Col. Zadok Magruder High School

Several schools will feature teachers and students as speakers. Graduations for 16 MCPS high schools will be held at DAR Constitution Hall (DAR), in Washington, D.C. These ceremonies will be streamed live on the DAR Constitution Hall website. Ceremonies will also be held at the Xfinity Center, Mount St. Mary’s University, and at individual school or program locations.

List of graduation dates, times, locations and speakers