PHOTOS: Congratulations, Einstein Class of 2011!

Albert Einstein High School senior Sam Milton received a double treat today—his graduation day— when the crowd stood in standing ovation after his performance of "What a Wonderful World." DAR Constitution Hall filled with thunderous applause, and this was just one of many special moments during this morning's commencement.

Principal James Fernandez drew a parallel between the Class of 2011 and the group journalist Tom Brokaw, in his book, coined as "The Greatest Generation" -- the men and women who grew up during the Depression and served at home and abroad during World War II. Fernandez read a passage from Brokaw's book that spoke of patriotism, love of country and self-reliance, adding that they were hard workers who believed that integrity and honesty were the most paramount virtues.

And then he looked out at the Class of 2011, acknowledging their hard work.

"Over 70 percent of you are going to college, over $10 million in college scholarships—unbelievable."

In his commencement address, John Harwood, chief Washington correspondent for CNBC and a writer for The New York Times, told the seniors, "Your generation is incredibly talented, resilient, adaptive and open-minded."

He noted writer Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat, Pray, Love, and put his own spin on her mantra: Learn, communicate, understand.

"Our society needs you to do that, especially in the field of journalism," Harwood said.

He spoke of the importance of preserving a space in society for the common civil conversation that used to exist—that lifts people up, rather than talks them down. Harwood said newspapers had helped shaped the country—his dad used to work at The Washington Post—and journalists such as Walter Cronkite earned the respect of people across the country.

Harwood urged the Class of 2011 to make informed choices about how they receive information, noting the infusion of news and information on the Internet.

"Learn, communicate, understand," he again said.