Do Good

Fellow members of the graduating class of 2009: Tonight’s award ceremony has been the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication. Each of you in this auditorium has seen his share of success, trials, and opportunities to lie down and surrender.

And while graduating from high school may not seem like one of the great accomplishments of our lives to some, let me reassure you that what we have endured is truly a triumph of the human spirit. Consider it for a second: we’ve spent countless hours producing projects, studying for tests, and staying up late to finish English scrapbooks or math worksheets, and through all of it, how refreshing it is to know that we have all ended up in the same place, here together in this auditorium tonight with a chance to reflect on where we have been and where we will go.

Considering the laundry list of things we have accomplished, it would be foolish to believe that all of it came without the help of others, which is why at this time I’d like you to join me in standing and giving a round of applause to those who have helped you, whether it be friends, family, or teachers.

These individuals have been the backbone and foundation of our success, and without them, nothing would be possible. They have guided and supported us and lifted us up when the rest of the world brought us down, and for that, we are grateful.

Fellow classmates, before I conclude, I’d like to share a small piece of advice that Mrs. Peebles shared with many of you: Don’t get so entranced with your every day lives that you forget to seek out the dimes; the unexpected joys that come from waking up with the sun beaming in the window, from hearing the birds chirp in the distance, from telling a loved one how much you truly care.

Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. And not only do well, but more importantly: do good.

On behalf of the entire Class of 2009, thank you for coming tonight and God bless.