A Very Proud Moment...

One of the More FINER moments in this life as a Board Member...

My Speech to the Graduating Class of 2011

Good evening esteemed class of 2011.

It is my pleasure and honor to come before you at this extraordinary time in your life. I did not know that part of my duty as President of the Board of Education included signing off on each of your diplomas.

This fact takes this occasion to a different level. This is truly personal.

My name binds me to you; we become a part of each other’s history – know I take your presence and your future seriously. I am believing in you to do great thing – many GREAT things.

Do you hear me???!!!

More than 25 years ago I stood on the opposite side of this podium, and my concerns then:

• where’s the party at?

• what shoes am I going to wear ?

• and how will I do my hair?

Fast forward to where we are today and I can tell you that never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself here addressing you all and sending you off to what will be the beginning of the rest of your lives.

I will also tell you that today my concerns are:

• What time can I get in my bed tonight?

• Do I have some flat comfortable shoes to wear?

• But I still have to make sure my hair is tight!

I say this to say to you that very few of us, if any, knew what we were going to be or do “when we grew up”! BUT as long as you pursue continuous learning from this day on you will be prepared to exploit and capitalize on every single opportunity that comes your way!

And if I where honest and I am -- living life is in fact about being prepared for your life’s opportunities.

In closing, I want to remind you all:

• To be patient with yourself and each other,

• To show loving kindness often

• To speak the truth in love

• And to let your word be your bond.

And finally, Be safe tonight and throughout the summer and whether you are going to work or to an institution of higher learning pursue it with excellence, determination and commitment.

Now turn to the right and give your classmate a high five, and now turn to the left and extend a handshake to your classmate. You must be able to be down-to-earth and professional!

Now go forward in peace.

And when it was all said and done -- we walked off smiling...