It is fitting that the retirement and long service celebration is closely followed by the graduation ceremony, as both mark significant milestones in our lives, and both are closely linked through hard work and service.
The theme chosen by one of this years’ grad classes, is from a William Ernest Henley poem:
I am the master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul
How appropriate. The grads are at the magical place in time where the world is their oyster and they are firmly in charge of their journey, destination, and any contributions along the way. Dr. Seuss would say, “You can move mountains!”
Thinking back to the earlier celebration and as they consider their future as “Master and Commander”, what will their contribution be? They are at this place, not just through their perseverance, but through the service of others- be they friends, parents, family members, teachers and other community members. The service of others has helped in getting to this point, and knowing they had some hand in helping, fills parents, family and teachers with pride.
Thinking back to the earlier celebration and as they consider their future as “Master and Commander”, what will their contribution be? They are at this place, not just through their perseverance, but through the service of others- be they friends, parents, family members, teachers and other community members. The service of others has helped in getting to this point, and knowing they had some hand in helping, fills parents, family and teachers with pride.
One of the greatest gifts in education is being able to spend time with young people, making a difference in their lives… hopefully a positive one. In a rapidly changing world, service to others remains a cornerstone of an effective society— an essential ingredient in leaving a better world for those who follow.
There is a Chinese proverb that unlocks the key to living well. It suggests, if you want to be happy:
For a day—go fishing
For a month—get married (insert clever comment)
For a year—inherit a fortune
For a lifetime—help somebody else
With that, as these grads strive forward in control of their journey and destination, I encourage them to remember to give back.
The grads of 2011 are the bright candles of our community and I would remind them of their power, and the power of their actions, through Shakespeare’s, Merchant of Venice:
How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
To our retirees and graduates, congratulation, happiness, and long life.
Celebrating success, in education, matters. Have a great summer.
Celebrating success, in education, matters. Have a great summer.
