To all HHS seniors graduating today...

Dear HHS graduating class of 2010,

Congratulations! The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Some of you approach this day with fear, others excitement, many of you a heady combination of both. But what I want you to leave this day with is pride. Be proud of your hard work, your perseverance, your accomplishments. I am certainly very proud of you, and I am sure your family and friends are as well.

You are about to begin one of the most exciting stages of your life. For perhaps the first time, the "real world" will open its doors to you. This can be a daunting thing -- there will be great opportunities for success, and for failure as well. Friendships will be tested. Futures will be planned. You will cram for finals like you've never crammed before in your life! (I suggest you become friendly with your local coffee shop.) But there will also be time for fun, and for making new connections with people from different walks of life. Study hard, have fun, but remember Cicero's advice: "Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide." If you let moderation be your guide, you will excel in both your educational and recreational activities.

To those of you I was fortunate enough to teach during your time at Hialeah High, please know that you weren't the only one learning something in class -- I honestly learned much from you, too. You will always be in my heart, and I will always wish the best for you.

I'm going to close with J.K. Rowling's commencement speech to Harvard's graduating class of 2008. She imparts many choice words of wisdom -- and a few memorable jokes along the way. Enjoy. And congrats again!!!!! :-)









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1 comment(s):

Claire Kiefer said...

awwwww . . . congrats on graduation--such a special day for students AND teachers :)