Today is one of those occasions when we get to celebrate our young people – their achievements, their perseverance and their successes as they grow up. It is one of the times you can take a break and reflect, feeling good as a parent or mentor, knowing that the children you care about are doing just fine and they’re on the right path.
Graduates, you should know that your Mums and Dads are very proud of you today. They have high hopes for you, and they believe in you, and you are making them proud by showing them what you can do. Today is an important day for you and them. Today they are very, very proud of you.
Today would also be a good day to thank all the people who have got you to this point: siblings, cousins, grandparents and teachers. They want you to be your best and live up to your potential.
You’ve had some great times this year and maybe some tough ones, but you did it and you succeeded. You are ready for the next step. As you prepare for this next step, I ask you to do a few things…
Dedicate yourself to making the next year even better. Remember that you don’t have to follow the crowd. Do the right thing. Study hard and remember that you are investing in yourself with every test you take and every book you read. Finally, don’t be in too big of a hurry to grow up. Some great times in your life lie ahead. Don’t rush past them.
I want to finish with some words from Dr. Seuss.
‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
Thank you.
Mr. Jason