Welcome to today’s graduation.  It is a special day – for the graduates, for their proud parents and grandparents, and for their teachers. 

Today is one of those great occasions when we get to celebrate our young people – their achievements, their perseverance and their successes as they grow. Graduation is seen as an official way to recognize when a person is ready for the next phase of their life, and graduates you are ready.  You have learned much through the years.

Eighth grade: I was reading to baby Simon the other day and he brought me a book from his library and when I saw the book he chose I immediately thought of all of you.  Do you remember one of our first days on zoom…I spoke about making your mark on the world?  And I read the book, The Dot?  Well this book, titled Be You is written by the creator of The Dot, Peter H. Reynolds. So sit back…I’m going to read you a story…

You were born to BE so many things.

My wish for you – no matter where your journey leads – is for you to always BE YOU!

Be ready…to take that next step toward being an amazing human being.

Be curious.  Turn every stone, ask every why, and keep digging deeply. 

Discover your own answers.

Be adventurous.  Live a big life!  When you are ready, step outside your comfort zone.  Bravely explore new paths and see where they lead you.

Be connected.  Find kindred spirits.  Be with those who make you feel like the real you.

Be persistent.  Keep going, never stop.  Keep going, never stop.  Keep going, never stop.

Be different.  Be silly.  Be quirky.  Be odd.  Be unique.  Be weird. Be colorful.  Be okay with being different.  Be just the way you are.

Be kind.  Be understanding.  Help those around you to be themselves.  Listen.  Then listen some more.  Learn more about who they are.

Be brave.  Try new things.  Take a deep breath and plunge forward into new experiences.  It gets easier every time you try.

Be your own thinker.  Think for yourself and set your own unique course.  It isn’t always easy, but you’ll be heading in the direction of YOU.

Be okay being alone.  Take time to be on your own.  Hear you own thoughts – your inner voice.  Listen to your heart.
Be patient.  Being more you takes time.  Take a deep breath.  Relax.  Let your future unfold at its own pace.  It will be worth the wait.

Be okay reaching out for help.  When you need a helping hand, a compassionate ear, an encouraging word…reach out.

As you voyage out into the world, remember…

…no matter what, you will always BE LOVED.

You are ready.  So…go ahead…Be You.

Be very, very YOU!

Thank you for sharing YOU with me these past few years.

This is the end of one part of your journey and the beginning of the next.  It has been an honor being part of your journey.  May God watch over you and guide you – always.

Congratulations my friends…. Shall we?