Valedictorian Address- Finalist 1999 Bishop Grandin Valedictorian
Competition


	
Sit back for a moment, and think about some of the milestones in 
your life.  Your first step, the first time you wrote your own name,
your first kiss, the first time you drove.  Then realize how amazing
each of these accomplishments was.   They have all been stepping-stones
to what many people have as a dream.  A dream to be successful in their
lives. TEACHERS, PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS: we are gathered here
today to recognize the accomplishment of my fellow graduates.  
The preparation for us to enter adulthood is now complete, 
and it is up to us to pursue our dreams with intent, heart and vigor.  

Almost fifteen years ago, I, as many other anxious three-year-olds,
left my home for the first day of pre-school.  I had my little
Smurf nap-sack, new clothes, and a smile on my face from ear to ear.  
I left the house with my mother and my grandparents.  I was an 
innocent child, unaware of the long haul ahead of me.  
When we arrived, my mother broke down into tears, and my loving 
grandfather walked me up the steps.  I picked up a small rock in 
the parking lot, as a souvenir of the day. My grandfather mounted 
that rock, with an inscription engraved beneath it.  
It stands today mounted on my wall, a symbol of the massive 
journey I have participated in. As many of you can likely relate, 
the next 15 years were interesting to say the least, at times 
frustrating, but more often rewarding.  Today is the climax of 
that story.  Some of you may think that the journey is finally 
over, but it is really just beginning.  Now, at least, my mother 
does not cry when I leave for school.

In a mere seven months, mankind will venture into a new millennium.  
A millennium filled with seemingly endless possibilities, where the
dreams and aspirations of the world's youth will be attainable.  
Goals and ideals fuel the effort put forth by individual's to be 
successful.  Some people define success as being happy with one's life, 
others say it is based upon wealth or contentment in relationships.  
Whatever the interpretation, one of the first steps toward success 
is the completion of high school.  The sense of pride felt by the 
graduates here today is for the biggest success to date in their lives.  
Our first 17 or 18 years of existence have in essence been hard work 
aimed toward reaching this day.  

American journalist Barbara Walters once said, "Success can make you 
go one of two ways.  It can make you a prima donna, or it can smooth 
the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out".  
As we enter the so-called "real" world, where information and technology 
is no longer spoon fed to us, it would be fantastic to see the nice 
things come out in us, and for every single one of us to become a 
better person in some way.  Next year, some of us will enter the realm 
of post-secondary-education, while others will become employed in what 
they hope will be a lasting career.  Whatever the road travelled, we 
should all strive to do our best, and aim for further successes.

Unfortunately, the world sometimes seems like a disenchanting place.  
Many areas are stricken by harsh warfare conditions, other countries 
struggle economically, and their citizens cannot even attain basic human 
needs.  Even in our own country, there are homeless individuals and others 
who live below the poverty line.  This disheartening truth can be scary, 
and the thought that we are prosperous while others are struggling may be 
bothersome.  At the same time, we have to realize how lucky we are, that we 
were not born into the vicious cycle, and in the future we should endeavor 
to make the world a better place.  Every small donation or caring practice 
will make a difference.  

To many, the world can seem extremely scary.  Technology is increasing faster 
than ever before, and the cost of living is skyrocketing. We are not 
guaranteed a prosperous existence.  How many of you realize that in a 
few short years the government will be taking away close to half of your paycheque?   
Furthermore, we have so-called experts explaining to us that the average teenager 
will live a more difficult life than the generation before us.  It us up to us to 
prove these people wrong.  To use our experiences at Bishop Grandin as a stepping 
stone, to greater things that exist abroad.  A stepping stone to whatever you as 
an individual define as success.  

Over the past three years, many of us had the pleasure of studying the insightful 
works of William Shakespeare.  The one quote that stands out in the minds of many 
is from Hamlet:  "To thine own self be true."  If there was ever a universal 
truth presented by an author, this is it.  Whatever you choose to be, whomever you 
choose to become, you should follow your heart.  Who here wants to wake up every 
morning thirty years down the road and hate what they are doing?   Pressures from 
parents, siblings, peers, teachers and the media exist, and compel individuals to 
make choices that they may regret.  When making a decision that has important 
ramifications, we should all follow this simple rule.  To thine own self be 
true.   For if you do, you will be successful, and the sense of peace and 
contentment you will feel for the rest of your life will not only be in your head, 
but in your heart.  

I would like to leave you today with the truthful words of Mother Teresa: 
"God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that you try".  And if we 
go out there and try, we will become better and whole people.  The lessons 
school has taught only partly involve the intense calculations and assignments 
that have been required of us.  They have also been about developing us as superb 
and affectionate people. Judging by the many outstanding young individuals in my 
presence today, school has succeeded in those goals.


Graduating class of 1999, I challenge you to hit the world out 
there full speed ahead.  To strive for further successes in your life, 
whether they be monetary, emotional or educational.  As you leave today, 
realize what it is that you have achieved, and who you have become.  
The history books of future generations have not yet been written. 
There is a world of possibilities out there, go out and pursue them wholeheartedly.  
Pick up that rock in the parking lot, and enjoy the memories, because the next 
major journey in our lives is about to begin.

Paul D'Angelo