Commencement Address 2019

The Graduating Class of 2019

The following is my commencement address from the 2019 ceremony.

Good Afternoon Kennedy Family.

It is with joy that I address you, the graduating class of 2019. It wasn’t too long ago that we first met. Great news, there is still time for some of you to work on your first impressions. But, after a couple years, I will admit, you’ve won me over. Your mischievousness is relatively harmless, your charm is contagious, and your ambition to lead- sometimes for good and sometimes otherwise, is admirable. 

Since you were in grade school, you’ve heard your parents, teachers, and maybe principals, tell you to make good choices. They seemed relatively straight forward so far-- keep your hands to yourselves, turn in your work, quit posting on social media. But today, as you set off into the “real world”, past the cozy nest of safety that is Kennedy, you will start making the big choices. They aren’t always easy or obvious. Most of you have chosen a college to attend next year. Was it a hard decision? Was it the right one? Did you choose a major? Will that change in the next 4-5 years? Someday you’ll be offered a job. Is it the right one? You’ll choose the first car you buy with YOUR money. You’ll choose a husband or a wife. You’ll choose a house and a city to settle down in.

Relax, you have some time for all of this. With all the really important choices ahead of you, allow me to offer a little advice:

Choose your friends carefully. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with.

Choose KINDNESS. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Choose to SERVE. Serve God and serve others. Through these acts, you will strengthen yourself.

Choose WISELY. The choices you make IN your life will MAKE your life.

Choose how you spend your time. It says a lot about how you see yourself.

Choose forgiveness. This is the only way to have peace.

Choose Integrity. Do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Choose Courage. Show the world who you are with your whole heart.

Choose to be Dedicated. To your family, to your faith, to the pursuit of your happiness. 

You probably won’t make a perfect choice every time. That’s ok. No one does. Making a conscious decision to make the right choice will help you. Praying on your decisions will help you. Asking for advice from people you admire, will help you. Using the network you have built as part of the Kennedy family, will help you. 

We are here to celebrate you today, just as we have been here to help guide you through high school. We will be here for you always if you need us. Your class motto could not be truer: Chase your dreams but always know the road that will lead you home. We are your home. Your choices may take you far. Soar like an Eagle. Don’t worry, we’ll hold the nest down until you come back.