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Friday, May 25, 2007
Graduation Inspiration
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ve heard ‘em, I’ve heard ‘em, graduation speeches that are pretty predictable. There will be more tonight and tomorrow at dozens of cap and gown ceremonies around the metro area.
One of the graduation talks I remember most didn’t come at graduation at all, but when our high school school counselor spoke with our senior class in the library shortly before the big day. He had a Ph.d. and we all thought he must be brilliant. (Few high school educators at the time had such advanced degrees).
It was an eye opener when he told us he’d been a lousy high school student with less than stellar grades. Let’s face it, 80 percent of seniors aren’t in the top 20 percent of their classes ! I don’t remember the rest of the talk, but he was telling us by his own example that great things could be accomplished even if we hadn’t applied ourselves fully in high school.
Graduation speakers I’ve heard over the years have included a rocket scientist, famous author, judges, legislators, political luminaries and other dignitaries. Strange where the most inspiring words and examples can come from.
Who do you think make the best gradution speakers? What’s the best words of advice you’ve heard? What words of wisdom should kids going on to college, technical school, military and out into the world have today ?
