Graduation Speech Essay

As an aspiring teacher, I believe that my primary duty is to assist my students to advance in all aspects of their own personal growth, spiritual as well as intellectual and academic. The Catholic School is an ideal place to achieve this goal. The sense of comfort and security that comes from being surrounded by others who overall share the same values and religion is nurturing for the students and allows the teacher to give of

“We serve Christ in college by developing the talents he has given us to serve Him even more effectively for the rest of our lives” (pg. 20). Additionally, Davis indicates that “Both our talents and our opportunities are gifts from God for the purpose of serving Him faithfully” (48). Covenant does not offer Honors courses because the students at Covenant are all attending in order to receive an education that will allow for a growth enabling the Will of God. “We are all called to pursue an education that will enhance our ability to use our talents to glorify God and serve others” (pg. 70). In contrast, LaFayette High School depicted that the students taking Honors courses would have a greater chance at future success. However, Covenant emphasizes that earning an education is not merely for monetary gain; an education is earned to transform ourselves into the people God intended us to be. “We should not pursue liberal arts training so that we can be managers and leaders. We should pursue the training because it develops the talents God has given us” (pg.

When I was younger, I would often return home to a familiar question: So, what did you learn today? My answer would always be "nothing" or "stuff." As I look back, I never lied, yet, I never told the whole truth. Many people think that you don't know anything with only 18 years of experience; I think they're wrong. I've learned a lot about myself and others from the relationships I have built throughout the years. I believe my most important lessons were "people" lessons. Those are the ones which could never be taught out of a book or in a lecture; you have to go out and experience them for yourself.

“What makes the Catholic school distinctive is its religious dimension, and that this is to be found in (a) the educational climate, (b) the personal development of each student, (c) the relationship established between culture and the Gospel, (d) the illumination of all knowledge with the light of faith (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School: Guidelines for Reflection and Renewal, paragraph 1).” Catholic schools must be welcoming to all students regardless of differences. Catholic schools are communities of diverse people who through dialogue come to know and love each other. Catholic schools have an environment that is growth-oriented and where all are comfortable in being vulnerable in order to learn. Catholic schools leaders must see to the personal development of every child through differentiation but also by having an authentic and good relationship with each student so as to understand them more fully. I should be able to tell a Catholic school apart from another school as soon as I walk in. Not only because of the way the school is decorated, but because each student and teacher I meet should be a living example of the Gospel values. As Francis once said, “Preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.” Every academic subject in Catholic Schools should have the faith integrated within it. Our students must learn to look at everything through the

It is the will of God that His children bring into fruition, sustain, and promote successful Christian schools. In order to carry out this mission, it is essentially important that the foundations be laid upon the Eternal Rock, His Word, and His spiritual principles. Only such a foundation guarantees a solid and firm structure which will withstand all present trials and endure all future endeavors and uncertainties. Only upon such a foundation can the Christians rest reassured that God’s authority will be the properly exercised, His knowledge communicated effectively, and His love transmitted with compassion to the pupils. As per Dr. Combee’s words,“God has a plan for victory in education through the truth He has revealed to us about human nature. “ (pg. 174) The sinful human nature does desperately need God and His principles, to both build a strong character and to construct academic stature.

WOW! So much has happened since June. The SV FFA and ag department had a rough start to our year losing three of our students who were on the FFA officer team to other schools. Even with this bump in the road, the four officers that remained visited Mt. Shasta City and had a blast bonding and learning more about each other at their officer retreat in August. Once school started we found three new officers and attended COLC (Chapter Officer Leadership Conference) where the entire team learned about their diverse leadership styles and were able to bond together as the official Surprise Valley FFA Chapter Officer Team for the 2017-2018 school year. If you see them around, congratulate President Cindy Hinze, V.P. Maddison Seely, Secretary Maya

Very Reverend Edward Quinlan, Sister Mary Anne, clergy, members of the Board of Directors, administration, faculty, staff, parents, family members, and friends. Good evening and welcome to the graduation ceremony for Bishop McDevitt High School’s Class of 2017. On behalf of my classmates, I would like to thank you all for the encouragement and guidance you have given us, as we finish these years with pride, integrity, and respect for both ourselves and for each other. Most importantly, thank you to our parents. Without your endless love, hugs, and care, we would not be donning these blue caps and gowns, ready to receive the diplomas that you have helped us earn.

I once read that life is well represented as a pearl deep within an oyster. The pearl symbolizes each person's potential, or the things that are going well for them in life. Just as a mere grain of sand that enters an oyster can grow into something of great worth, there is a fragment of excellency within every one of you that over time can be shape you into an individual who will make a difference in the world.

Edgar Allan Poe once said, "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream."

The teachers, as true servants of God, should act as role models for students to follow to establish their godly character and to live a united community that loves God and

St. Charles Borromeo Academy, in cooperation with parents in their role as the primary educators, extends the mission of the Church in forming true disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a Catholic Classical Liberal Arts education centered on Christ, we provide an integrated approach fostering a love for truth, beauty, and goodness, seeking to instill in students a natural desire for wisdom and

Students, faculty, family, friends, on this exciting day, I speak to optimism, laughter, and grins.

Catholic schools enjoy the reputation of providing an excellent education in all core subjects while also educating students in their faith and in the Gospel values. Furthermore, Catholic schools seek to serve all students, regardless of financial circumstances or cultural background. However, this recognition and stature did not come easily. The success of the Catholic school system is the product of the ongoing efforts of the leaders in the field. Beginning with the missionaries in the New World and continuing through today, Catholic educators have overcome great odds.

As an “architect” in a Catholic school, the principal bears the load of responsibility for setting the tone for each school year and “ as an architect of Catholic culture, is to connect the school’s core values and beliefs to Christ and the Gospel intentionally, deliberately, and continually.” (Cook, 2001, p. 20) The principal, being the spiritual leader of the school, helps support the Catholic school’s mission and the xxxx of the Catholic identity of the school. They must lead through example and build the faith community. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states that “ Within such communities teachers and pupils experience together what it means to live a life of prayer, personal responsibility and freedom reflective of Gospel Values.” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1973, p. 30) During the first week of school is when the mission of the school and the Gospel Values or the “ core beliefs and values of Catholic schooling,” should be reveled and xxx to the faith community. My vision would be to reveal the Gospel values of Faith and Love and the greatest link for those is prayer.

Well, this is it, the day all of us have been waiting for has finally arrived. It seems like only yesterday we were picking our noses and flicking them at innocent bystanders or yelling childish phrases like, "Liar, liar, pants on fire!" or, wait, that was yesterday. Never mind. Anyways.