Good evening parents, families, staff, and distinguished guests — thank you for being here tonight to celebrate these wonderful young people in the Class of 2025. I feel honored and privileged to stand here before you as the Principal of Reading Memorial High School.
Today is the day that seemed like it would never come, but now you are here — and it is somewhat surreal. Be sure to take it all in, because you worked hard to be where you are, each in your own way, with your own personal challenges, setbacks, and successes.
As a class, and as individuals, you instill a sense of optimism. Through hard work and perseverance, you are here today, sitting in these chairs, about to receive your diploma. Some may downplay the importance of a high school diploma, but do not make that mistake. Nothing ahead of you could happen without reaching this milestone.
To the graduates of the Class of 2025 — please accept my sincere congratulations!
Congratulations are also in order for your parents, families, and friends — many of whom join us today. Parents and families are the unsung heroes of any milestone, and especially graduation.
Graduates, this is your celebration, but please listen to these words, which I hope encapsulate how your parents and loved ones feel about you today. As a parent of a Class of 2025 soon-to-be graduate myself, I think the following passage by author Erma Bombeck is appropriate to share:
“You [as a parent] spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you’re both breathless. They crash… they hit the rooftop… you patch and comfort, adjust and teach. You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that someday they’ll fly.
Finally, they are airborne. They need more string, and you keep letting it out.
But with each twist of the ball of twine, there is a sadness that goes with the joy. The kite becomes more distant, and you know it won’t be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you together, and will soar, free and alone.
Only then do you know that you did your job.”
I would like to pause now and have our graduates publicly thank their parents and families for a job well done.
Class of 2025 — let’s stand, face the bleachers, and give those here for you today a round of applause.
Your teachers, administrators, counselors, and members of our support staff also share this evening with you in a special way. For them, it marks the culmination of a joint venture. Their dedication to building your scholarship and commitment has served to challenge you — setting before you a standard by which your efforts and successes could be measured.
For you, I publicly salute and thank them.
Lastly, to the graduates: it doesn’t matter what you choose to do in the future if you remember to help others along the way.
You are all taking different paths after graduation. Some are attending Dartmouth or Harvard, some UMass Amherst or Lowell, some Bentley, Bowie State, Fordham, Wake Forest, or Wesleyan — and one, the United States Air Force Academy. Another is entering the military as a U.S. Marine. Others are pursuing a trade, the workforce, or taking a gap year.
Regardless, you are ready and prepared to enter into your new community with a commitment to betterment.
Always remember that every type of education and work has its own dignity. It doesn’t matter how high you rise in the world’s estimation, as long as you do not forget where you came from.
What is important in life is what you do with the time you are given — and the lasting positive impact you leave on others.
I have no doubt that each of you will go on to achieve great heights, but your path may not always be linear. Do not ever lose faith in your ability to overcome and achieve.
You will always have a home here and will forever be a Reading Rocket.
To close, on behalf of every teacher, counselor, staff member, coach, parent, or family member that has helped you to this point in your life — I wish you much happiness and continued success.
