Costa tells grads to stick to basics

Date: 6/1/2009

The following excerpts are from the speech given by East Longmeadow Schools Superintendent Dr. Edward W. Costa II. The speech was delivered at the East Longmeadow High School graduation on May 31.

Good afternoon parents, grandparents, family members, faculty and staff, town dignitaries, special guests and most importantly - our graduates of 2009. These graduates stand before you as witness and testimony in fulfilling all federal, state and local education requirements.

Just a mere 18 years ago these graduates came into our world to make their mark upon society. Eighteen years ago our world was a different place. It was pre-Internet, pre-dot.com, pre-911, pre-Columbine and pre-H1N1.

The historical time frame was 1991 and 1992. The year our graduates were born, the World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee.

Linus Torvalds invented the computer operating system Linux.

Microsoft released their brand new graphical operating system called Windows 3.1, and promised to change the world with their new productivity suite of applications called Microsoft Works.

The U.S. Congress passed the 27th Amendment.

The emergency 911 call system was created, and airbags for automobiles were invented.

However, these creations of mankind pale in comparison to one main event during 1991-1992 - the birth of the class of 2009!

Eighteen years later, our graduates have the education and experiences culminating here today, in this place, and this hour.

Graduates, as you ascend to your next stage in life, I simply remind you of the basic tools you learned in school, which now serve as tools for a lifetime.

The same back pack and pencil box of nine tools you used in first grade will serve you for a lifetime:

1. The Paper - Your future is a blank page right this minute. Your entire future is ahead of you. What will your page say in five years, in 10 years? From this day on, only you control your future.

2. The Ruler - How will you measure your success? What standards will you use? Your character will determine your measure in life.

3. The Compass - What will guide your direction in life? Make sure your life has meaning. Be part of something bigger than yourself. Set your direction and pursue your goals.

4. The Glue - Stick to your goals. Be steadfast. Stay focused.

5. The Scissors - How will you shape your future? Will you cut and run when the going gets hard? Or, will you shape your future with hard work, determination, persistence and personal goals?

6. The Rubber Band - Be flexible in adversity. Stretch yourself toward greatness. Learn to flex in hard times, and give abundantly in the good times. Remember, giving of yourself to others is the greatest of all gifts.

7. The Scotch Tape - Repair your own mistakes and clean up your own messes. Take responsibility. You will make your share of mistakes, and you will mess up from time to time. Be transparent and ask for forgiveness. Don't fear failure. If you don't try, you won't succeed.

8. The Crayons - Nature's rainbow tell us that beauty comes in all colors. Our world is a bouquet of flowers which complement each other. Diversity is the spice of life. Explore cultures, people and values to bring diversity to your life.

9. The Pencil Sharpener - Sharpen your skills. Graduation is the first of many accomplishments for you. Practice life-long learning. Each tomorrow brings a new opportunity to learn something new, and to learn something about yourself.

Graduates, this afternoon starts the rest of your life - that's why we call it commencement.

Thank you for allowing us to be a brief starting point for each of you. The best chapters of your life are still to come.

Class of 2009, educating you has been our vocation, raising you has been a life-long commitment by your parents. I ask each of you to say the words "thank you" today to your parents before the sun sets. After all, they were, and continue to be, your first teachers.

Graduates of 2009, congratulations, and go in peace. Thank you.