After 40 years in public education, I am retiring at the end of June. McCaskey’s 88th commencement was bittersweet for me, and my remarks to the “miracle Class of 2022” were very emotional. I wanted to share them here.
Good evening families, friends, educators, members of the McCaskey Class of 2022 … and all those watching at home.
On behalf of the School District of Lancaster Board of Directors and administration … congratulations on your commencement.
We often think of graduation exercises as an ending: The end of preschool, high school, college … or for some of us tonight … the end of a career in education.
But the Oxford dictionary defines commencement as … a “beginning” or “start.”
Together, we are beginning a new chapter in our lives. I want you to know … McCaskey class of 2022 … you are ready for your next chapter. You are ready because you have something enormously powerful in this world. Something no one can take away from you. You have a solid education. A high school diploma. Nurture it. Build on it. And you will succeed.
I knew a little Puerto Rican girl born into a very poor and dysfunctional family, one of seven kids in a neighborhood plagued with drugs and gang activity. After living with several different family members, she placed herself into the foster care system.
Her teachers helped her gain hope and confidence, where she could dream of becoming something more. She was determined to use her education to change her life, and the lives of others. I am that girl.
Today, as I retire after 40 years in public education, I am living proof that education can change your life. What you have learned and earned these years at McCaskey, has the power to change the trajectory of your life. To accelerate your paths to success.
As a class, you have earned hundreds of college credits through Dual Enrollment, A-P, and International Baccalaureate courses. Your NOCTI scores from our CTE program are among the highest in Pennsylvania. And our scholar athletes have won league and state championships. You have interned with industry leaders, lawyers, financial institutions, and at various medical facilities.
You are well prepared …
… to study at institutions including … Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania, Grinnell College, Smith College, Tufts University, Thaddeus Stevens College, and the legendary historically black research university.. Clark Atlanta …
… to serve in the Army, Navy, and the Marines …
… or, for some of you, the start of your career in live audio production, health care, and construction.
What you have accomplished is truly a miracle.
This year marks the first time we have been able to return to “normal” school since March 2020 when everything was shut down. We were able to enjoy the return of in person learning all year, joined clubs, Football Fridays, wrestling, track and field, and so much more. You demonstrated your talents in the Vidette newspaper, marching band, the fall play, the children’s play, instrumental and vocal performances and of course “Newsies” … And here we are today in this huge Clipper Stadium to celebrate your determination and perseverance, because you did not quit. You are our miracle seniors because you made it – even in a global pandemic.
As Colin said, Covid took your high school experience off the tracks. He described it best when he said, “learning became a small rectangular screen.” I saw you struggle trying to learn remotely, without the social interaction you needed with friends, peers, and teachers. It was hard to engage in your classes virtually, some of you sat in your rooms all day for months keeping up with the demands of school during this difficult time. Some of you experienced the loss of a parent or other loved ones, and faced financial struggles because of jobs losses. Many of you had to help your brothers and sisters stay on track in their zoom classes, and still had to submit your own assignments later that night. I know that many of you talked about being depressed or anxious. I was depressed too. Feeling helpless to help you. Those times really were the worst of times. But you made it through. We all did and we are here today to celebrate you and recognize your perseverance, resilience, and courage during a global crisis. And while the world isn’t totally normal, we get to see each other face to face gain, to hug our loved ones, to revive our relationships.
You came back to McCaskey with a vengeance and you succeeded. You were leaders and helped us stay open by wearing masks and keeping yourself and others safe. If you can get here, to this graduation, passing your classes, taking all of your tests, completing college courses, passing your NOCTI tests, applying to colleges and jobs, and graduating HS, – you can do anything! You are the new, “greatest generation”. You are our miracle.
You have made a difference in our community. You collected tons of food for those in need at the holidays. You used your platform as student-athletes to speak out against racial hostility and stand for equity. You have become equity stewards in your school and you have included everyone in in our unified track team and club. This team provides opportunities for students, both with all types of disabilities and without disabilities, to participate and compete in sports meaningfully. The McCaskey Unified Track Team/Club Unify helps promote inclusion, acceptance and respect. Just last weekend, the McCaskey Unified Track Team won the 2022 PIAA Unified Track Championship. This is an example of what McCaskey stands for.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my lifetime, was modeled for us by Representative John Lewis. Representative John Lewis walked alongside the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. He served in Congress from 1987 to 2020 when he passed, after 33 years of service. He was famous for his passion for human rights, social justice and voting rights. Rep. Lewis said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something, you have to do something.” Many of you have done exactly that.
After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb 14, 2018, there were protests across the country to pass more gun control laws to keep our schools safe. McCaskey students planned the most beautiful memorial and then joined the protests downtown. I was so proud of the students and of the staff who supported them. You let your voices be heard.
And you lifted your voices again in May, 2020 when many of you joined protests against police brutality when George Floyd was murdered. That death touched off what may have been the largest protest movement in U.S. history and a nationwide reckoning on race and policing. We continue to need your courage and your voices so that there are no more George Floyds, Armud Aubrey or Travon Martins. And no more Columbines, Sandy Hooks, Stoneman Douglass, and Robb Elementary Schools in in our country.
Like you, I believe in standing up for what is right, to ensure that the voices of historically unrepresented people are heard, and that everyone is included at the table. During her speech, at the honors banquet a few weeks ago, Asiya (a sigh ah) said, “when there was no room at a table, never meant for us, we were the first to drag a chair to the head.” I encourage you take a seat at those tables and speak up for those people who are not in the room. As Essence said, “We must learn the power in our tongue and enlarge how we use it to improve our communities”. Speak up against racism and sexism. Be the voice our diverse and beautiful community needs.
And don’t forget to be thankful. Be grateful for those who dedicate their lives to supporting each of us. Be thankful for the people who showed up every day in our schools – from building leaders to bus drivers, teachers and custodians, paraprofessionals and specialists in all areas – despite the difficulties and stress they felt. Be thankful for the support of your families and your friends. And be thankful for your community.
If a little girl like me, and a little boy like Sujan born in a refugee camp, can achieve their dream, then so can every graduate here tonight. I expect all these things from you because you are and always will be a McCaskey Tornado. I will enjoy my new beginning and know that I am so proud of each of you, and I will think about you, as you embark on your new beginning .
Thank you Miracle Class of 2022, and remember, “Once a tornado, always a tornado.”