I was invited to speak at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School's commencement last evening - a honor by which I was truly humbled. Thanks, kids. Given that Someone took the steam out of my first idea Here's what I said:Last weekend, I caught the new movie, “Night at the Museum 2.” I don’t know if any of you saw it, but that’s okay. Ben Stiller plays a night watchman, Larry Daley, who works with all the exhibits when they come to life every night. This time, at the Smithsonian, he has to battle an ancient pharaoh who comes to life and wants to take over the world. He is assisted by the adorable Amy Adams, who plays the indefatigable (how's that for an SAT word?) Amelia Earhart. She shows the same enthusiasm and spunk that one would expect such a character to have, and Stiller’s character is naturally drawn to her. However, he knows that as the sun comes up, she will return to the waxen statue that she really is. In fact, he starts to tell her that, but can’t bring himself to do it.
At the end of the film, he wants to tell her again, but, again, he cannot. However, she stops him anyway. "I know what will happen,” she tells him. "I've always known." She says that because she knows what’s coming she wanted to make the most out of this evening of “adventure.” After such a night, she says, “What a glorious sunrise it will be.”
Friends, here we are – at the end. You knew this moment was coming: the evening when you cease to be students of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School and become “alumni.” My question to you is: How was the adventure?
How was the adventure of growing from a child of 13 or 14 years to a young man or woman?
How was the adventure of being transformed from, perhaps, a naïve kid to a person of learning and character?
How was the adventure of forging real, lasting friendships in the midst of the most confusing years of your lives?
This is what your last four years were about. And while that may seem a little cliché, it is true – and you would not have understood or appreciated those words four years ago. You had to experience this adventure!
But…the adventure is not over either.
Ahead of you the rest of your lives are dawning. Ahead, there awaits college, careers, family, challenges, victories and change. My advice to you tonight is to go forward with your eyes wide open and your hearts hopeful. In a few moments, you will receive diplomas that tell you that the faculty and administration of the school believe you are up to the challenges that await. Behind you are the teachers and family members who – believe it or not – have been your biggest fans. They have come to know the amazing young people that you are, and they are confident that they are better off for having shared this adventure with you.
Larry Daley knew Amelia’s limitations that “night at the museum.” But when he looked into her eyes – so alight with the fun and “moxey” that made her who she was – he just couldn’t bring himself to tell her what would hold her back. And because of that, nothing held her back. The irony is that she also knew her limitations, and they still did not restrict her.
For you, this is the story of your lives thus far, and it is that story of your success, both now and in the years to come. Your families know your limitations; your teachers know your limitations; you know your limitations. However, they also know enough about you to know that your faith, your character and your hope can carry you far beyond those limits.
So, Class of 2009, here you are – at the end. This adventure of high school is over, and you have walked out these school doors for the last time as students. Farewell; because a new adventure is beginning. It is the dawn of a new and exciting time in your young lives. It is a time when you will be challenged and changed; a time when your limits will be stretched; a time when your character will be tested and proven time and time again. That is what the new day of your lives will hold.
I hope the adventure thus far as proven exciting and fun. I hope it has validated the person whom God made you to be. I know you are capable of facing that new day as it dawns.
And what a glorious sunrise it will be for you too!
Congratulations!
At the end of the film, he wants to tell her again, but, again, he cannot. However, she stops him anyway. "I know what will happen,” she tells him. "I've always known." She says that because she knows what’s coming she wanted to make the most out of this evening of “adventure.” After such a night, she says, “What a glorious sunrise it will be.”
Friends, here we are – at the end. You knew this moment was coming: the evening when you cease to be students of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel High School and become “alumni.” My question to you is: How was the adventure?
How was the adventure of growing from a child of 13 or 14 years to a young man or woman?
How was the adventure of being transformed from, perhaps, a naïve kid to a person of learning and character?
How was the adventure of forging real, lasting friendships in the midst of the most confusing years of your lives?
This is what your last four years were about. And while that may seem a little cliché, it is true – and you would not have understood or appreciated those words four years ago. You had to experience this adventure!
But…the adventure is not over either.
Ahead of you the rest of your lives are dawning. Ahead, there awaits college, careers, family, challenges, victories and change. My advice to you tonight is to go forward with your eyes wide open and your hearts hopeful. In a few moments, you will receive diplomas that tell you that the faculty and administration of the school believe you are up to the challenges that await. Behind you are the teachers and family members who – believe it or not – have been your biggest fans. They have come to know the amazing young people that you are, and they are confident that they are better off for having shared this adventure with you.
Larry Daley knew Amelia’s limitations that “night at the museum.” But when he looked into her eyes – so alight with the fun and “moxey” that made her who she was – he just couldn’t bring himself to tell her what would hold her back. And because of that, nothing held her back. The irony is that she also knew her limitations, and they still did not restrict her.
For you, this is the story of your lives thus far, and it is that story of your success, both now and in the years to come. Your families know your limitations; your teachers know your limitations; you know your limitations. However, they also know enough about you to know that your faith, your character and your hope can carry you far beyond those limits.
So, Class of 2009, here you are – at the end. This adventure of high school is over, and you have walked out these school doors for the last time as students. Farewell; because a new adventure is beginning. It is the dawn of a new and exciting time in your young lives. It is a time when you will be challenged and changed; a time when your limits will be stretched; a time when your character will be tested and proven time and time again. That is what the new day of your lives will hold.
I hope the adventure thus far as proven exciting and fun. I hope it has validated the person whom God made you to be. I know you are capable of facing that new day as it dawns.
And what a glorious sunrise it will be for you too!
Congratulations!
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