and they're just about to do that is so if we could all stand that would be appropriate and members of the school committee parents grandparents friends especially the class of one thousand nine hundred eighty we come together this afternoon to remind one another to rest for a moment on this forming edge of our lives to resist that headlong tumble into the next moment until we claim for ourselves awareness and gratitude taking the time to look into one another's faces sometimes for the last time and see their communion the reflection of our own eyes this house of laughter and silence memory and hope is held by a presence here together today it's a special graduation today this is a passage just like many of the passages that are happening and happening across our country at this time of the year it may well be the last passage that exists for everybody where we mark the difference between your childhood in the entry into adulthood it's a passage in other ways too as a school we are in some ways the sum of our parts and two very very important parts of our school are going to be missing for the future and  i refer to mel winter who this hall is named for a man whose dedication and thoughtfulness and his regard for young people is documented in his presence here even today i think mel is with us and for a teacher who you chose to dedicate your book to can fitzpatrick and i'd like to observe a moment of silence in their memory if we c it is a ceremony of dignity it is a passage your parents and grandparents are here to help you observe this it is an important passage in our culture it's now my great pleasure to begin our ceremony and i would like to introduce someone who doesn't really need an introduction for you the president of your class patrick griffin he is a young man who has shown great i'd like to say welcome to dr hall and the members of the school committee mr wright the faculty that are here parents grandparents other relatives friends and most the other day i was out in the yard spreading mulch around the flowers looks really nice by the way i had the cd player on i was just working away and guns n roses was there in the background so while i was i heard this yesterday there were so many things i was never told now that i'm starting to learn i feel i'm growing old after hearing these words i realized that graduation was only a week away and for the first time i recognized that i kind of feel old i can remember back to the first days of kindergarten down at the when reagan was the president the patriots were on their way to the super bowl and my coca cola kicked out my tooth after watching the karate kid and that's how it all began as the years pass our lives began to change we were all so adorable in kindergarten admit it everyone had that little outfit for the first day of school then after that nobody cared were just going to dirty ourselves up during recess anyway during elementary school a great deal occurred we put on little plays and made hostess and sculpted eighty little pots out of clay and we also created dire ramos do you think you'll ever use the word again i mean am i going to go to be you and they're going to say aren't english when i want to make a dire rama home think so sometimes this was a killer one they even give some gimp for a change of pace you know gimp love we studied all those subjects that small children like we all had brightly colored pencils and races which were supposed to make learning fun in reality these brightly colored school supplies actually distracted you from learning because you'd spend so much time with your little lie in shape to race or you want to bend him so that we could growled the teacher that you didn't pay any attention remember i never did learn of dick and jane but that black dog at the store you know dick and jane right as we approach the end of elementary school we became aware of the outside world remember mc hammer new kids on the block we all ran home to our moms and said oh please mom please let me get my hair cut just like the no ice are we all glad that she said now never nine hundred ninety one we left the sanctuary elementary school for the mean mysterious hallways of the cherry middle school bush was in the oval office the socks in the path said terrible seasons and we were all exposed to dr hair and a man more frightening than any james bond and there and heaven forbid the middle schools where you made fun of your friends and best them just so you would be through middle schools where it actually mattered return to sneakers you won't as if owning nike air or the reebok at the pump remember the pump made you better than the kid who just you know were playing all sneakers that didn't have any features oh and don't forget the middle school dance phone you'd say mom drop me off at the corner i'll walk the rest of the way who were we kidding did we actually think the other kids didn't have parents i mean how else would we have gotten of the dance song we drove ourselves once inside things got even better glass that girl of there should dance with me not only do it if you ask that girl over there for me before we knew it stairway to heaven was on the loudspeakers and we all went home but since none of us had parents how we got home is a mystery that i just can't reveal as one can surmise i lived middle school but hey things are bound to get better right of course the beginning of the end came in september  hundred four clinton was president the sox were awful but the patch showed a great deal of improvement and matt mcdonald j d wilson val hunt some other kid with glasses unscrewed five o yes because we best thank everybody everybody let's do it don't not even kidding i'm not even joking here we go already t we just put water ten to shame with that one high school has given us many great memories as a class we have accomplished many feats on the athletic field we have shined particularly the women who during our tenure here one more championships and titles than the men so give it up for the women right now we've also shined in music where band orchestra and chorus have traveled to such exotic destinations as rochester new york new york city virginia beach and europe  go munich our artists have gained recognition both in school and outside competition don't forget our scholars hope one award after award for their writing ability mathematical talent scientific prowess knowledge of history and proficiency in the languages of our world some of us have had a few snags along this road in the form of detention assigned study and let's not get into the one all in all we've had an incredible four years of v h s and an unbelievable thirteen years here in beaumont let's not forget the time we shared together as we now part ways today as we stand tall at the end of this road take a moment and look back at where you've been now look around you think of friends that you've made relationships you formed and bonds between people that may never be broken by calling us all to remember our class and our time together and realize just how much we've meant to one another then i charge you to look inside yourself and think about how you are shaped by your time here and as we take this first and it's my pleasure to introduce our welcome dr holland dr ivan members of the school committee mr wright teachers guidance counselors administrators parents family since freshman year and still others ever since the first grade more than anything we're here to celebrate this moment the culmination of years of hard work but this is also the time to say thank you thank you to the many people without whom we wouldn't be here today thank you to our parents for encouraging us for the last eighteen years thank you to our friends for friendships that my last into turn of the thank you to our guidance counselors without your advice and support we'd never have gotten through high school and thank you especially to our cheaters for and during our complaints  exhaustion i boredom and our sarcasm you're the winds actually had to deal with us five days a week and we sympathize and today i hope i speak for the entire class when i say that we're very grateful for your patience and dedication you've done more than just teach us you've made a lasting impression on our lives and above all this is a time to say goodbye it's not just the thought of the uncertain future that makes us hesitate it's the memory of everything that remains behind i hate school years have profoundly influenced our lives in the us it's almost like losing a part of ourselves it's strange to think that during the last four years we've that one third of our waking hours in this building stranger still today is the last day i could of course talk about our brilliant futures distinguished careers and the many doors that now stand open before us but in truth i'm just as clueless and ambivalent as everyone else i cannot predict the future i can't guarantee your success or assure you that glorious ending only you can do that caught in the parking lot by mr welch you give him your name in return for attention and after five minutes of heated discussion you smile warmly in casual remark i'm sorry did i forget to tell you i don't go to the school anymore but regardless of your destination remember to do what you love and don't expect to excel at everything you try to take my deplorable experience with volleyball for example i've heated the sport ever since being tactfully reminded way back in the fifth grade that the net is in front of you not behind you there's always so much we have yet to master ironically the the more we realize how much we still don't know there are so many questions left unanswered though i suspect that the primary question of the moment isn't about college or new beginnings but how much longer  here trust me only a little longer but a nasty areas when you only watch the ten o'clock news to see that we live in a world where bewildering things often happen things be comprehensible that we dismiss them completely not even daring to consider the frightening why perhaps there isn't a collective answer but unless each one of us bothers to ask we'll never know informing questions we ask and get unpleasant answers in confronting our problems we bring back painful memories in taking risks we never  mistakes in daring we may fail but that is the only way it's a price that all of us have to pay the price for living alice to read captures the poem curiosity i quote curiosity may have killed the cat to be curious is dangerous enough to distrust what is always said what seems to ask questions interfere in dreams leave home smell rats have hunch of do not endure cats to those dog and circles where well smel baskets suitable wives good lunches are the order of things and where prevails much wagging when curious heads and tails face that curiosity will not cause us to die  lack of it well never to want to see the other side of the hill or that improbable country where living is an idyll although probable hell would kill us all only the curious have loving do and that dead dogs are those who do not know their dying is what to live each us to do so let that be your challenge be curious make your life a tale worth telling love too much ask questions interfere in dreams and most importantly cross to the other side of the hill and look for that improbable country it is there that you will transform what would have been mere words on my part interior lady and find the glorious and  dr holland dr been members of the school committee mr right teachers administrators family friends and members of the class of one thousand nine hundred eighty eight good afternoon example i did nothing that united states and canada were very different until i came here i was treated as a foreigner in fact i was even classified as an alien when i went for my drink driving  certainly expected new and different experiences in the united states and i have had that recently i was surprised to learn of an american graduation tradition students with very good grades have to talk in front of the graduating class i am probably the most timid senior in this class i can barely talk in front of ten people i know well imagine what it is like for me to be here today in other words my graduation experience is not what i thought it would be i suspect we all have had unexpected experiences sometimes those experiences feel like they are too much for us we feel we cannot handle what is happening to us things have gone just too far and worst of all we cannot control or change the situation to make ourselves look good but feel better no matter how hard we try we cannot do anything to change or experience what is happening to us the experience can be the loss of someone we love but the responsibility of giving the speech i have experienced both of those moments and each has for you the girl may be making friends asking someone out earning good grades or selling yourself to that college admissions office or for that personnel manager for the job you want so what do we do in those situations they're bound to happen to us we're starting a new phase in our lives some of the unknowns are bound to lead to the unexpected i think we might put to use what we have learned during your high school years more precisely what some of us have learned about buddhism in the mannings classes essential element in buddhism is a believe that suffering is an integral part of life but painful situations in which we feel embarrassed afraid and jealous  also precious opportunities according to buddhism when we reach our limits we should not get carried away by hope or fear whether we should step into the unknown territory and the experience that getting carried away means that indulging in fear not overdramatizing the fear not exaggerating the situation but also that running away this is easier said than done of course for me it means not giving in to my fears speaking in front of two thousand people of course a search for ways to get out of this but if i understand the buddhist philosophy the idea is to stick with the experience not to run away from what we fear that getting carried away we perfect buddhism encourages us to look at ourselves in the mirror and see the gorilla it's fine we don't have to do a thing we don't have to make the girl or disappear the key is to acknowledge whether well whatever we feel without judgment to become fully aware of our experience and feelings and not to judge them so what does this mean for us and where we're going we're going to be faced the situation where to simply acknowledge fully experience without judging it what core belief is that by going through an experience something in the changes we will learn that our feelings no longer dictated behaviors fear is still there believe me i still fear public speaking but my fear is less important than the opportunity to be here today most importantly by doing what we fear most we not only cultivate courage but also quite hard in this because we do not judge our feelings we in turn learn not to judge gentleness and compassion are developed in the us and more compassion because of this world needs i encourage each of you to face your expe they seem larger than the girl of looking at you in the mirror in time with each develop the capacity to deal with new and difficult experiences confined to kindness and grace which are the traits of gentle compassion people i wish you success on your journey thank you it is my pleasure now to represent the faculty in giving out to departmental awards these are words that are voted by the departments one of the words awards is for academic excellence the other award voted by the deploy individual departments is for service to the school dr home could you assist me with this were languages goes to a young man is a member of the national honor society he's four year student of latin ranks eighth in the class he had the highest grade on all mid year and final examinations translation of latin and latin is both eloquent and exemplary he's on the math team and he is an incredible talent in our school and he'll be attending harvard university in the the math department for academic excellence as a young woman who has achieved early acceptance of mit she is a straight a average in b c calculus she ranks in the top five percent her class she's a member a very special award for the most academic improvement over the four years here voted for the and by the entire faculty the showing will be attending regis college she's a member of said she's she's an active she's active at the belmont manor nursing home she organize toys for tots within the school she's a member of the girls indoor track team and she is one terrific young woman  for the math department again this young woman will be well she is a straight a average an a b calculus she's president of the student government she's advisor to the school committee president of said member of the field hockey and track team should be attending harvard university in the fall valerie from the music department the showing woman is a member of the belmont orchestra she studied cello at the new england conservatory her music accolades just go on and on one of the mass string teachers national c o competition junior division won a full scholarship to perform with the new york string orchestra carnegie hall should be attending harvard university the fall terrific young woman kate bennett award for young women leading women award honorable mention in the boston globe scholastic art competition should be attending the university of southern california from the english department scored eight hundred in this eighty verbal exam scored us eight hundred an essay to writing test in literature test she's our valedictorian founder and editor in chief of the belmont forum a finalist in the middle milton academy speech and debate from the physical education department ranked in the top ten percent of her class chairs committees for national honor society she's an accomplished swimmer assistant treasurer for performing arts soprano and solo women's acapella but dissipated in the spanish and german exchange and will be attending colgate university in the fall from the science department ranks in the top five percent of her class founder and president of the science club member of marching band math team track team member the national honor society just goes on and on  very very talented young person and will be attending the california institute of technology teresa daniels from the art department the service award plays the piano that dissipate in summer export exploration program or art teacher says she was like my own teacher assistant she has excellent understanding of art and aided and direction of the art program i was always there to help other people very very special young woman will be attending middlesex community college nora gilchrist department for service this young man is a national honor society member member of the belmonte and club captain the basketball team soccer team goalie refereeing coach for the belmont youth out political associations volunteers as a peer tutor in s person is instrumental in televising of belmont high school athletic events on local t v this is from the physics department for service student of martial arts on the football team somebody that you can always count on to get things done from the world language department for service to the school member of the national honor society member of symphonic b and wind ensemble orchestra section leader jazz ensemble drum major marching band peer leadership instrumental in preparing for the hosting portion of our french exchange program just a terrific young woman who will be attending boston university in the fall denise g from the science department from cert for service president of the international club member of chess club rocketry club your book asian american club boys varsity swim team football team volleyball club some martial arts teacher he's on the committee for helping the homeless at his church it goes on and on in saying in some ho from the english department for service to the school this person is a member of our national honor society on the math team xena's literary magazine high point as in the symphonic band marching band the mounting club is noted for working to help with the homeless club and participated in the walk for hunger will be attending brandeis university in the fall lisa for service to the school from the entire faculty this young woman is the director of the yearbook pictures she has been part of the belmont medco represented representative to the school she was involved in team harmony two and three a program to stop racist racism she is just perhaps one of the most capable people in our school maia smith for the social studies department for service president coalition for a better america national honor society treasurer speech and debate club member of the student government or to the high point writer for the belmont forum chosen for finalist for the joe historical ward but dissipated the epic program at tufts and he will be attending cornell university in the fall andrew representing the faculty with a small in a short message for you something i'd like you to think about and listen to carefully was a sermon delivered at st paul's church and it goes like this go placidly amid the noise in haste and remember what peace there may be in silence as far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others even the doll and the ignorant they too have their story avoid loud and aggressive persons they are vexations to the spirit if you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter for always they will be greater and lesser persons than yourself enjoy your achievements as well as your plans keep interested in your own career how hover however humble it might be it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery but let this not blind you to what virtue there is many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism be yourself especially do not feign affection neither be cynical about love for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things youth nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune but do not distress yourself with imaginings many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself and whether or not as it is clear to you no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should therefore be at peace with god whatever you conceive him or her to be and whatever your labors and aspiration in the you foster graduates of one nine hundred ninety eight parents grandparents friends and relatives faculty members of the school committee and other special guest i'm pleased to present school committees shield certificates to two graduating seniors a shield certificate for outstanding achievement an exceptional distinction in scholarship is awarded to the senior who is and you've heard many of these attributes before but she is valedictorian of the class of hundred ninety eight a national merit scholar a member of the national honor society as earned scores on the s a t s and s a t one an essay two of six eight hundred scores on those test recipient of award such as the receive the library media ward is a member of the yearbook staff and as a library assistant she delivered this the speech earlier this afternoon she will be attending queens college in  note three transitions within our community and ask that you reflect on the messages delivered through their lives mel when or to whom this field house is dedicated died last week at the age of ninety one he served the belmont community for sixty two years beginning in one thousand nine hundred thirty one he was teacher and coach of basketball soccer and track for twenty three years athletic director for twenty years and nineteen years as girls track coach or was in inspire of years and adviser friend and coach to thousands of young men and women it delmon high a dedicated teacher a shaper of ideals we all share the rich legacy of caring and professionalism which he has left bill miller mel's successor is retiring after twenty six years as a teacher and director of physical education health and athletics he developed the health and physical programs guided the boys and girls athletic programs to thirty five middlesex league titles and introduced new programs such as women's ice hockey sea skiing and the grade seven and eight cross country keeper of the flame of personal caring and extensive student involvement in athletics nurturer of student athletes standard bearer of excellence an athletic programs bill miller as made a major impact on belmont through his leadership the third is nan cochran brouncker principal of the wellington school since one nine hundred ninety who is retiring at the conclusion of this school year a tireless advocate for children expert in curriculum and instruction at the elementary level a teacher of teachers nan is here today to see her first class graduate her first class at the wellington school graduate from belmont high nance caring commitment to personal and professional growth and advocacy for public education have enriched the belmont's have enriched their wellington students and faculty and indeed the entire belmont community i see at least two common themes in the lives of these gifted and energetic educators first and all of their decisions and actions they have focused on what is best for students and secondly for the students who pass through their care they could say we not only care about what you learn we also care about the kind of person you become i invite all of us to reflect on the service the personal caring and involvement and the professional excellence which these educators have on friday i had the good pleasure to attend the mit graduation dr david ho honored by time magazine as man of the year for his breakthrough work with aids research spoke to the graduates his depth of learning and his humility were very moving he spoke of the ethic of hard work respect for learning of being an immigrant and feeling the need to work harder in order to make a contribution he was grateful to mit to his teachers and to his parents for the opportunities given to him he advised the graduates to be alert to the opportunities that bubble off through serendipity i found that a lovely phrase listening to him was indeed a great moment for all of us and now to the school committee chair mrs janney fallon i am pleased to certify that the seniors here present have met the requirements for graduation from belmont high school alexander austin alina mary christopher brewer catherine maureen brewer ball samuel cave john richard co jennifer colleen courtney elizabeth donahue all thomas dreier shawn robert fitzgerald nicholas for n brian friedman sarah goldman marie gros brendan hogan katie hollander emily and holme hamill husbands simon hutchinson kerry jacqueline james jessica joseph jordan scott kaufman michael james  william rudolph michael christopher lane no frederick andre albert a lo andrew robert long rebecca lord amy macdonald matthew luke mcdonald james craig mcbride david mcmillan christopher michael murphy laura no talk some are so jennifer maura o'reilly james patterson lease sarah stacey and porter robert edwin ramsey jennifer and right matthew thomas say jay shafer eric thomas street nicholas john street come a toy camelot michelle wallace john walter natalie lawrence way are closing words for the day before we saying if we could be quiet just for a moment to get centered our closing words for the day may be reminded here of our highest aspirations and inspired to bring our gifts of love and service to the altar of humanity may we know once again that we are not isolated beings but connected in mystery and miracle to the universe to this community and to