Marti Champion

It was 6:30 in the evening, you were in 4th grade and captivated by the likes of Mr. Dodge, Mrs. Lassiter, Mrs. Lucas, and Mr. Masters, and we were gathered in Fries theater. Do you remember that evening now? It was the first time we ever met, and I left you all with one important message. Does anyone remember what I said? Come on, someone help me out here! I can’t be the only one who has held on to this memory for four years. I acknowledged that we’d be starting our middle school journey at Graland together, and for that reason, you’d be my favorite class. And, here we are! 

Graduates, please turn to the person on your left and say, “Thank you.” Now, turn to the person on your right and say, “We did it!” And now it’s my turn. Thank you for being the individuals you are who make up the Class of 2021. Thank you for learning and growing with me. We did it! You couldn’t have done it without each other, and I couldn’t have done it without each of you. Okay, enough of that, let’s get this show on the road!

What do you do with a chance? This is the title of a popular children’s book by Kobi Yamada that explores this all too important question. Rather than summarize the story, I’d like to bring it to life for us here today. As people, we are presented with “chances” every day, and for no other reason than they just show up. Let’s review a small list of chances that showed up for each of you at some point in your time here at Graland:

Now, I know what you are thinking… those weren’t chances. Those were the things we had to do as Graland students. Simply put, it was just school. But let’s take a step back and look at each chance, or shall I say “opportunity” from another perspective. As each of those opportunities presented themselves, some of you couldn’t wait to jump right in, while others probably couldn’t wait for it to end, and still, others had no idea what was coming their way. No matter, each of you took the chance. 

With every chance you’ve taken, there was always the risk of failure. With every chance you are going to take in the future, the possibility of failure remains. But you will never know true success unless you take that chance which calls on you to be brave at the right time. Your excitement for these chances has to be bigger than your fear of failure.

As you leave Graland for all of the possibilities (yes, another word for chance) that lie ahead in high school, I urge you to take your Purpose Statement from World Leadership’s Youth Purpose Summit with you. Use it as your road map, your propeller, your guide when opportunities come your way.

As I wrap up my portion of today’s ceremony, I will say to you what I said four years ago when I introduced myself to the Graland community. Sawubona (sah-woo-bone-ah). I see you. I see your personality. I see your humanity. I see your dignity. As an educator, I am in the precious position of working with young people who possess many unique qualities, needs, and dreams. I see you. I see you as a complex young person trying to find their way as a student, friend, and family member. You are enough, and you have so much to offer those whose paths you’ll cross in your lifetime. I see you. And because I see you, I have one final question. What do you do with a chance when you have the winds of your purpose behind you? “You take it because it just might be the start of something.” 

Here’s to a great summer and a whole new chance called high school. Good luck.