From IHM School

[I first saw this speech when Michael presented it to me -- a week before graduation -- in an almost-polished form. What a surprise it was! This topic was not what I was expecting. Sr. M. Ph.]

Graduate of the Class of 2009

Good afternoon, Sister Marie Therese, Sister Maria Philomena, Mr. McManus, Mama, Papa, Brothers, Sisters, family, friends, and fellow IHM students.

Every graduation speaker wants his speech to be unique and personal in one way or another. I decided that the best way to make mine unique would be not to buy it online for $24.99, but to just write it myself.

I have attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School for the last eleven years. Eleven not twelve, because one year I went through two grades. The years which I remember most clearly were the last few, when I finally saw the end as something reachable, and not just something in the distance which would come along eventually. However thanks to the foundation laid by my earlier education, these last years I have been able to start appreciating what I had experienced. Realizing that it was meant to help me in high school and the rest of my personal life. Most likely I won’t ever have to use the periodic table, but the exercise of memorizing it had a much bigger purpose: that of helping to develop my brain and form my whole character by discipline, thereby perfecting the nature that grace builds upon.

Third Grade

If we take a closer look at what character is, we find that it is the strengths and weaknesses of an individual; his moral qualities. Now, education in the broad sense is just our development and experiences over time. This type of education never ends. But, if we use the word education as the formation of a person, then we are talking about the early years of life, when this person is still in school and his character and intellect are being formed. A major reason for having twelve years of school is so that the student has those crucial years to learn and absorb things as he will never be able to at any other time in his life.

At a smaller school, like IHM, I believe that it is easier to absorb and learn things because the teachers can spend more time with the individual student. With this scenario, the teacher can better know and understand each student, which then leads to caring more for the student and who he becomes.

Sister Marie Therese presents the diploma.

The little experience I have had with a large class was during Driver’s Ed. My time there seemed to reinforce the idea that when there are more students the teacher is less personal and the subject is more difficult to learn. I am grateful that I was not placed in such an environment for my academic education.

Here at IHM I have never had more that three teachers in a given year, and when I did the third teacher only came in on Fridays. So the education I have received here was very much directed towards me. This attention, which is paid to each student can be very annoying at times (because it means that it is harder for things to slip by), but the education is all the more effective, and that of course, is the end goal.

What a student!

But education is more than just learning the material and then being graded on it. What really can shape a person, for good or ill, are his influences. These influences can take many forms. For instance, his teachers, family members, classmates, friends, and also the characters in the books he reads. It is one of the jobs of a good teacher to be a role model for his students, and I definitely feel that the teachers at IHM have been very helpful role models for me.

At the Museum of Science

Self-sacrifice is something I have seen in all my teachers, I would like to particularly mention one. This teacher went beyond what was necessary and gave up other opportunities to teach here. Without this teachers help, my last five years would have been very different. I have spent a fair amount of time outside of school with this pedagogue and this has only helped to increase my respect and appreciation, hoping that one day I may be able to inspire others as he has inspired me. Thank you Professor.

Field Day Captain

Because of the strong character of my teachers here, I have been given the tools now with which to overcome any obstacles. Particularly winning the main fight I will have in this life, that of saving my soul. As Catholics we know the true means of achieving salvation. But with a good education, that of a firm foundation upon which all else can build, salvation can be an easier task.

Michael makes his promises as a Tertiary

I am going to continue my education at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. I hope to become more equipped not only for my personal future but also for the salvation of my soul. I have had many conversations with a number of respected individuals and this seems to be the best thing I can do at this time in my life.

Vaya con Dios!

As opposed to thanking everyone of everything they have ever done for me, let me say that yes, I am grateful, but more than that; I hope that with my life I may be able to help others as I have been helped. Thank you very much.