Every year, I post commencement speeches by the Morristown High School principal and the superintendent of schools.
These videos never get much traffic. The new graduates and their families usually are too swept up in their happy celebrations to pay much attention.
That certainly was the case for me, so many years ago. It was a muggy evening on the football field…beyond that, I barely remember who spoke, let alone what anyone said.
Our commencement predated smartphones and YouTube. The graduation speakers were lucky to have microphones instead of megaphones.
I wish video clips of their speeches existed. Viewed now, through the lens of life, how would their advice look? Was it on the mark? Should I have listened more intently?
Here’s what was said at Mennen Arena on Wednesday.
Mark Manning, the new principal, channeled Shakespeare and his timeless message: To thine own self, be true.
To find your self, look to your youth–it’s where your dreams are forged, advised Superintendent Thomas Ficarra, quoting Willa Cather.
These videos are presented in the hopes that members of the Class of ’14 may find a few quiet moments to watch them, while the messages still might prove useful.
And if not, well, at least these clips may satisfy their curiosity someday.
VIDEO PLAYLIST FROM THE 2014 MHS COMMENCEMENT
MORE COVERAGE OF 2014 MHS COMMENCEMENT
