Remarks As Prepared For Delivery By Attorney General Eric Holder at the Washington Jesuit Academy Commencement
WASHINGTON, May 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the U.S. Department of Justice:
Thank you, Mr. [Joe] Powers, for your kind introduction. And thank you, Mr. [Bill] Whitaker, for inviting me to join you - and so many proud parents, grandparents, siblings, sponsors, teachers, friends, and faculty members - as we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2010.
You know, over the past few weeks, I've had the chance to talk to thousands of graduates, at universities and law schools in this city and far beyond. But, in a way, I've been most looking forward to this commencement ceremony. That's because, this evening, I not only have the privilege of sharing this stage with these young men and saluting all they've accomplished. I also have the honor of presenting them with their diplomas.
Each of these 19 diplomas symbolizes three years of hard work, commitment, and perseverance - by today's graduates, as well as the parents, family members, sponsors, teachers, and administrators who've supported and encouraged them. For these students, I know that there have been moments of doubt and difficulty, and times when you questioned whether you could possibly fulfill the many requirements necessary to hold one of these diplomas in your hand. But we all knew you could. And, today, you've proven us right. You've also made us very proud.
This is an extraordinary class. There's simply no other word to describe it. Over the last three years, you have grown into extraordinary young men. And, now, you are all destined for greatness.
You are extraordinary for many reasons, but one has to do with what the great African-American writer and civil rights activist, James Baldwin, wrote to his nephew in 1962, on the one hundredth anniversary of the Emancipation of America's slaves.
"The limits of your ambition were... expected to be set forever," he wrote. "You were not expected to aspire to excellence: you were expected to make peace with mediocrity. But you have... defeated this intention.... There really is no limit to where you can go."
Like James Baldwin's nephew, you were not expected to aspire to excellence. You were expected to make peace with mediocrity. But each of you has defeated this intention. You have all beaten the odds. And, as you say goodbye to this school - and to friends and teachers you'll never forget - there is, quite simply, no limit to where you can go.
Just look at what you've already accomplished.
James [Wilson] and Tas [Singley] were among those who took part in the Shakespeare Festival, at the most important Shakespeare Library in the country. That's serious stuff, guys. I wouldn't be surprised if both of you ended up as the next James Baldwins and Paul Robesons - as the great poets and actors of your generation.
Allante [Holston], Charles [Marshall], Tyrell [McCrae], and Ricky [Rodriguez], were each finalists in the Letters of Literature contest that's sponsored by the Library of Congress. I'm going to be reading novels by each of you one day, aren't I?
Michael [Hart], Kyven [Jones], Paul [Colson], and Jeffrey [McMorris], were among those who've been named "Student of the Week." Each of you clearly has within you the power to be, not only "Student of the Week," but, one of these days, perhaps "Man of the Year." You're leaders - and I know you'll continue to be role models for your classmates.
Jeremy [Gibson], Justin [Ferrell], Mario [Lyndaker], and John [Allen], each won Most Improved Student awards. You get what life is all about: working hard to make sure that you get one day better - every day of the year.
I'm told that Devin [Valcin], Jordan [Johnson], and a few others gave a Boardroom Presentation at Goldman Sachs. A boardroom presentation? Really, guys? I haven't even given one of those kinds of talks!
And I know that you've all been inspired by David [Woodson], your fearless student body president; by Anthony [Haynie], your class's brilliant Valedictorian; and by Elijah [Porter], whose essay about community service earned an award from my boss' Presidential Inauguration Committee.
For all that, I'd say you deserve a round of applause.
Graduates, you have proven your ability to succeed - and to soar. You've all done well here, not only in the classroom, but also on your new basketball court, in the garden, in the kitchen, and in the Stocks in the Future Club. And you've pursued your goals, even when they seemed out of reach and life felt overwhelming. When you had the chance to attend this school, each one of you had the courage to take on the responsibilities that come with being a Washington Jesuit Academy student. And, now, it's time to take on the responsibilities that come with being a Washington Jesuit Academy graduate.
Very soon, you'll be learning in some of this area's best high schools, where you will - in the spirit of your school's motto - become "men for others." As you move forward, my message for you is simple: Keep defying the odds. Don't stop now. You've proven you have the fire in your belly to realize your goals, as well as your dreams. Now, no matter what happens - even, and especially, when society tells you to settle for mediocrity - aspire for excellence at every turn. And never settle for anything less.
How? First, right now, I'd like you to look around - at your parents and grandparents and sponsors, at your teachers and your principal. These are your guardians, your mentors, your guides, and your biggest fans. They have helped you to get to this place and this moment. They have put their faith in you. And they will continue to be there for you, cheering you forward.
As you move on to new schools and new communities, seek out others with the same qualities as these role models: people who believe in you and take your success seriously. If you don't find them right away, look harder. They're there. And they are the necessary ingredient to success. No one - not me, not anyone - has ever succeeded without the help of others. Never think you need to defy the odds all alone.
Second, I want you to know that it's not too early to start making your life plan.
Start by asking yourself - all the time - what you dream of doing. How many of you want to be a teacher? A scientist? A lawyer? How many future doctors are there out there? [Good choice - my wife's a doctor.] How many of you want to be a diplomat? Who will be President of the United States? Any future Attorney General's out there? [Great - let's talk after this.]
But when I say "make a life plan," I don't mean to imply that dreaming alone will be enough. As you mature into responsible adults, your goal must also be to figure out where and how you can succeed. Figure out what you're good at and find out what you love to do. Then think about what steps you'll need to take to transform your dream into reality. College? A graduate degree? A great job? A world adventure? Make a list, even if you think you'll change it. The sooner you start, the larger your dreams, and your achievements, will be.
And as you can feel today - at your own graduation - there is nothing in this world quite like achieving your dreams.
Third, and finally, I want to encourage you - as strongly as I can - to think about and plan for how you're going to give back to society. Look at everything society, your sponsors and your families have given you: the gift of one of the best, most rigorous middle school educations in the entire country. Think about how lucky you are.
And think also of your teachers, who embody the spirit of giving back. Many of them grew up on the same streets, in the same neighborhoods, as each of you. And they've decided to return home, to serve their communities and to help you improve your own circumstances and lives. These are all the role models you need in life.
Or look at President Obama. Early on, everyone said he had incredible gifts, much like each of you, but after graduating, he turned to Chicago's most troubled neighborhoods and became a community organizer, giving back instead of seeking glory or wealth.
I hope for, and expect, to see that same drive to give back from each of you.
Though you will no longer be together, in this great place, you are ready to be leaders in high schools across this city and, in a few years, in colleges and universities across the country.
Wherever you go, share your talents. Join clubs and teams at your high schools. Speak up in class - not to impress your teacher, but to excite your classmates about the topic. When your friends are resisting studying, gently tell them about some of the same techniques you learned here in evening study hall - how concentration is the secret to creation. And when your friends seem down on life, tell them to hope - because each one of you knows about hope.
I realize I've just told you a whole lot: to find mentors, to dream big but plan now, and to serve others, starting today. But the most important thing I want you to remember tonight, and even years from now, is the indisputable fact that I began with: that you are extraordinary; that you are destined for greatness; that you have beaten the odds - and will keep doing so for many, many years to come.
After all, over the last three years, you've summoned the best in yourselves. And you've brought out the best in each other. I've been told - more than a few times - that this is an outstanding class. You have cheered for and challenged each other. And, in times of struggle, you've consoled and comforted each other. You're smart and unstoppable. You know how to give a firm handshake, to write a clear report, to complete hours of homework, and to improve your communities. And, now, because of your hard work - and the examples of generosity and public service around you - you are ready for tomorrow.
In that letter I mentioned before, by James Baldwin, he wrote something else to his young nephew: "Know whence you came." Now, "whence" is just a fancy word for "from where." He was saying: know where you come from.
To you, I also say, "Know where you come from." Know, above all, that you came from Washington Jesuit Academy - and that because you did, you are capable of realizing your potential and your dreams.
Whatever you decide to do, I look forward to learning what you will make of your lives and, more importantly, what you will make of the world.
Congratulations, graduates, and good luck!
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice
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