It has been a while since my last post but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy. June has just flew by but before I wrapped up the month I gave the commencement address at the John A. Coleman school in White Plains today. I want to first thank the school for inviting me to speak and want to congratulate all the students. As I watched the students and saw all the smiles on their parents faces, I could not help but be overwhelmed with emotion.
The following are my remarks from today's commencement:
Begin 12:02pm
"Good afternoon Ms. Tomkiel, administration, faculty, friends, proud family,one of my consituents who always has an open door policy to yell at me - Dr. Picci, and of course, graduates.
It is always an honor for me to return here to the John A. Coleman School. Looking back over the years, this school has changed owners, it has changed its name, and it has even changed its structure. But, I am relieved to know that the school has never lost it’s identity because it lives on through the perseverance of each parent, faculty member and student here - that is what we are celebrating today. Right here before our eyes, 62 children, part of the largest class ever, are taking far greater steps into the future then most other children their age will ever travel – that is what we are celebrating today. As I look around I see nothing but bold, smiling faces that are filled with the confidence to take on any challenge that lies ahead whether it be tomorrow or twenty years from now - and that too is what we are celebrating today. We can celebrate all this because we know what the John A. Coleman School has done for everyone here. Being born with a disability, I know as well as all of you that the biggest challenge in life is not your own but it is the challenge that others have in looking past your disability. Throughout the school’s history they always taught the “whole child” so when I left here twenty four years ago; I was prepared to meet that challenge head on. Now today, so are you. Over the past few years you all have learned from one another, collectively, you all have given each other hope when others had little, you have brought each other change when some exhibited the status quo, and now, in a few moments you will go your separate ways to share what you have learned with others in the world and you will teach them to look past the disability. There will be people in this world who say “no” – teach them to say “yes”, there will be people who say “It can’t be done” – teach them to say “It will be done” and there will be people who pretend they don’t hear you – make the “most noise”. Most importantly, like this school, never forget who you are. I congratulate you and wish you nothing but the best. God Bless you all."
End 12:07pm
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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