Hochman: So Many Share in the Pride of Graduation

I would like begin by introducing our Board of Education members. 

 Students, these Board members and those who preceded them over the decades are responsible for the policies, the high academic standards, and the experiences and opportunities afforded to you in the Bedford Schools over the past 13 years.  Some of you have had the opportunity to speak with the Board or be honored by them for your accomplishments at their meetings.  They volunteer countless hours to support your learning and activities and the high expectations of our community and I know they are proud of you. 

I am pleased to introduce to you:

Mrs. Susan Elion Wollin, President of the Board of Education

Mr. Mark Chernis, Vice-President

Mr. Graham Anderson

Ms. Jennifer Gerken

Ms. Suzanne Grant

Dr. Eric Karle and

Ms Erika Long

Seniors, there are so many who share in the pride of your graduation tonight. 

Look around you.  They let go of your hands entering kindergarten, they held their breath all through middle school, and they watched you mature to become the young men and women that you are, seniors - your parents and guardians, even when it may have seemed like they weren’t, have been with you every step of the way. 

Across the community, in the parks, the libraries, and playing fields where you grew up; at the Boys and Girls Club, Neighbors Link, the little leagues, and the field trip destinations… with the support of local businesses, the firefighters, the police, intern mentors, and community volunteers… and the array of houses of worship… yes, in this entire village you have grown with remarkable opportunities to explore and nurture your interests.

And, of course, your schools - they made sure you knew your math facts and the three branches of government and they inspired you to write , to draw, the read, to compute, to explore, inquire, run, compose, sing, research, debate, climb, compete, investigate and… …  to think.  From that first diorama and soda-bottle terrarium to your last research paper - your teachers and those in your schools cared for you, guided you, coached you, and taught you well.    

And, as you think back on all of those experiences – those teachable moments - and the lessons – each is as unique as are each of you. 

That was on purpose.  If there is one thing Bedford is not, it is one-size-fits-all. 

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to see many of you at celebrations of your talents and hard work. The Putnam/Westchester BOCES graduation ceremony, the senior sports banquet, the senior recognition ceremony at Hillside and the ACES celebration were moments of pride. 

Through out the year we have celebrated your artwork, your music and dramatic performances, and your scholarly work shared in so many venues.  Supported by your family and friends, your community and your schools - each of you has found your niche, your trump card, in what we like to call “school the way it oughta be.” 

So, before you go off in 300 directions to pursue and create “the world the way it oughta be” – instead of advice - we offer you a gift.  Included in your envelope with your diploma is an insurance policy – the most valuable insurance policy you will ever acquire or for which you will aspire.   What does it insure?  It promotes domestic tranquility.  It establishes justice. And, it protects you - your freedom in this country - and your rights.

And like your education, it offers no absolutes – no apps that do the work for you – and no single right answers.  It requires thinking - learning - figuring things out – and showing up. 

For over two centuries, the Constitution of the United States – a document you have studied in depth - has fulfilled – protected – and reflected the struggle and the dream for freedom and justice of citizens and the struggle and the dream aspiring citizens alike.

Just as your talents were nurtured and your curiosities piqued for the past thirteen years - just as you leave the daily embrace of Fox Lane and your towns - as you enter a world of opportunities and a future of unknowns –– no matter what road you travel - hold on to this insurance policy that establishes your rights - and presumes your responsibility - while you continue to find yourself, your voice, and your dreams.  

Congratulations!