Hochman to Grads: With Diploma, Valuable 'Insurance Policy'

Below is the full text of the speech delivered by Schools Superintendent Jere Hochman at the l

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, Dr. Eric Karle, Vice-President, Mr. Graham Anderson who is unable to attend today, Mr. Andrew Bracco, Ms. Jennifer Gerken, Ms. Suzanne Grant and Ms. Erika Long.

As I am the only thing standing between you and receiving your diplomas, it seems appropriate to begin citing that they say - you know, the infamous “they” – they say that most people won’t remember a graduation speech a few days or weeks after hearing it.  “Sorry” (to the speakers behind me on the stage).  And, that is perfectly ok with me.

However… in about ten or twenty years graduates, when you are filming a compelling  documentary – arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court – saving a life from a burning building – filing a patent for your latest engineering invention – teaching middle school social studies - - and all of you are pursuing your dreams – in thirty years… I hope you will remember this speech. 

Why? 

To begin, as some of those here know, I struggle with this speech ever year.  How can I stand in front of you and talk about the United States Constitution knowing that some of you may not be citizens?

As you know, however that all changed last week – temporarily – when the President executed an executive order stating people younger than 30 who came to the United States before the age of 16, and were successful students – you can check that one off -  can get a two-year deferral from deportation.

Noting children not born in this country "study in our schools, play in our neighborhoods, befriend our kids, pledge allegiance to our flag," President Obama said, "it makes no sense to expel talented young people who are, for all intents and purposes, Americans."

So, as I have worded this speech delicately in previous years, today I can say to every single one of you that before you go off in 300 directions to pursue and create “the world the way it oughta be” – instead of advice - I 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. It protects you - your freedom in this country - and your rights.

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 once-immigrants and citizens dating back to the 18^th century, through years of prosperity and rebellion - into the 21^st century where all of you – citizens and aspiring citizens alike can pursue the American Dream with your insurance policy in hand.

Just as your talents were nurtured and your curiosities piqued for the past thirteen years - just as you leave the nest of your families, 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, Class of 2012.