By Rodney Allen, Commencement Speaker
Following is the transcript of Rodney Allen’s address to the R.J. Reynolds High School Class of 2013, delivered Saturday, June 8, at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Allen is the English department chair and 2012-13 Teacher of the Year for RJR.
Thank you for the kind introduction. Mr. Olsen, distinguished guests, faculty, staff, parents, friends and last, but not least, the class of 2013: Let me begin by warning you all of a few things. My wife is here and is nine months pregnant. I have permission to leave the stage if my son begins to arrive, so I need to be quick. If I have to leave early, I want to make certain that first I follow the Common Core checklist for graduation speeches:
- Item No. 1: Fawningly compliment the class: This class is … amazing. You have done … things.
- Item No. 2: Reference the future: Your future begins today!
- Item No. 3: Quote Dr. Suess: “I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees!”
- Item No. 4: Make bold predictions: Many of you will hold prominent jobs in the future! One of you may be president … of something.
- Item No. 5: Compliment parents: You have done a fine job. We know that today is a result of your hard work, love and compassion … I am a parent and have no joke here.
- Item No. 6: Encourage students to pursue their dreams: Pursue your dreams with passion, except when your dreams defy logic; then abandon them immediately.
- Item No. 7: Give advice that sounds profound, but really is meaningless: Do not forget who you are and where you came from and who got you here. We are about to give you a diploma, which has your name and the name of your school. Frame it, put it on the wall and that should provide a handy reference. Also remember who brought you today so that you won’t be left here while the next commencement commences.
- Item No. 8: Encourage grads to make the world a better place: We all have to live in it, it could use some upgrades. Poverty, war, genocide, racism, sexism, materialism, bullying … parking: Please fix all of that for us, but no pressure.
- Item No. 9: Make reference to the passage to adulthood: You are becoming adults. You will now have bills that you must pay for yourself and your parents will enjoy that.
- Item No. 10: Say “Class of 2013” as often as possible: CLASS OF 2013!
Now for the filler:
I am humbled to be before you today addressing this impressive class. During your time here you have brought great honor to RJR. You have excelled in the classroom, won scholarships in mind-boggling amounts, won state and conference championships on our athletic fields, academic team championships, entertained us on our stages, produced award-winning publications and simply impressed us in every way possible. Those are the most obvious ways you have distinguished yourselves as a class, but there are also the more subtle aspects of your time here that have endeared you to this place and those who love it. The ways you support one another, the ways you support your faculty and this community. The clever ideas you have; has anyone seen the spirit rock lately? You are charming, brilliant, kind, compassionate and a litany of other adjectives.
All of this is true and these traits have brought you here today together. Cherish this moment. You should be proud. You have earned this day, this event and the diplomas you will soon receive, but you should know that as much as this day is a celebration of you, it is most certainly not all about you. You have been assisted by many, many others who will receive little recognition today. Parents, teachers, friends, family, community members, religious leaders and countless others all have a great deal invested in you and your success. It is my sincere hope that you will take time to reflect upon the last 18 years and thank those who got you here. We are all products of the investment of others and while it is fitting that we celebrate you today, it is also fitting that in all instances we remember that there is little of value in life that is all about ourselves.
I would not be here without the love and support of an amazing family. My parents instilled in me from my earliest memories that education was the central tool to success. They practiced what they preached. I thought I was clever when I realized that my parents would always buy me a book if I asked. Toys were a riskier request, so I gravitated toward the sure thing. Intentional or not, this put me on the path to a passion for literature and a career as a teacher. I was promised I would be allowed to attend any college I could gain admission to and my parents followed through. They made sacrifices for me and they rarely spent money on themselves. And when I told them I was going to pursue teaching rather than more lucrative careers, they were thrilled and always encouraged me by reminding me that it was most important that my job have an impact and that it brought me joy. So today I want to set an example by thanking my own parents, Lonnie and Frances Allen, who are in the crowd today. Mom and Dad, I thank you, I love you, and I would be nothing without you.
My wife and kids are here as well and I must take a moment to thank Robyn, my wife, for being my inspiration, my love and my best friend. If the contractions are starting, Honey, bear with me: I’ll be done in a minute or two. Lizzie Grace and Liam, always know that I love you and you make me the proudest, happiest man in the world every day.
I also must thank the amazing faculty and staff of RJR. It is a true honor to just be listed as your colleague. To be singled out for this honor is beyond my comprehension. I cannot express how much I enjoy working with you, especially the amazing English department.
Thanking folks is an acknowledgment of the past and demonstrates a respect for the past, but now we must look toward the future. One of my favorite authors, Victor Hugo, stated in his epic novel “Les Miserables” that, “The future has several names. For the weak, it is impossible; for the fainthearted, it is unknown; but for the valiant, it is ideal.” You must be valiant and believe that the ideal is possible. Do not accept the easy excuses proposed by our cynical age. As you consider your future, be valiant. You must honor the investment of others in you by investing your time, energy and focus in something greater than yourself. For many of you that may already be your faith, or your family or your community. This class has done amazing levels of community service, but the true demonstration of your character will be how you serve the community when you don’t have service-hour requirements to meet, or your parents aren’t forcing it on you. Seek the ideal daily in all aspects of your life. How will you make the world a better place? How will you improve the lives of everyone you encounter? How will you bring honor to those who have invested so much in you? Be valiant in your gratitude and generosity. Look at the world and seek to improve it, not to simply accept it. Live a valiant life.
Greatness is accomplished by doing small things. The mundane builds to the extraordinary and today is merely one step on your way to greatness. Greatness as friends, spouses, siblings, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers and citizens. Be valiant in all things.
I recognize, as we all do here, that the time has come for us to let you go; to wish you well and hope and pray for the best. We’re betting on you, and it is a smart bet. Ultimately, my prayer for you is that you will live well, be fulfilled and make light the burdens of others. I wish this for you all. Best of luck, go forward and … be valiant. Thank you.
2012 • Jul 31, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Rodney Allen will echo in the annals of Reynolds history.
Eva Wu • Jun 11, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Mr. Allen, really enjoyed the graduation speech…I will save it and remember it. Good lessons not for those just graduating but for those in need of inspiration for life.