Simon issues challenge at CBC commencement
Addressing the 78-member Central Baptist College class of 2009 Saturday, Ray Simon said the most important life lessons were learned in kindergarten.
Simon, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, said the best thing these graduates can do is hold hands and take care of others.
Julia Pedro and Angela Smith give themselves one last look before going out for their diploma at the Central Baptist College graduation ceremony on Saturday. LIBERTY PARKS PHOTO
Out of every 100 high school freshman, Simon said statistics show only 16 will graduate with a college degree. He challenged the new graduates to serve as leaders for those other 84.
"My challenge to you is to direct some of your kinetic energy into active service," Simon said. "Follow the call our nation needs by holding hands and looking out for one another."
By simply receiving the cherished piece of paper Saturday, Simon told the graduates they are now armed with the knowledge to not only succeed, but to continue learning and help others do the same.
"Thank you for what you will do to be the right person in the right place at the right time, what you will be as a leader... and getting yourselves and others ready to go into the world," Simon said. "Most importantly, good luck in whatever is next."
For graduate Tara Wright, who received her bachelor's degree in psychology and social services, the next step is law school.
Before the ceremony, Wright said she was excited to get "the first leg" of her educational career completed; however, she said it has meant more than that to her family.
"I am the first college graduate in my immediate family so I am excited to be finished with this degree, but my family is just so proud of me," Wright said.
Taryn Peach, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration, said she also was proud to say she walked across the stage Saturday for her parents.
"I am excited about today, but it's really for them," Peach said. "Sometimes life after college can be hard since you have been in school for so long, but I think it's going to be good and so do they."
Although many CBC graduates said they were sad to be leaving the friends they have gotten to know over the past few years, many said they saw graduation day as a relief.
"I was very ready for it to be over and it's a relief to be able to go find a job and get started on this part of my life," graduate Jack Chambers said.
However, graduate Ryan Ball said he sees his college graduation as a major accomplishment.
"I'm glad to have finished four years, even though it was a struggle to stay in school and get it done," Ball said. "I'm proud to say I hung in there and I'm graduating today."
Both Chambers and Ball received bachelor's degrees in business management Saturday.
(Staff writer Jessica Bauer can be reached by e-mail at jessica.bauer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)