Mayor Daniel J. Reiman’s Keynote Speech
CHS Graduating class of 2009
Good Evening Carteret and Good Evening Class of 2009; Mr. Repollet I thank you for hosting us on this very special evening.
It is indeed a pleasure to be here. It wasn’t so long ago that I sat where you are now, having completed my four, very busy, and yet very memorable high school years that would serve as the foundation for my adult life. And like you, I had many concerns and anxieties regarding the future;
I like to think that those sorts of things – the trepidation that occurs when trying to foresee our paths of growth and self-determination, stems from the need we have to challenge ourselves to do better to make our families proud and to succeed in society; to become a productive member of ones community.
What is COMMUNITY ? The Dictionary defines Community …”as an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location, living together, within a larger society…”. But it can be much simpler than that. Community is your church, your school, your neighborhood, and your family and friends. It is your support group and even those living nearby that you may not even know. It is interaction with one another and with society. And It is a societal norm and our obligation to improve our community and to leave it better off then we found it. You cannot do that through drugs and through violence, it cannot be accomplished through theft and initiation or even intimidation.
You are the unique creation of your own personal experiences, your environment and your surroundings, but you would not be here without your family support, you mothers and fathers, your guardians, or that someone who raised and looked after you- and lets acknowledge them here today with a round of applause. While these factors help mould you; you now are the sole determining factor between good and bad between right and wrong decision.
You are the future of our community and of our nation. In Carteret we represent a melting pot of ideals and values of ethnicities and religions. Our community family comes from Eastern Europe and Asia, from Africa and South America and from every continent and nearly every country around the world. You will have different ambitions from one another, different desires, and different career paths.
Today abounds endless opportunity not only for you personally but for our community and our nation. As a people here within the United States and around the world we face the toughest economic conditions in nearly a century. These times will prove to define us, to educate us and to allow for the foundation of a retooled workforce for your generation and our future growth. This past year we witnessed a remarkable and overdue transformation of American Society, the election of our First African American President, Barack Obama. A feat unfathomable just a mere decade ago; Something that even my generation of x’ers thought we would not see in our lifetimes.
A community organizer once said…..
"The true test of the American ideal is whether we're able to recognize our failings and then rise together to meet the challenges of our time. Whether we allow ourselves to be shaped by events and history, or whether we act to shape them. Whether chance of birth or circumstance decides life's big winners and losers, or whether we build a community where, at the very least, everyone has a chance to work hard, get ahead, and reach their dreams."
This community organizer who spoke these words today serves as the 44th president of the United States
Many, of you may have already set goals for yourselves, even if it to shrewdly wait to determine that career path, or an institution for higher learning. But know that no singular success or lifetime of achievement comes easy. However high you set the bar in your development it will take hard work, dedication, commitment and honesty to attain your goals in life.
We are, innately, very ambitious beings. Today, you have reached one of the goals set by society, and I commend you. You have completed four years of high school, not simply of prescribed academic curricula, but of self definition – of identifying those interests and talents that most appeal to you, and nurturing them both in and out of school.
It is my hope, in the years to come, that you focus on those talents, that you harness some of that vibrant energy as you apply them towards your personal and professional development. I’m sure you have heard many times; Choose your own path
There is no organization, scholastic or otherwise, no friend or even family member, no television reality show, hit song, religious or governmental institution, better suited to choose your path than you. They may spark inspiration, they may serve as your motivation, but you are the best judge of your own future, and will ultimately be your own best, albeit harshest, critic.
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet all of you personally. But as I look upon this gathering today, I know I am looking at future educators, public servants, athletes, and artists - young men and women with a vast range of talents and interests that will shape both your character and your future. All of you have different abilities and different life experiences, but each one of you is an achiever on this day. And I congratulate you, and wish you each a bright future.
You have earned this much deserved summer vacation, and I know that many of you will soon be off to college or to search for employment. The days of high school are now behind you and your adult lives are about to begin. But before that happens enjoy the summer and sun and fun with friends. In fact what are you doing this Thursday the 25th ?
As a very special graduation present for the class of 2009, my charitable fund and our business community have arranged to provide transportation, all day admission and lunch for a full day of fun at Great Adventure for the entire graduating class, so that you might spend one last day together as a group before going your separate ways.
Thank you and May god bless you |