[Editor’s Note: The School Board President’s speech this evening to the graduates of Culver City High School.]
Good evening.
I have but two questions for the graduating seniors (and don’t worry, it’s not another test).
Whose house? (C-HOUSE)
Whose house? (C-HOUSE)
You got that right. Not only C-House, but also your house… and indeed… your home.
This was my house, my home, a little more than a few years ago. It’s a place where many of you spent a good portion of the last four years. When you think back, I’m confident that you will remember those four years as great years.
Counting kindergarten, you’ve been in school for 13 years. That’s over 70 percent of your lifetime.
You’ve had the luxury of attending Culver City High School. You’ve had the good fortune of being taught by some of the best minds and some of the sharpest teachers at any high school in the state.
You’ve had the opportunity to be entertained by California’s finest Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, led by Dr. Tony Spano and Kristine Hatanaka.
During your four years here, you’ve watched groundbreaking theatre such as the “Laramie Project” and “Urinetown”; you’ve witnessed your chamber singers perform throughout the state, including at the Disney Theatre; you’ve viewed your Film Dept.’s award-winning student films; you’ve been challenged by incredible art, and you’ve been entertained by outstanding dance productions.
On the athletic side, you’ve witnessed the unparalleled success of your football team, witnessing the last three of four consecutive Ocean League championships. The boys’ volleyball team just completed an incredible season, making it to the CIF semifinals. Your varsity baseball team just thrilled a record- setting crowd two weeks ago, becoming the first CCHS baseball team to make it to the CIF semifinals since 1980.
You’ve had the rare opportunity to watch high school Athletes of the Year, Ryan Mulvihill and Jennifer Mair in action. You’ve cheered for the incomparable Rufus Humphries on the basketball court.
You made an unprecedented selection in choosing Nico Walker as your homecoming King.
You’ve learned in the classroom alongside scholars Sydney Reitzel and Kristi Littleton
Simply put, it’s been an incredible four years. It’s now coming to an end, and to a new beginning.
So what do I tell you while I have this one chance?
Well how about this?
Embrace your inner child, your child-like characteristics. Don’t be afraid to laugh out loud. Remember to be nice to little kids. You were little yourself once.
Be nice to your parents. Please, be nice to your parents. You will eventually realize that there are no grownups. We are all just children in various stages of growing up.
Have fun and enjoy yourselves. Pick your towels up off the floor; that goes for your underwear, too. Don’t take things too seriously. And by all means, remember to laugh.
Congratulations to all of you, and to all of those who made today possible for you.
