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The 32 students in the 2011 graduating senior class at Immaculata High School were told that they should always look for opportunities, even in failure, by a graduate of the school during a commencement ceremony Saturday.
Dr. David Murotake, the 1971 Immaculata valedictorian, said he never got a chance to address his fellow students at that time.
“This has been on my bucket list for 40 years,” he said.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate who developed technology used by NASA in its spacecraft told the newest batch of graduates that they should not be afraid to take chances and pick up tasks others consider to be hopeless — even when it seems a door is closing, there is frequently another opening.
“Trust in God — that which does not kill you makes you stronger,” he said.
He also encouraged the students to always try to give back in return for what has been given them and share their gifts.
Before looking forward, John Cothern, this year’s valedictorian, said graduates should first look back at the people who helped them get here — parents and family members, teachers and other mentors.
“The bottom line is, we’ve had so many people who have had positive impacts on our lives,” he said. “And for that, we thank you.”
Cothern said though they will always have the memories of the times they have had over the years together, he encouraged his classmates to step up in order to live up to their potential.
“Graduates — be proud, be confident, make the most of what you are given and be thankful for the gifts of these people sitting around you today,” he said.
Julius Melero, the class’s salutatorian, said mediocrity would not suffice — history is made by those who have left their mark on the world, and that now, he and his classmates had a similar opportunity and responsibility.
“The world is ours,” he said. “We need only go out and conquer it.”
In that pursuit Leslie Nickel, an Immaculata English teacher chosen by the class as a whole as this year’s faculty speaker, said it was important that the graduates work to find their own path and never lose sight of what is perhaps most important.
“My advice to you is do not let others define you,” she said. “Define yourself.”
The 32 students in the 2011 graduating senior class at Immaculata High School were told that they should always look for opportunities, even in failure, by a graduate of the school during a commencement ceremony Saturday.
Dr. David Murotake, the 1971 Immaculata valedictorian, said he never got a chance to address his fellow students at that time.
“This has been on my bucket list for 40 years,” he said.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate who developed technology used by NASA in its spacecraft told the newest batch of graduates that they should not be afraid to take chances and pick up tasks others consider to be hopeless — even when it seems a door is closing, there is frequently another opening.
“Trust in God — that which does not kill you makes you stronger,” he said.
He also encouraged the students to always try to give back in return for what has been given them and share their gifts.
Before looking forward, John Cothern, this year’s valedictorian, said graduates should first look back at the people who helped them get here — parents and family members, teachers and other mentors.
“The bottom line is, we’ve had so many people who have had positive impacts on our lives,” he said. “And for that, we thank you.”
Cothern said though they will always have the memories of the times they have had over the years together, he encouraged his classmates to step up in order to live up to their potential.
“Graduates — be proud, be confident, make the most of what you are given and be thankful for the gifts of these people sitting around you today,” he said.
Julius Melero, the class’s salutatorian, said mediocrity would not suffice — history is made by those who have left their mark on the world, and that now, he and his classmates had a similar opportunity and responsibility.
“The world is ours,” he said. “We need only go out and conquer it.”
In that pursuit Leslie Nickel, an Immaculata English teacher chosen by the class as a whole as this year’s faculty speaker, said it was important that the graduates work to find their own path and never lose sight of what is perhaps most important.
“My advice to you is do not let others define you,” she said. “Define yourself.”
