LCHS Commencement address By Michael Atherton Thanks for asking me to deliver your commencement speech. I am honored. Thirteen years ago, these young men and women began a social and educational journey that has culminated today, with their high school graduation. As I join you in celebrating the end of their childhood, I would like to reminisce about what I didn’t understand when I graduated from high school 39 years ago. Whether you go to college, learn a trade, raise a family, move far away, or stay in Lincoln County, I won’t worry about your competence. Like all adults, you will work, eat, stay warm and dry, and get older. But what is the center of a life, what is compelling about our existence, what do we work on until we die, what is it that gives our time on earth meaning? For me, and I hope for you, the answer is: Love, Friendship, and Family. FAMILY - Family is who we are, our roots. When we rebel, when we neglect and hurt our families, we are attempting to show our independence. If only that were possible, but we will always be a part of our families and they will always be a part of us. I AM my mother and father, as surely as you are your parents, too. In truth, we are arguing with ourselves when we argue with our parents. So accept the kindness that families offer. Take the sage advice that I was given several years ago, “Submit!” FRIENDSHIP - Friendship is who we want to be, our hopes and possibilities. Friends help us grow in stature, teaching us compassion, respect, and tolerance. Friends bring out our best behavior and kindness. They extend our families and are a sign of emotional health. Good friends are in great abundance in Lincoln County and in the Class of 2007. How fortunate we all are. LOVE - Love is the power, the mystery, the feeling that takes your breath away, fills you with fear, makes you cry, hope, and dream. It is the engine of our existence. We learn about it from our family and friends, and if we’re lucky, we share it with someone and build a life that is passionate, creative, confusing and difficult, but never boring. Love is inexpressible, but marvelous. So remember your friends. Treasure them always. Respect and honor your family. Share your life with them. Find love, know it when you see it, and be fearless in your pursuit. This is a recipe I offer for lifelong happiness. To the class of 2007, congratulations and best wishes for success in all that you do.
A great time