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There exists the inherent dignity that every human being can achieve through service, a common meeting ground that requires no worldly credentials to enter. Service is a great equalizer that eliminates social division. If we truly believe that everyone can be great, then we must always remember to put this ideal into practice by assuming, finding, and appealing to the greatness in everyone. Everyone has something to offer, something to contribute, even if at first they do not know it, or cannot see it.Martin Luther King Jr states, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Graduation speech 2011

Allow me to open with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. He states, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Good evening! Welcome family, friends, honored guests, faculty, staff, and congratulations to the graduates of 2011!

Tonight marks the end of an era. Years of books, plays, dances and sports have all led to this gratifying moment. We have been a part of each other’s lives for the past four, eight, and for some, eighteen years. And today, in one single day, we finally move on. We will all move in different directions, embark on different journeys, and discover different life lessons. And through all of that I know that each one of us will find greatness. Greatness is available to all through unselfish action fueled by unselfish motivation.

Some of the most influential figures in the world were great NOT because of their media coverage, credentials, or wealth, but they were great because they served. We all know the great works of Mother Teresa, who, for over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying. Or the strong voice of Mohandas Gandhi who worked ceaselessly to improve the rights of the immigrant Indians, all through nonviolence. But service exists on all levels in all areas. We see it every day, whether it be our hard working custodians and lunch ladies, or church organizations like Crossroads “Special Friends” who give back to those with special needs, the leaders of the local Colorado Youth Outdoors program, people like Ted and Mabel Thompson who started the Loveland Valentine re-mailing program, our community’s local businesses that donate goods and services to non-profits, and especially those that are in the military who give the ultimate sacrifice in exchange for our country’s freedom. All of these people to choose to do these acts without the purpose of personal gain, but to make a difference in the lives of those around them, no matter how big or small.

As the class of 2011 we are a new generation, we are a new group of individuals with limitless potential. We have the potential to be great through our professions and everyday life choices if we choose to fulfill them wholeheartedly and for a cause that’s bigger than ourselves. We are not measured by how big our house is, how many cars we drive, or how many figures are in our salary, but rather by the depths of our hearts.

There exists the inherent dignity that every human being can achieve through service, a common meeting ground that requires no worldly credentials to enter. Service is a great equalizer that eliminates social division. If we truly believe that everyone can be great, then we must always remember to put this ideal into practice by assuming, finding, and appealing to the greatness in everyone. Everyone has something to offer, something to contribute, even if at first they do not know it, or cannot see it.

And if the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were here today he would tell us all that “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, Eagles. A soul generated by love.” No matter where our lives take us whether it be in a month, ten years, or even tomorrow, greatness awaits you. Succeed, thrive, and serve in all that you do. Congratulations class of 2011, we made it!

Thank you