Principal’s Speech: Prof María Teresa Freyre de Escobar

Principal’s Speech: Prof María Teresa Freyre de Escobar
School year 2007-2008

“CLASS OF 2008”
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Class of 2008; 

I am honored to be part of this morning’s significant occasion and to share with you in this celebration of your graduation. To the Class of 2008, we are all very proud of you. Each and every one of you has so much to be proud of! Your class may be small in size, but you are huge in charisma, talent, athletic ability and perseverance.

You have learned many things up to now and have actually grown in independence since you started school. Your parents had to step back and believe that they had given you the best of starts. With your teacher’s guidance and their support they hoped you would become informed and start to make the right choices for yourself. I am not for one moment claiming, of course, that all their hopes were realised and that you became angels overnight. Yet it was that process that has led us up to today. Today the day of your graduation from high school sees you nearly fully grown and with more choices than ever. You have shown that you can act with wisdom and responsibility.

Today you stand eager for the future about which you have dreamt for so long. Today is the day for you to look around you, to thank those whose guidance and support and advice has meant that you can enjoy the triumph that you have so richly deserved. It is from your parents and through your teachers that you stand so tall today.You have worked hard, as seniors you had a wide variety of challenges to face one that I would like to mention is getting accepted to universities. And if I were to grade you on this, you would all get A’s. This year I am pleased to announce that we had many students applying abroad. They are:

Alejandra Paredes : Northwestern University, Duke University, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York University and Georgetown University.

Erik Dell: University of Miami, San Jose State University

Rafael Ayala: Florida International University, University of Ontario Institute of Technolgy and Brock University in Canada

Corina Hernandez: Northeastern University.

Diego Briellembourg: University of California San Diego, University of California Santa Cruz and Peperdine University.

Andrés Martinez: University of San Diego, University of Tampa, Lynn University, Bryant College. North Carolina State University and Menlo College

Antonio Yanes: Florida Institute of Technology.

Isabella Acosta-Rubio: West Virginia University, University of San Diego, New England University, Northeastern University, Bryant College, Lynn University, Menlo College and Florida International University.

Fabiana Isava: Northeastern University, Bentley College, and Lynn University, Pace University

Luis Eduardo Martinez: Johns Hopkins University, Duke University

Ana Carlota Gonzalez: Southeast Missouri State University

Sofia Greaves: American University in Rome.

When I thought of all the good advice to give you, and may I add their are hundreds, I ran across the writings of Robert Fulghum in his book entitled, All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten. After rereading them I knew I had found just what I wanted to convey to you today in the simplest terms with universal insights that are found in ordinary events of our lives.
I am quoting:

These are things I learned:
“Share everything, Play fair. Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them. Clean up your messes. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some, and draw, paint, sing, dance and play and work everyday some!
Take a nap every afternoon.

Remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.

And when you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”
So when you get out in the world and see the expectations, problems, challenges and temptations, discouragement and opportunities, and you forget your teachers’ and administrators’ lectures, just try to remember Kindergarten. The rest will take care of itself.
Class of 2008, as you leave this ceremony this morning, on the path to your personal future, you have become a part of a great tradition, which is Colegio Jefferson. Buildings and people change-but that tradition of excellence will remain our goal for as long as Colegio Jefferson is the center of pride for this community. Remember all that have played a part in your achievement-parents, grandparents, teachers, administrators and this entire community.

Remember that you have the power to do great and different things.

You have the power to change the course of history through goodness, kindness, and intelligent decision making. In a global sense-hold hands and stick together! Have optimism!

May God bless you all in the years to come and may your futures be even brighter than your expectations today.