Conn dares his classmates to go out and be different
There are good kinds of different and bad kinds of different. Hiland Class of 2011 salutatorian Brad Conn presented a challenging message to his classmates at the Hiland graduation ceremony that would mean going out into the world and making a positive impact on the world around them by being themselves and striving beyond just being satisfied.
The quote the class chose for its class motto was from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson stated, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Conn decided that the statement summed up the Class of 2011 perfectly.
“Our class was very different,” said Conn of he and his classmates. “We were not content to follow in the footsteps of others, but instead, tried to make our own way. I know my classmates sitting before me will continue to blaze that new trail as we take the next step in our lives.”
Conn said that the majority of the years spent in elementary school, middle school and high school was emblazoned with people making and building relationships. Through it all, said Conn, the class of individuals were just that... individuals, who made up the whole of the class.
“We dared to be different,” said Conn. “Classes often have exclusive groups and cliques, but our class seemed to be void of such things. We seemed to care more about the big picture, rather than what others thought about us.”
Conn eluded to the Students Against Destructive Decisions group, which was formed with a number of the graduates taking a lead role. He also pointed toward the large number of students who turned out to the weekly prayer meeting before school, and even how the class helped teacher Missy Deiner move into her new house.
“These are just a few specific acts of students who care and show a lot of class. It’s these qualities that set us apart. I am not pointing these out to give us a pat on the back, but rather to point out how much good these qualities can do, and the importance of continuing to apply them.”
Conn said it is time to take the things they have learned over the years, whether academics, athletics or relationships, and continue to strive to be different and challenge each individual to strive to make a difference.
“Our class has the potential to do great things, but we must challenge ourselves,” said Conn. “Looking back at the success we gained by building close relationships with each other, as well as with teachers and staff, let’s not forget those things and apply those principles as we move on from here.”
Conn summed up his challenge by again quoting Emerson, who said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
“We have all the tools inside of us to be successful, which brings us back to daring to be different,” said Conn. “I encourage you to set challenging goals and never be satisfied with your success. We have done great things here at Hiland. Let’s use those things we have learned in the next chapter of our lives. We can continue to blaze trails and leave places better than when we found them. The events of the past and future are irrelevant to what we have on the inside. Don’t be content with where you find yourself. Let’s make an impact around us.”
The quote the class chose for its class motto was from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson stated, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Conn decided that the statement summed up the Class of 2011 perfectly.
“Our class was very different,” said Conn of he and his classmates. “We were not content to follow in the footsteps of others, but instead, tried to make our own way. I know my classmates sitting before me will continue to blaze that new trail as we take the next step in our lives.”
Conn said that the majority of the years spent in elementary school, middle school and high school was emblazoned with people making and building relationships. Through it all, said Conn, the class of individuals were just that... individuals, who made up the whole of the class.
“We dared to be different,” said Conn. “Classes often have exclusive groups and cliques, but our class seemed to be void of such things. We seemed to care more about the big picture, rather than what others thought about us.”
Conn eluded to the Students Against Destructive Decisions group, which was formed with a number of the graduates taking a lead role. He also pointed toward the large number of students who turned out to the weekly prayer meeting before school, and even how the class helped teacher Missy Deiner move into her new house.
“These are just a few specific acts of students who care and show a lot of class. It’s these qualities that set us apart. I am not pointing these out to give us a pat on the back, but rather to point out how much good these qualities can do, and the importance of continuing to apply them.”
Conn said it is time to take the things they have learned over the years, whether academics, athletics or relationships, and continue to strive to be different and challenge each individual to strive to make a difference.
“Our class has the potential to do great things, but we must challenge ourselves,” said Conn. “Looking back at the success we gained by building close relationships with each other, as well as with teachers and staff, let’s not forget those things and apply those principles as we move on from here.”
Conn summed up his challenge by again quoting Emerson, who said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
“We have all the tools inside of us to be successful, which brings us back to daring to be different,” said Conn. “I encourage you to set challenging goals and never be satisfied with your success. We have done great things here at Hiland. Let’s use those things we have learned in the next chapter of our lives. We can continue to blaze trails and leave places better than when we found them. The events of the past and future are irrelevant to what we have on the inside. Don’t be content with where you find yourself. Let’s make an impact around us.”
Published: June 6, 2011
