Speakers Urge Ossining Graduates to Be Brave, Vulnerable

Congratulations to the roughly 340 Ossining High School seniors who graduated June 22 in a ceremony at Pace University in Pleasantville!

Speakers at the graduation urged students to be brave, embrace their vulnerabilities, dare to be different, and pursue their passions instead of only what society dictates is important.

Valedictorian Emma Montgomery said the world at large focuses on quantifiable measures of success, such as grades, money and jobs. It is important for students to focus on what they are passionate about.

“Some of us have found these passions in high school -- in drama, arts classes, sports, music or science research,” she said. “At the same time, it’s OK and even understandable if you don’t know what your passion is right now or if it changes. We are only 17 or 18 or 19. We are allowed to change our minds and explore new ideas.”

OHS Principal Stephen Hancock spoke to graduates about the power and importance of vulnerability. He referred to the work Brené Brown, a University of Houston professor who wrote “The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage.”

“We grow up believing that we need to be guarded with our feelings because society dictates that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. Allowing yourself to be exposed and honest about your imperfections is something that many of us avoid at all costs,” he said.

Each student can remember several times when he or she failed during high school, whether it was bombing on an exam or not scoring a touchdown in a football game, Mr. Hancock said.

“But today each of you are a success because of those failures and experiences. Your growth came from your vulnerability,” he said. “You have achieved a milestone in your life and proven that no matter how often you may have fallen, you picked yourself up, dusted yourself off and kept going.”

Class speaker Patrick St. Ange reminded his classmates that life does not always go as planned. He said he wishes he were 5 inches taller and had his “life together.”

“As scary as it sounds, I think that that’s a good thing,” he said. “Nothing is set in stone.”

While students may forget things like the Pythagorean Theorem, they should not forget one important lesson from teachers: It is never too late to start moving in the right direction, Patrick said.

Salutatorian Magdalene Ford urged her classmates to “put the needs of the many before the needs of the one.”

“Class of 2019 no matter how brightly each of us may burn individually, we need to remember that we are still part of a team, whether it be in college, a trade school, the armed forces or at a job,” she said. “We owe it to our team to work hard, for we can always do better. We owe it to our team to be humble, for pride can be damaging. We owe it to our team to be respectful, for each of us has value. And we owe it to our team to use our talents for good, rather than evil.”

Superintendent Raymond Sanchez told students that they have what it takes to follow their dreams. They should focus on the dreams, not their fears, and persevere despite the challenges and struggles they will face.

“Do not stay on the ground. Lift your dreams with your whole heart,” he said. “Be bold, be brave, be fearless and take hold of the dream that has already taken hold of you.”