Page 23 - Priorities 65

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On May 28th, the members of the Class of 2016 concluded their years at the Priory in much the same way they began: with sincere enthusiasm, immense pride, and great Priory spirit. The 68 graduates were accepted to over 150 colleges around the world and were offered more than $7.5 million in scholarships towards their college educations.
Student speaker Maria Naclerio expressed her love for the Priory community in her student address. Maria said, “If somebody asked me what I love most about Priory now, the answer would be easy. I could say the lush green hillsides surrounding Priory, laden with running trails, or the outstanding array of classes. I could point you to the cafeteria’s chocolate chip cookies, or the opportunity to pursue a myriad of interests. But what I really love most about Priory is the people. You guys. The Class of 2016. The teachers and staff members who helped us get where we are now. All of the amazing, supportive, passionate, and dedicated people who made the last four years so worth it. The people at Priory make it a community where taking risks is not only allowed, but encouraged. It is a community where my 67 fellow seniors and I are here, ready to graduate and meet the challenges of the world head on.”
Former ASB President and student speaker Brooks Royals expressed his summary of Priory in a single phrase. He said, “Priory isn’t your typical high school. I’ve found over the years that Priory life can be summarized with the phrase, ‘It’s not every day.’ It’s not every day you get to say that you attend a school where you can make pizza and develop photos in a dark room with our resident Renaissance monk, Father Martin. It’s not every day you get to see the Head of the Upper School French kiss a goat for a fundraising event. It’s not every day you see Father Maurus embracing his inner Formula 1 racer in a golf cart as Father Pius rides shotgun. It’s not every day you get to say that you dominated your World History teacher in a game of ping-pong during break. It’s not every day you get to attend a school that is nestled in such a beautiful area, and it’s not every day you get to go to a school where you feel like you are a part of one big family.”
Commencement speaker, author and Chief Evangelist Guy Kawasaki entertained the crowd by telling students to take out their cell phones and launch SnapChat. Then he said, “In less than ten seconds, I’m going to repeat this message, so you can send it to everyone you know. The opposite of success is not failure. It’s learning. As long as you’re learning, you’re not failing. This is how to avoid failure for the rest of your life.” He then gave the Class of 2016 one more piece of unique advice. “Live off your parents as long as you can.” Both parents and students laughed and smiled at that suggestion. But Kawasaki was serious. “My theory is that your parents and grandparents have worked hard to provide you to receive a great education,” he said. “Don’t deprive them of the satisfaction of seeing you take advantage of their efforts. Take time off. Travel. Live outside the Valley. Outside the U.S. Outside your comfort zone. It’s a big world. I don’t know anyone who says, “I should have started working sooner.” In the long run, you will be a better person for this experience.” Kawasaki then concluded his speech with the same enthusiasm as he began it. “Kawasaki out,” he said, and dropped the mic.
“The opposite of success is not failure. It’s learning. As long as you’re learning, you’re not failing.”
Commencement speaker Guy Kawasaki addresses the crowd.
US GRADUATION