On this your graduation day with distinguished guests, faculty, family, and friends, we celebrate your success and consider the possibilities ahead of you. Your future depends upon what you do every day, but sometimes remember that little things can make the greatest difference.

Let me share my top bits of wit and wisdom and hopefully two words will resonate with you as graduates in the Class of 2016.

1. Always Remember Where You Began
One of you recently told me about visiting your grandfather and the journal he keeps for you to recount your family history…Your story reminds me of a recent song by Tim McGraw:
You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
When childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Call home because your mother says too
Visit family every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

2. Find the Best in Others
Look around you…Hold onto that Senior class photo…stay connected with these friends. Everyone's road map charts a different path.  Whether you are going to MIT or UMD or UMBC or UVA or UNC or NYU or HCC or WVA or Duke or you’re about to begin a trade or job or you’re playing soccer, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, softball, golf, cheer, volleyball, bowling, lacrosse, wrestling, or running track, or you’re competing in robotics or programming, future business leadership, art, music, or theatre productions, or academic teams or internships, be proud of our collective accomplishments.  After all, one of these people graduating with you today could be the key to your success, or you could be the key to theirs.

Don't take for granted the love this life gives you

Always stay HUMBLE and KIND.

3. Life is Hard.

So, accept that fact and don’t complain.  Instead laugh often.  Even in text share your laughter: HaHa and smiley face.

Sometimes change is the hardest part of life to understand.  What was the biggest change this year?  No Dunkin Doughnuts in class—outrageous!  Well, today a new journey begins and routines and expectations will change again. Sharing a dorm room; late night study breaks; endless hours in the library; a little homesickness; cafeteria food three times /day, and maybe Starbucks instead of Dunkin’ Doughnuts.  Go with the flow because change allows you to grow.

As John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”   It is okay to make plans to be better and better every day in every way. That’s how the Hawks at River Hill do it!
 

4. Be passionate and proud.

Do what you love, even if you don’t love it every day. Your passion, when given Hawk wings to fly, can energize complacency and overcome obstacles.  Be proud of your service; whether you planted flowers for NHS or planned an elementary pep rally for Cougar Day or painted the white frame in the stadium to be ready for the 20th Anniversary, you’ve made a difference.

You are passionate Super FANS for RHHS events, passionate school leaders responsible for the first and only Student Canvas Community, passionate students who have succeeded in rigorous coursework and passionate young adults with impressive resumes.

Your pride shows that you know — and accept — your own talents and strengths.

I know you’ve got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

 

5. Find your simple pleasures.

Life is made up of moments. In this fast-paced world, slow down enough to appreciate and celebrate your high school memories — the glitter and glitz of a Roaring 20s Prom, the simple pleasures of a parking lot tailgate, the echoing cry of the Hawk squawk, the cracking of crabs at the Senior picnic, game day, and finally summer break . . .  

When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the ac and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Stars shine brightest when the sun goes down. Today the sun sets on your River Hill High School accomplishments. Now, find your star and begin the journey towards where you want to be. Remember the last two words.

When the dreams you're dreaming come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
 

Ms. Delacy and Dr. Foose, as principal of River Hill High School, I hereby certify that the graduates seated before you have met all the requirements for graduations as set forth by the Howard County Public School System and the Maryland State Department of Education.  They are eligible to receive a Maryland High School Diploma, a Certificate of Completion, or a Certificate of Attendance.