I want to thank you for how you conducted yourselves at the awards assembly today. I appreciate how hard it it to sit in those bleachers for a long time, and today's assembly was pretty long! Plus, it seemed to be all about the seniors, which may have had limited appeal for many of you. I'm sure you'll be more interested when you guys are seniors - and you have more comfortable seats!I see a couple of lessons here. *climbs on soapbox* Throughout your lives, you are going to be required to do things that bore you to tears. Tedious seminars, endless banquets, long speeches - don't think these things end when you finish high school (or college). But one mark of maturity is the ability to hang in there. To show respect to the speakers by paying attention. To resist the urge to over-fidget - or worse, clown around - during presentations. Today's assembly featured government officials, reps from the armed forces, as well as private individuals, many of whom were being darn generous with scholarships and other monetary rewards. (I mean, $1000 for an essay on patriotism? That's VERY benevolent!) Some were even donating funds in honor of loved ones who had passed away. It may not be easy for them to appear before us, so it's fantastic when you show our visitors John Carroll students at their best.
Did anyone catch the parallels between these benefactors and the patrons we are studying in Western Civ? The Medicis supported artists by providing paints, brushes, and blocks of marble; the people you saw today are donating money to students who improved their grades, who were excellent student-athletes, or who performed community service. They are patrons who support your efforts.
And in just three short years, we will be hearing many of your names called, accepting awards, scholarships, and accolades. I can't wait.
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