Today we are here to celebrate those wearing red cloaks and cardboard squares on their heads. Congratulations, everybody. You’ve worked for four long strenuous years to receive a single piece of high quality parchment. And I’m sure, some of the retiring teachers and staff remember a time when Diplomas were chiseled from granite. Mr. Antony, we’re looking at you.

But this is an exciting day for everybody. Especially for those of you in the bleachers, who will most likely by the end of the ceremony, have been distracted by your phones for 72 – 73% of the ceremony. And whether it been taking a picture and then seeing 7 unread emails…we’re all here and were all excited. I take that back, were all here and most of us are excited. That is except for those of you in the very top row of the bleachers and brought binoculars to see your kid’s face. Those people are not so exited.

Now the first concern I’ve always had with graduation, is what are we supposed to do with the cap and gown once we graduate? My older brother graduated two years ago and I found his waded up in a ball in the corner of my room. But whether we choose to frame your cap and gown, and one day force our children to stare at them…They mean something to us today, and we are proud to wear the outfit, as it represents our growth since 9th grade. Mine for which has been 2 3/4 inches… Yes I have been measuring.

I recently heard a story Jim Carrey told. He said his father could have been a great comedian. But did not think that was possible. So he got a safe job as an accountant. Later in life he lost that job and could not find another. Jim Carrey said he learned many great lessons from his father, not the least of which is that “you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

I’m quoting yet another actor, Will Smith said that being realistic is stupid! Why would you ever be realistic? It’s boring. Because it unrealistic that you walk in a room, flip a switch and lights turn on. It’s unrealistic that you can bend a piece of metal and fly people over the ocean. It’s thanks to people who don’t believe in realism that great things exist.

Confucius said, “The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct.” And I know what you’re thinking: confucious say what? But on a serious note, lets recap: take a chance on doing what you love; don’t believe in realism; and be the man, or woman, who says they can. And Arrowhead class of 2015, if you do these simple things, you will accomplish great things.